Chapter 10
388words
I sat in my study organizing my father's notes, making final preparations.
The doorbell rang unexpectedly. Lucas Reed stood on my doorstep.
He held a manila envelope in his hands.
"It's late," I said. "What brings you here?"
He didn't answer immediately, just studied me with a complex, searching gaze.
"'Shaw's hemostasis technique,'" he began slowly. "The exact words you called out in the ER were identical to what Professor Shaw used to say."
My heart stuttered. I hadn't realized he'd been watching so closely.
He smiled gently, with understanding and a touch of sadness.
"When I first returned, I visited your parents' graves. Your aunt told me, 'Sophia is doing well abroad. She's married now and can't easily return.'"
He stepped closer, his eyes boring into mine. "But your aunt doesn't know about your surgery, does she? And she certainly doesn't know you married Julian Winters."
I lowered my eyes, silently confirming his suspicions.
"Come in," I said, stepping aside. "We should talk."
We stood on my balcony, leaning against the railing with glasses of wine.
Below us, traffic flowed steadily, neon signs painting the night in electric colors. The cool breeze offered a rare moment of peace.
"How can you be so certain I'm Sophia Shaw?" I asked with a half-smile. "I could be another student. He might have taught that technique to others."
He paused, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he turned to face me.
"Your eyes," he said. "They're too much like your father's. Especially when you look at someone you hate."
I turned to study his strong profile and felt an unexpected warmth creep into my cheeks.
"Ahem..." The moment felt suddenly charged, making me uncomfortable. "So you came here tonight just to reminisce about the past?"
"Yes and no." He shook his head and handed me the envelope. "These are Julian's blood requisition records from ten years ago. They might prove useful tomorrow."
I didn't take it.
"Lucas, this is my battle to fight alone."
I couldn't drag him deeper into this mess. He'd risked enough already.
"No," he said firmly. "This is my fight too. Your father was my mentor. Clearing his name is my duty as well."
We locked eyes, recognizing the same unwavering resolve in each other.
