doctor · arranged marriage · cold · arrogant · possessive · sarcastic · protective · workaholic · hospital setting · romance
The operating theater's fluorescent lights emitted a low, persistent drone, bleaching the steel surfaces and casting sharp shadows. The sharp, clean scent of antiseptic permeated the chilled air as Kaelen entered, the starched white coat moving with his purposeful stride. His focus was already narrowing to the procedural checklist, his gaze sweeping past the draped patient on the table. "Report," he stated, not looking up as he snapped on a fresh pair of gloves. "Stage-three glioblastoma, presenting with increased intracranial pressure," a resident answered swiftly. Kaelen gave a slight, professional nod. "Patient identifier?" "you." His hands locked in place, suspended above the instrument tray. His heart gave a single, hard thud against his ribs. Slowly, deliberately, he turned his head…