"This is for your sister-in-law's own good. I have no reason to regret it."
He turned to me—silent, unmoving—and his voice softened with concern.
"Sweetheart, you look terrible. Are you feeling unwell?"
I met his worried gaze. My chest tightened.
"It's nothing." I forced the words out. "Just... nervous."
That much was true.
But it wasn't tomorrow's surgery that frightened me.
Edward drew me close, his arm curling around my shoulders, his voice impossibly gentle.
"Don't be scared. I'm right here."
"Once you're in the operating room, you'll just fall asleep, and when you wake up, it'll all be over."
No.
He didn't understand.
He had no idea what tomorrow's surgery truly meant.
Margaret and Sophie opened their mouths to say something more, but my parents intercepted them, ushering them away.
Before leaving, my parents turned back. Their eyes met mine—heavy with something I couldn't name.
Edward noticed none of it. He was too consumed by the joy of what tomorrow would bring.
His mood soared. He insisted on cooking dinner himself—a full spread of all my favorite dishes.
That night, Edward held me tight as he drifted off, murmuring my name even in his sleep.
The next morning, we arrived at the hospital together.
Soon, I was being wheeled into the operating room.
The moment the anesthetic entered my veins, my consciousness began to blur.
Through heavy-lidded eyes, I watched Edward lean over me in his surgical gown, his voice a soothing murmur.
"Celine, don't be afraid. I'm here."
"You've always wanted to see the Northern Lights, haven't you? Once you've recovered, I'll take a long leave. We'll go together."
"Oh—and that necklace you've had your eye on? I already ordered it. It'll be waiting for you when the surgery's done."
"If I could have my way... I'd grow old with you. Just you."
Tears slipped down my temples as I listened to him paint our future.
We won't make it.
Edward.
This ending was written long before today. I can't escape it.
And neither can you.
The instant his scalpel broke my skin—
The operating room doors crashed open.
A voice, ragged with panic:
"Dr. Abbott! Something's happened!"
