Chapter 122

ISABELLA’S POV

The plane landed with a soft jolt, and the engines slowly quieted as we taxied to a stop.

I sat back for a moment, taking in the last fragrance of peace from our vacation.

I still couldn't believe I had almost said no to this trip, almost convinced myself I didn't have time.

But thanks to God, Michael had been persuasive, and now I couldn't imagine missing those sunlit mornings, the quiet walks along the shore, the food, and, of course, the rare luxury of our time together.

I would've loved to extend it just a little longer. But reality had other plans.

Yesterday, my assistant Claire had messaged me.

and had sounded really urgent, as always.

There was a patient in critical condition at the hospital.

A middle-aged woman with a ruptured aneurysm, hanging on by a thread.

They needed me, specifically. No one else could perform the delicate surgery required. There was no refusing this call. So with no other choice, we had to put an end to the vacation.

The plane doors