Katelyn’s eyes flickered to her watch—almost six in the morning. In two hours, she had a surgery scheduled, a promise made to an attending physician that she couldn’t break. The commitment weighed on her conscience. The patient had already completed all pre-operative preparations, making it impossible to step back now.

Meeting Vincent’s concerned gaze, she nodded. “Okay, I’ll go get some sleep. Wake me up in two hours. I have a surgery.”

Vincent understood exactly which procedure she meant—she’d discussed it with him earlier.

Though his heart ached seeing her exhausted state, he held his tongue. If there was one thing he’d learned about Katelyn, it was that her principles were unshakeable, even by him. And he wouldn’t dare try. Rising smoothly to his feet, Vincent headed toward the nurses’ station, his voice trailing behind him. “I’ll ask the nurse for a private room.”

His request was met with immediate action—Katelyn’s reputation preceded her. The staff knew well that in two hours, she’d be performing a complex surgery that few others could handle. Without hesitation, the nurse arranged a VIP room.

The moment her head touched the pillow, Katelyn surrendered to exhaustion. The night had been a marathon of events, draining her both physically and mentally. She hadn’t closed her eyes once, and she knew that fatigue could compromise her performance in the upcoming procedure. Even two hours of rest were precious now—she had to make them count.

Time dissolved in the depths of her slumber. When Vincent came to wake her, a fog still clung to her consciousness.

“Can you manage?” he asked, his voice heavy with worry. “If you can’t, we could postpone it until this afternoon?” A few hours’ delay seemed reasonable enough.

But Katelyn was already more alert, shaking her head with determination. “No, I just need to wash my face with cold water.” In one fluid motion, Vincent lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bathroom. He turned on the faucet with practiced ease, steadying her beside it.

ν

“Close your eyes,” he murmured. “Leave the rest to me.”

“Okay,” Katelyn responded, her usual independence yielding to his care.

The water Vincent used to wash her face struck the perfect balance—cool enough to invigorate, yet warm enough to soothe. The temperature was just right.

The cool water had done its work—Katelyn felt her mind sharpening; the fog of exhaustion lifting away.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted the moment.

She turned to Vincent, concern flickering across her features. “Are the doctors here?”

After all, her absence would have surely caused some anxiety among the surgical team.

Vincent gathered her into his arms once more. “Probably,” he replied simply.

Now fully alert, Katelyn met his gaze. “Put me down. I have to go.” A quick glance at the clock confirmed it was time.

This time, Vincent offered no resistance. With a quiet nod, he gently lowered her to her feet.

Before departing, Katelyn planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

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