Chapter 2

My colleague paused before asking, "Dr. Fairclough, how should we proceed?"

Fighting to control my anger, I responded, "We need to contact the director. This decision is beyond my authority."

The director swiftly gave his approval, stating that the paperwork could be dealt with afterward.

Shortly after, Nelson entered, clad in medical attire.

Olivia immediately began complaining, "Darling, it's so painful..."

She was obviously lying. In her partially sedated state, she wouldn't be experiencing any discomfort.

Nelson gently clasped her hand.

"Stay strong, love. I'll get you something special once the baby arrives."

"I've got my eye on that exclusive designer purse..."

"Whatever you desire. Just say the word."

As I watched this contemptible couple, my anger dissipated, replaced by self-contempt for my own naivety.

Nelson had been so aloof lately, even neglecting my birthday and our anniversary, but I had naively attributed it to job-related stress.

"Anstey," I reminded myself, "you're a medical professional. Your duty remains the same, regardless of who's on the operating table."

Determined to maintain my professionalism, I picked up the surgical knife.

The initial cut went smoothly. Nelson leaned in to look but promptly collapsed.

Disregarding him, I continued to the next layer.

"Nelson! Are you alright?" Olivia cried out, attempting to sit up.

My colleague held her down. "Ms. Hilton, please remain motionless."

Two nurses moved Nelson to a corner. I understood what had happened. Nelson must have fainted at the sight of blood.

"How endearing," I thought cynically. "He truly cares for Olivia."

We successfully delivered the infant. It was a fragile boy, with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and a sickly purple complexion.

"Has the baby been delivered?" Olivia inquired anxiously.

"It's a boy," my colleague replied.

She was elated and immediately asked, "Why isn't he making any sound?"

My colleague remained silent. I calmly cleared the infant's airways and gave his foot a firm tap.

Finally, the baby's first cry echoed through the room.

Nelson stirred, trying to sit up, but fainted again upon seeing the blood-covered newborn.

The nurse measured the baby's vital signs and weight before presenting him to Olivia.

"He's a bit weak and needs to be placed in an incubator," the nurse explained.

"What? Incubator? You're just trying to extort us!" Olivia retorted.

I lost my composure.

"Premature infants often require incubators. If you doubt our hospital's integrity, you're free to transfer elsewhere."

Her defiance intensified.

"Fine! We'll transfer! My husband can afford it. If it weren't for..."

She hesitated, then muttered, "Who'd choose this subpar hospital otherwise?"

I understood her implication. They came here to avoid gossip. After all, I was the top doctor at the city's premier hospital, and if they had delivered this child in the city, I might have discovered their affair.

I handed over the post-operative procedures to my team and left the room.

Just as I was about to take a break, I heard loud shouting from the hallway.

"The baby wasn't due yet! Why was he born prematurely? I'll take legal action against this hospital!"

Looking up, I saw the source of the commotion. It was Nelson's mother, Rosina.