Love on the Fast Track

Chapter 117:

Norah’s cheeks flushed with warmth, a feeling she tried to disguise under a facade of serenity. She questioned herself: did she harbor any affection for Sean?

Truth be told, yes. Her attraction to him was undeniable, yet she chose to retreat, fearing the risk of diving into emotional waters once more.

When confronted with Sean’s assertions, Norah found herself skeptical, willing to trust only a fraction of his words. Her experience with Derek had taught her the folly of taking a man’s words to heart. Pitying a man was a recipe for lifelong regret.

This cautionary principle became a mantra she repeated to herself, a mental guard against the sway of her own feelings.

“Sean, you must be jesting. It’s common knowledge that you’re the most sought-after bachelor among Glophia’s elite young ladies. Claiming I’m the first? Forgive my disbelief,” Norah retorted, her laughter tinged with disbelief and a hint of mockery.

Her skepticism wasn’t unfounded. Given his illustrious standing, the weight of his words only diminished in her eyes.

“Regardless of my words, skepticism remains, doesn’t it? Very well,” Sean replied. His gaze pierced Norah, unsettling her composure.

“Really?” Norah replied. “While I appreciate the sentiment, I remain unconvinced.”

“Afraid I can’t return your feelings. Since the divorce, it’s Kasan who has captured my interest. He is the one I desire. As for what transpired previously, all I can offer is my apology.”

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Meeting Sean’s eyes firmly, she continued, “Clinging to a mutual dalliance is futile.”

Internally, Norah begged Kasan for forgiveness. Resorting to this pretense was her strategy to elude Sean, hoping Kasan would understand.

Sean’s demeanor darkened abruptly. “Opinions are yours to hold, as are my actions to undertake. My resolve remains unchanged,” he asserted, his gaze deep and turbulent with emotion.

Norah cast a glance at him before averting her eyes, her hand clenched tightly. Despite her definitive stance, Sean seemed unswayed, his determination to win her over undiminished.

With a self-mocking laugh, Sean mused, “I never thought I’d face rejection.” Traditionally, it was he who was pursued by women, not the one left yearning with unreciprocated feelings.

Holding back her discomfort, Norah suggested, “Now that everything is out in the open, there’s no need for you, Mr. Scott, to wait for me outside the hospital daily. Kasan’s presence makes your efforts unnecessary.”

Standing up, she added, “I’ll take my leave to rest now. Farewell.”

Gathering her belongings, Norah exited the room without a backward glance, leaving Sean to brood alone in the wake of her departure.

Sean pulled a long face. She said Kasan was the one she desired? He decided to meet Kasan to find out Kasan’s feelings for Norah.

Norah’s decision to choose Kason over him sparked curiosity about the allure Kason held. The memory of Norah’s firm rejection left Sean grappling with a twinge of heartache.

Seeking solace, Norah filled her bathtub and submerged herself, pondering the sincerity behind Sean’s affections. The evidence of Sean’s feelings had been present all along, yet she had overlooked them, mired in self-deception.

It dawned on her that perhaps her own emotional numbness had clouded her perception of his true intentions. The jewelry pieces he had presented were all attempts to curry her favor.

Engulfed by the water, Norah experienced a moment of suffocation, a physical echo of her internal turmoil. “Huff…” Gasping for air as she resurfaced, she realized the futility of dwelling on what had been said. Further contemplation was unnecessary; it only served to complicate matters. Sean’s thoughts and actions were no longer hers to hear.

The following day, driven by concern for Joanna, Norah made her way to the hospital early. Upon her arrival, she sought updates on Joanna’s condition.

There, Norah found Bryson, a picture of exhaustion, as if the night had passed without a wink of sleep. “Bryson, haven’t you gone home to rest?” she inquired, noting his weary state.

Bryson, visibly burdened by concern, shook his head in response. “My worry for Joanna has overshadowed everything else. I’ve put company matters on hold to be here throughout the night,” he explained, massaging his temples wearily. “The thought of something happening while I’m away is unbearable.”

“I asked my parents to get some rest while I stayed to handle any emergencies. Norah, could you check on Joanna for me?”

“Absolutely. I’ll go take a look and keep you updated,” Norah assured him, her tone comforting.

In the ICU, Norah spoke with the nursing staff to get an update on Joanna’s condition. The news was concerning yet hopeful.

Joanna’s wound had shown signs of inflammation, leading to a fever during the night. Thankfully, the medical staff had acted swiftly, administering medication to reduce the fever. By morning, the situation had stabilized, and the fever had abated.

Given Joanna’s otherwise robust health and the skills with which Norah had performed during the surgery, the outlook was positive. Key to Joanna’s recovery would be vigilant wound care and timely dressing changes to prevent further complications.

Being informed of this update, Bryson let out a deep sigh, his tension easing at the news of her stable condition. “My heart has been heavy with worry. Hearing your reassurance gives me some peace.”

Norah responded with gentle assurance. “Alright. She should be waking up, but the pain from the knife wound will be significant. It’s crucial that her family is there to provide comfort. And it might be wise to request a delay in the police taking her statement until she is more stable.”

“Understood,” Bryson acknowledged.

During their conversation, Joanna’s parents arrived, their appearance marked by the toll of a restless night. Upon seeing Norah, they immediately sought updates on their daughter’s condition.

“How is Joanna?” Raina asked, her voice heavy with worry.

As a physician, Norah took the lead in explaining Joanna’s current state, offering a detailed yet reassuring overview that eased their worries.

Darwin expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Norah. Without your intervention yesterday, Joanna’s situation could have been dire…”

Darwin shared that he had inquired within the hospital and discovered that the surgery Norah performed, though potentially within the capabilities of a chief surgeon, was fraught with risks such as excessive blood loss and the critical timing required. Yet, Norah navigated these challenges flawlessly, leading to Joanna’s stable postoperative condition. It was clear to Darwin that Norah’s surgical skills were exceptional.noveldrama

Norah modestly replied, “I was just doing my duty. I’ll check on Joanna again once she wakes up. For now, I need to return to the Cardiology Department. See you later?”

After leaving for the Cardiac Surgery Department, Norah encountered Jamison, who had learned of her heroic efforts. He offered high praise for her surgical prowess.

“After reviewing the patient’s case and watching the surgery footage, it’s clear your surgical skills are superb. Your hands are steadier than many doctors, and your ability to remain composed and strategic under pressure is remarkable. We’re looking to promote an attending physician soon, and I’ve decided you’re the right candidate for this opportunity.”

Jamison’s words, once unimaginable given his initial skepticism toward Norah, now reflected nothing but respect and admiration. In his eyes, Norah had become an invaluable asset to the Cardiac Surgery Department, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.

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