His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.

Chapter 690 Surgery

Chapter 690: Chapter 690 Surgery The hospital was one of the most prestigious in the country. Nurses moved through the halls in soft shoes, doctors consulted in hushed voices, and the air smelled of antiseptic and something floral, probably from the large arrangement of white lilies in the lobby.

Leo and Bella arrived next. Leo’s hand was on Bella’s lower back, guiding her through the doors. His gray eyes were sharp, assessing the room, the exits, the people. Old habits. Bella carried a small bag with a book, a water bottle, and a charger for her phone. She had no idea how long the surgery would take, but she wanted to be prepared.

Jace nodded. "A valid thing."

Hazel was already in pre-op. She had been admitted early that morning, her hair tucked into a surgical cap, her body draped in a hospital gown. She had looked calm when they wheeled her in, but Bella had seen the tightness around her eyes. The fear.

Dominique was in a small consultation room with his mother, Kaelani. The door was closed, but through the glass window, they could see them talking. Kaelani was dressed in surgical scrubs, her dark hair pulled back, her face serious. She was reviewing a tablet, scrolling through images, nodding at something Dominique said.

Bella watched him through the glass. "He’s nervous," she said.

"He always hides it well."

Dominique walked over to the waiting area. His eyes found Hazel’s parents first.

Jenna nodded, her eyes wet. "Thank you. For everything."

The waiting began.

Bella sat beside Leo, her hand in his. She watched the door to the operating room, willing it to open, willing someone to come out and tell them everything was okay.

Dominique sat in the corner, his elbows on his knees, his head bowed.

Then she disappeared back through the doors.

Bella’s phone died. She didn’t bother charging it.

Kaelani stepped out, still in her scrubs, her surgical mask pulled down around her neck. Her face was tired but calm.

Jenna stood up. Kevin stood beside her. Leo’s hand tightened on Bella’s.

Kaelani looked at them, then at Dominique. A small smile crossed her face.

Jenna let out a sob. Kevin put his arm around her.

Dominique exhaled in relief.

Dominique nodded, his throat tight.

"Visiting hours start in three hours," Kaelani said. "She’ll be groggy. She’ll be in pain. But she’ll be awake."

Kaelani turned to leave, then paused. She looked at Dominique. "Stay," she said. "She’ll want to see you when she wakes up."

Kaelani disappeared down the hallway.

Jay finally opened the box of pastries. "Anyone want one now?"

Meanwhile, in the recovery room, Hazel drifted in and out of consciousness. The fluorescent lights above her were too bright. The sheets beneath her were too rough. Her face throbbed with a deep heavy ache that pulsed with every heartbeat.

"She’s waking up."

"Your surgery was successful," the nurse said. "Dr. Kaelani removed the scar tissue. You may need one or two more surgeries, depending on how you heal, but your condition is going to be much better than before."

Hope.

Seeing her happiness, the nurse continued, her voice warm and encouraging.

Hazel’s eyes widened.

Tears slipped from Hazel’s eyes, trailing down her cheeks and soaking into the bandages.

Hazel closed her eyes, exhausted but hopeful.