Chapter 20 Early that morning , Issac woke from an ominous dream . Outside , the winter felt like an ice age . In the below zero temperatures , he opened his window , letting snow cover him . A self imposed punishment . Issac envied Lucas deeply . He could openly stand beside Evelyn , support her through difficulties , raise a beautiful child with her everything Issac had dreamed of in his youth , now forever beyond his reach . In his dream , those soft lips hed kissed countless times spoke with icy finality : Are you trying to kill me a second time , Issac ? Come any closer , and Ill refuse the surgery . If thats what you want , Ill die in front of you again . Issac looked terrible . These nightmares always left him cold and trembling . York had warned him that fighting through panic attacks wasnt the solution . So he grabbed his medication , hands shaking as he poured too many pills into his mouth , teeth clenching . So bitter . The surgery light came on . Lucas stood in the emergency stairwell , encountering Issac lighting a cigarette . I dont smoke , Lucas said , eyeing him complexly , refusing the offered cigarette . Issac didnt seem offended , his face unnaturally flushed as he lowered his gaze . Leaning against the door , Issac stared through the smoke hazily . Arent you nervous ? he asked softly . Evelyn promised me , Lucas answered indirectly . Shell be fine . Of course he was nervous , but he couldnt show it . With both a sick woman and a young child at home , Lucas had to stand strong as the familys pillar . If he showed fear , who would comfort Eva and Evelyn ? A month ago theyd been rivals , now they shared the same anxiety . The two men stood apart , their breath visible in the winter air . Never married ? TM Its Too Late for Your Expired Regrets 141 % Chapter 20 Issac lit a second cigarette , the lighter briefly illuminating his sweating face in the dim stairwell . He held it without smoking , watching the red ember burn . Never will , he gave a bitter laugh . Dont want to ruin anyone elses life . Im such a bastard … At least you know it , Lucas said coldly . Youre running a fever . Thanks for caring . I dont want you to die , Lucas said suddenly . If you died , it would be unfair to me . You occupy too much space in Evelyns life I have to admit that . If you died , shed remember you forever . Shed build a tomb for you in her heart , leaving the other half for Eva . That would leave too little room for me . I cant accept that . For three years , Ive been the one by her side , giving her everything . Issac , if youre still human , if you feel any guilt , please stop disturbing her . Stay successful , remain the arrogant bastard in her memory thats the only way she can truly forget you . The stairwell was windy , making Lucas speak slowly . Issac listened in silence until the cigarette burned his fingers . As if waking from a dream , he nodded . Lucas was right . Sophias death wasnt Evelyns fault . Hed tortured her with that excuse for five years , nearly driving her to death multiple times . Issacs throat was too dry to speak . He exhaled hotly , mouth open as if to say more , but Lucas left without looking at him . His phone kept buzzing probably Dr. York calling . She was a dedicated psychiatrist who , despite her professional expertise , could never unlock the chains weighing on Issacs heart . Issac understood his own illness perfectly . The cure was simple : forget Evelyn . But his longing to see her was like a stolen flame . He was Prometheus chained to the cliff , his flesh eternally devoured by eagles , yet welcoming the torture . The surgery had been going for an hour and a half . Though the doctors had prepared them for a long procedure , Lucas couldnt calm his anxiety . He sat on the bench outside , head in hands , praying . 14.3 % Chapter 20 As a former doctor , hed been a firm atheist . Only now , with someone he loved facing life and death behind those doors , did he understand why so many people prayed in hospitals . Family of the patient ? Is the family here ? The operating room door opened briefly . Lucas jumped up , looking anxiously at the nurse . Sign this critical condition notice . The nurse pointed to the white paper . Lucas froze . As a doctor , hed asked countless families to sign these forms , but now , his hands shook so badly he could barely hold the pen . Even knowing this didnt necessarily mean something had gone wrong . The nurse was clearly in a hurry . Lucas forced himself to steady his hand , signing his name before she rushed back into surgery . His eyes reddened . Unable to sit still any longer , he paced anxiously . ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!