Their eyes locked.

“You?..” she gasped, her voice breaking. “Are you my doctor?”

He swallowed hard, forcing his voice steady. “Yes.” Without another word, he wheeled her toward the operating room.

The birth was brutal. Her pressure plummeted, the baby’s heart rate faltered. He barked orders, guiding the team with precision, though inside he was unraveling.

Why her? Why now?

Minutes dragged into an eternity until, finally, the shrill cry of a newborn pierced the room. Relief swept over everyone. The doctor reached out and lifted the tiny infant—then froze.