Daniel returned around 30 minutes later, his expression serious yet comforting as he approached Olivia.
"Olivia," he began gently, "it appears to be acute appendicitis."
Olivia's heart sank at the diagnosis, her worry deepening at the thought of Ethan undergoing surgery.
"What does that mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Daniel took a seat beside her, his demeanor calm and reassuring as he explained, "It means that Ethan's appendix is inflamed and needs to be removed. It's a relatively common procedure, but it's important to act quickly to prevent complications."
Olivia listened intently, her mind racing with questions and fears. "Is the surgery dangerous?" she asked hesitantly.
Daniel placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his touch a source of comfort amidst her anxiety.
"The surgery itself is routine, Olivia," he reassured her. "But like any procedure, there are risks involved. However, our medical team is experienced, and we'll take every precaution to ensure Ethan's safety."
Olivia felt relieved as she absorbed Daniel's words, grateful for his calming presence in her moment of distress. "Thank you, Daniel," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. Please take good care of Ethan."
Daniel nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "I will, Olivia," he promised earnestly. "We'll do everything possible to ensure he gets through this."
"Can I see him?" Olivia asked anxiously, her concern for Ethan evident in her eyes.
"Not right now," Daniel replied gently, "but you can see him while he's in recovery. If there are no complications, the surgery should take about an hour or so."
Olivia nodded, her heart heavy with worry as she absorbed the information. She longed to be by Ethan's side, offering him comfort and support during this difficult time.
As Daniel left to prepare for surgery, Logan entered the room with a concerned expression. He sat beside Olivia, and she was glad to have him nearby. With Logan by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty, knowing she didn't have to face this ordeal alone.
Olivia took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she recounted Ethan's condition to Logan.
"It's acute appendicitis," she explained, her words tinged with worry. "He's about to go into surgery right now, and I just... I hope he'll be okay."
Logan listened attentively, his gaze unwavering as he squeezed Olivia's hand. "He's a tough guy, Liv," he reassured her softly. "He'll pull through this. I know it."
Olivia nodded, drawing strength from Logan's words of encouragement.
"Well, I'll be damned," Logan said under his breath. "Isn't this an ironic turn of events? Your ex is operating on Ethan, lol," Logan remarked with a hint of amusement.
Olivia chuckled softly at Logan's comment, relieving her worry momentarily.
"Ethan is going to freaking lose his mind, and quite honestly, I'm here for it! Serves the moody bastard right," Logan said with amusement.
"Logan!" Olivia exclaimed, but she couldn't help but laugh aloud despite the seriousness of the situation. "Yeah, it sure is a small world," she agreed, shaking her head in disbelief. "But I feel confident Daniel will take good care of him. If nothing else, he is professional."
Logan nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a mix of amusement and reassurance.
Daniel
Daniel couldn't shake the irony of the situation as he scrubbed in for surgery. Despite the seriousness of the operation ahead, his mind kept drifting back to Olivia. Their relationship had suffered under the weight of his career ambitions, a fact he now regretted deeply. He had prioritized his work over their marriage, failing to realize the emptiness that would follow without her by his side.
As he prepared to operate on Ethan, Daniel felt a deep pang of guilt. Here he was, about to perform surgery on the man Olivia cared for deeply while he had let their relationship crumble. It was a bitter twist of fate that he found himself in this position, a stark reminder of his choices.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Daniel found a touch of dark humor in it all. The universe seemed to have a knack for cruel irony, and he couldn't help but laugh to himself at its absurdity. But beneath the laughter lingered a sense of longing for what he had lost and a silent vow that if he could grasp it again, he would never let it slip away.
As Daniel worked, he noticed the subtle glances from the nurses nearby. His good looks had always been a point of conversation, but inwardly, he felt emptiness. Despite his outward charm and the attention he garnered, he hadn't found anyone who could fill the void left by Olivia.
Olivia had been more than just a high school sweetheart; she had been his confidante, his rock. Their bond ran deep, and he still longed for her even after all this time. But the path back to her heart seemed elusive, and he grappled with the uncertainty of how to win her back.
He sees Ethan's imperfections, which he believes will eventually lead to disappointment for Olivia. He cannot shake the belief that Ethan is just passing through while he is ready for something lasting. With patience and determination, he hopes to be there when Ethan stumbles, prepared to pick up the pieces and prove himself worthy of Olivia's love once more.