Chapter 246

The operating room lights remained on as time ticked by.

Emily Smith sat on the bench, bearing the weight of William Johnson's head on her shoulder. His breathing was steady and deep, clearly fast asleep.

Her back began aching, the left side of her body long gone numb from the pressure. Yet she maintained the same position, afraid to disturb his slumber.

Sam Wilson sat across from them, surprise evident in his gaze. He'd never seen William sleep so soundly in a hospital, let alone for Emily to endure it this long.

The operating room doors suddenly swung open.

Emily's eyes brightened, instinctively starting to rise. But she quickly remembered the weight on her shoulder and turned a pleading look toward Sam.

Understanding immediately, Sam stepped forward to take her place.

The moment William's head touched Sam's shoulder, his eyes flew open.

"What happened?" His voice was hoarse, brows furrowing.

Emily didn't answer, hurrying toward the doctor instead.

"The surgery went smoothly. Your sister is stable," the doctor said with a smile.

Emily exhaled in relief. "How much longer?"

"About three to four hours. With Professor Schievink handling it, you needn't worry." The doctor departed quickly.

Footsteps approached from behind.

"Let's eat." William stood behind her, voice low.

"That's unnecessary." Emily turned. "You can return to work now."

William's gaze fell on the reddened skin of her neck, his eyes darkening. The unnatural flush from prolonged pressure stood out starkly against her pale complexion.

"If you don't eat, neither will I," he insisted stubbornly.

Emily averted her face, massaging her sore neck and shoulders.

When William reached out to help, she dodged his touch.

"Sir, New York is calling," Sam interjected, handing over a phone.

William took the call and stepped aside. His fluent English echoed down the hallway as he addressed what sounded like an urgent matter.

Emily caught fragments like "press conference moved up" but forced herself not to listen.

As she sat back down, William finished the call.

"You have urgent business. You should go," she repeated.

William studied her, the corner of his mouth lifting in a bitter smile. "Do you really hate seeing me this much?"

Emily remained silent, her gaze fixed on the operating room doors.