Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I couldn't tell if it was my parents watching over me from the heavens, but somehow, in my past life, Max uncovered the truth about my untimely demise. In this life, Max took me under his wing as a student and saved my life.

After wolfing down the chicken soup, I glanced at the clock and realized I was running late for work. In a dash, I slipped into my shoes, grabbed my bag, and bolted for the elevator. For some reason, I felt unusually full. It seemed Max had already left for work. After arriving at the hospital, a nurse said, "Dr. Floyd, Dr. Hilton asked you to prep for surgery. You'll be assisting him in half an hour."

Eating a full breakfast was his way of making sure I was ready to stand by his side during surgery, remembering how I nearly fainted from hunger the last time we were in for hours.

"Got it," I replied.

"Oh, and Dr. Hilton said to remind you to eat breakfast so we don't have a repeat of last time's mishap." the nurse added with a sympathetic look, oblivious to the fact that I relished the moments spent beside him at the operating table. I replied, "It's fine."

"This surgery is for a criminal. I heard he assaulted a woman last night. Mr. Collins had him in custody when they got into a car crash. It was on Mr. Collins' way back to the station that he found the guy had lost a lot of blood and suffered multiple fractures, and another officer lost his life because of it. What a shame. Since he's a major suspect, we have no choice but to operate and see if we can save him. However, even if we do, he'll likely become paralyzed. Plus, his tongue was gone, and it looked deliberate. Dr. Hilton believes it was an intentional act."

My smile instantly faded. "The criminal, Daniel?"

The nurse nodded. "Yeah, did Dr. Hilton tell you?"

When I received confirmation, my face must have turned paler. I didn't need a mirror to know. In this life, Daniel couldn't escape the fate of being bedridden. Justice never spares the wicked.

But someone had cut off his tongue. Someone orchestrated this! Did Kate do that? But Kate was supposed to be with Claude the night before.

The nurse reminded me, "Dr. Floyd, it's time for surgery."

Without further thought, I changed into my surgical gear, went through the disinfection routine, and entered the OR to find Max deep in review of the patient's case.

ว

Noting my entrance, he seemed unperturbed by the events of the previous night and briefed me, "He has multiple fractures. One of the ribs has punctured his heart. I need you to operate with me. I've seen your record. You've been in numerous cardiac surgeries with

your mentor, so the heart surgery is

yours. I'll handle the rest."

I froze, looking at Daniel's face. His cheekbone shattered, his face a mess of blood, unrecognizable from before.

Max said, "Claire, remember you are a doctor."

I was a doctor, yet also the woman this bad guy attempted to assault last night. And the woman he had wronged and led to a tragic end in my past life. How could I get past this hurdle?

"He has to live to expose the mastermind behind him. He's harmed more than one woman. If he lives, the real perpetrator would be scared," Max's words were for me to hear.

The nurses and anesthesiologists in

the room nodded in agreement, looking at me, "Right, Dr. Floyd We have to do everything we can to save him, for the sake of those innocent women." Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I lowered my gaze to the location of his heart, knowing he deserved death. But without catching the mastermind, countless Daniels would emerge. Who would harm me next might be someone I didn't know or even more dangerous.

"I understand, Dr. Hilton." I looked at Max with determination, whispering a "Thank you." But with the mask on, he might not have heard me. He was ready to begin, and so was I.