Chapter 180 On the Brink of Death

Chapter 180 On the Brink of Death

The light above the operating room door still burned, casting a sterile glow down the empty corridor. The sharp tang of disinfectant hung in the air. 

Kieran sat hunched on a bench, elbows on his knees, hands locked over his head. Every image in his mind was of Gwyneth — her smile, her voice, the way she used to look at him.

Olivia stood a few feet away, eyes fixed on that light. It struck her that the roles had reversed. 

In the past, it was always Gwyneth waiting outside for her, crying until her eyes were red. Now it was her turn to wait, and the ache in her chest was worse than if she were the one lying on the table.

When the light finally clicked off, six hours had passed.

Parker stepped out first, exhaustion etched into his face. He pulled off his mask, his gaze finding Kieran and Olivia.

"The surgery went well. She was lucky."

Olivia's knees gave out. A strong arm caught her before she hit the floor. She turned and saw Henry, and without thinking, threw her arms around his neck, her voice breaking.

"Henry… she almost died."

Henry's hand moved in slow, steady circles on her back. "It's over now. She made it through. She's going to be alright. Don't do this to yourself — you'll make yourself sick."

The incident had blindsided everyone. As Gwyneth's commanding officer, Henry had returned immediately to handle the fallout.

Olivia leaned into him, her heartbeat still uneven, every second of the wait replaying in her mind like a slow torture.

"Kieran, you handle things here," Henry said abruptly, then swept Olivia up into his arms and carried her out. 

Back home, she took her medication and lay down while Henry sat at her bedside, his eyes shadowed with concern.

"You're not going to work for the next few days. Rest."

Olivia shook her head. "The team's training cycle isn't over. I can work mornings, then go to the hospital in the afternoons."

At the mention of Gwyneth, Henry's brow furrowed. "Her father was injured in the attack, but refused to return home for treatment. He stayed at his post. Gwyneth told me — when she was conscious — not to inform her mother until she woke up."

She was still just a girl, yet she had arranged everything to shield her parents from worry. The thought made Olivia's eyes sting.

Henry sighed and drew her into his arms. "I already called her mother. She's on her way back from out of town."

When Autumn found out, she lit into both Henry and Olivia. "None of you can stay out of trouble for five minutes, can you? Something this serious, and you keep it from the family? Brilliant."

Even as she scolded, she was in the kitchen, simmering broth and packing food. The thought of Gwyneth, wounded this badly, made her chest ache. And knowing it had happened while protecting her father only made her angrier. When Violette called, Autumn didn't hold back.

"Your daughter is fighting for her life, and you're still buried in work. What could possibly matter more than her? Don't call me again — I can't stand the sound of your voice."

Autumn arrived at the hospital with chicken soup and rice. Gwyneth was still unconscious. Kieran had been there all night, signing two critical condition notices after she'd crashed twice. Not once had her family come.

He finally understood why she had clung to him so fiercely before. She'd never had anyone else. The realization cut deep.

"Autumn, you're here," Kieran said, his voice hoarse. His eyes were bloodshot, his face drawn.

"You idiot. Why didn't you tell me sooner? Look at you." She shoved the soup into his hands. "Eat something. Keep your strength up. I'll stay with her."

Kieran didn't argue. He left quietly. Autumn turned to the bed, her eyes welling again.

Olivia touched her arm. "She's past the worst. She just needs time. Make her all the food she likes — she'll recover."

Autumn sniffed. "She's a troublemaker. When she's better, I'm going to give her a piece of my mind."

Olivia smiled faintly. "Fine. But first she has to wake up."

Violette arrived moments later, rushing to the glass of the monitoring room. The sight of her daughter broke her. "My Gwyneth… my baby…" 

Her palms pressed to the glass, tears streaming as she called her name over and over, as if her voice could pull her back.

Olivia watched, unable to reconcile it. They clearly cared. So why did they leave her so easily, so often?

Violette stepped away only to call Gwyneth's father. "Come back. We're getting divorced. I'm leaving the law. From now on, I'll be with her. Do whatever you want."

She hung up without waiting for his reply. What use was a career if their daughter didn't survive?

Autumn watched her, shaking her head. Too little, too late.

Days later, Gwyneth finally woke. She was pale, weak, but her eyes were open.

"You nearly killed me this time," Autumn said, tears spilling even as she fussed over her, dabbing sweat from her forehead.

Gwyneth's lips curved faintly. Her voice was a whisper. "I'm fine. I'll be back on my feet soon."

"Your mother's here," Autumn told her. "She's in the doctor's office, asking questions. She's retiring — you two will be together now."

The news barely drew a reaction. Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

When Olivia stepped in, Gwyneth's face lit up. "Olivia! What took you so long? My chest hurts."

Olivia crossed the room, unimpressed. "Want me to stab you again so it matches?"

Gwyneth laughed, then winced as pain shot through her ribs.

Olivia ruffled her hair. "Take it easy. We worked too hard to keep you alive. If anything happens now, my mom will never forgive you."

Gwyneth's fingers curled faintly around Olivia's hand, the quiet dependence in her eyes tightening something deep in Olivia's chest.

"I'm right here. Don't be afraid. The wound's going to hurt for a few more days—just bear with it. Oh, and your commendation came through. Two major merits this time. You're officially outranking Kieran now. Isn't that something?"

Gwyneth gave a soft, dismissive hum and let her eyes fall shut. Only then did Kieran step inside. The sight of her hand resting in Olivia's stirred a faint jolt in his chest—along with a flicker of envy he couldn't quite hide.