Chapter 3While I Fought for Breath, He Peeled Shrimp for His Intern

“The patient has severe laryngeal edema, her airway is closing! We need to perform an emergency tracheotomy, now!”

“Another few minutes and she could suffer irreversible brain damage, or even die! We need a signature from the family, right now!”

A doctor burst out of the ER, holding a critical condition notice and a surgical consent form.

Liam casually took the pen but made no move to sign. He scanned the papers over and over before finally looking up at the doctor.

“Doctor, I have a question about this procedure…” he began slowly. “Will… will it leave a scar on her neck? Are you even her boyfriend?”

The doctor stared at him in disbelief. “Sir, your girlfriend is on the verge of death! This is about saving her life! And you’re worried about a scar?”

Beside him, Mia tugged on Liam’s sleeve, whispering, “Liam, you know how much Rachel cares about her appearance. If she wakes up with an ugly scar on her neck, she’ll never forgive you. She might even get depressed.”

Liam’s expression became even more conflicted. He twirled the pen in his fingers, refusing to sign.

“Well… is there a way to do it without leaving a scar? Maybe use better medicine, or some imported technique? Can we get the best surgeon available? Money is not an issue. We’ll pay whatever it costs.”

The doctor’s temples throbbed with frustration. “Do you think this is a supermarket where you can pick and choose? I’m telling you, every second we waste is a second closer to her death! Every delay increases the damage to her brain! Now sign the damn form!”

I was being wheeled out of the ER, on my way to the operating room. Through the crack in the door as it closed, I could see Liam still arguing with the doctor.

A few passing nurses couldn’t stand it anymore and gathered around to confront him.

“What is wrong with you? Are you insane?”

“Your girlfriend is dying and you’re hung up on a scar?”

“Seriously, which is more important, a scar or her life? Are you really her boyfriend?”

Faced with the accusations, Mia spread her arms to shield Liam. Her eyes were red as she pleaded with the nurses.

“Please, don’t blame Liam. He just loves Rachel so much that he’s not thinking straight. He’s just trying to consider what’s best for her in the long run.”

She turned back to Liam, her eyes shimmering with tears. “Liam, I trust you. I know that every decision you make is for Rachel’s own good. Don’t listen to them. Just do what you think is right.”

Her words were like a shot of adrenaline to his ego. He stood up straighter.

He looked the doctor dead in the eye. “I need more time to consider this. As doctors, you have a responsibility to guarantee a perfect outcome, with no side effects. That includes scarring! Otherwise, I am not signing anything.”

The doctor was too enraged to waste another breath on him. He spun around and yelled to the nurse behind him.

“We’re out of time! Call the department head immediately! Request an emergency authorization! Go! Go! Go!”

The doors to the surgical wing slammed shut, cutting off the noise from the hallway.

Outside, Liam was loudly defending himself. “I’m doing this for her own good! I’m being responsible!”

Mia patted his back, comforting him. “Liam, don’t be angry. They don’t understand how deeply you care. But I do. You’re the best boyfriend in the world.”

Liam nodded, his face filled with gratitude. “You’re the only one who gets me.” He pulled out his phone and checked his food order.

“Come on. Our milk tea should be here. Let’s go wait by the entrance.”