Chapter 9

Back in Northton, Stephen removed his sterile gown and signed his name on the reports the nurse handed him. The surgery had gone smoothly, and both the fetus and mother were safe from harm. Rubbing his temples tiredly, he instinctively searched for Luciana, then broke into an understanding smile. Of course, she wasn't around. She was busy at home making comfort food for Josephine. Stephen stood with his back to the hospital room , his expression dark and elusive. He rested one hand on the windowsill, the other holding a cigarette that glowed with tiny red embers. In truth, he originally disliked Josephine. But she was persistent—reporting to him every day, trailing him cautiously and carefully, which just happened to fill the loneliness that gnawed at him when Luciana was busy with surgeries. Over time, he grew accustomed to it. Then came that night. He had been soaked from the rain and running a high fever, longing for Luciana's care. However, she had five surgeries and couldn't