37.Emergency alert!
RESORT — NIGHT
The resort lights glowed golden, warm… almost too perfect for two people who were pretending not to fall in love.
Eva finished brushing the sand off her dress as they walked into the small open-air dining space. The table was set for two. The breeze played with her hair, and Neil noticed every second of it.
They sat opposite each other, but it felt like the whole table was too small — too intimate — too them.
They ate quietly, but not awkwardly — comfortably. Every time she reached for something, his fingers brushed hers. Every time she lifted her head, she caught him watching her. Not staring. Watching.
A soft, warm gaze he didn’t bother to hide.
When dinner ended,
Neil and Eva step back into the cozy room after dinner. The moonlight spills across the balcony, and the ocean breeze slips inside.
Neil is slightly drunk, cheeks warm, eyes half-sleepy but happy.
Eva closes the door behind them.
Neil (drunk, soft, almost shy):
“We… uh… we do have different rooms but… you could… stay. Here. If you… want.”
He isn’t even asking properly — just emotionally blackmailing her with those sleepy puppy eyes.
Eva’s heart softens immediately.
She tries to hide a smile.
Eva: “I’ll stay here.”
Neil brightens like someone switched on a whole festival inside him.
He nods too many times.
Neil: “Good… good… good decision.”
He tries to act normal but he’s swaying while removing his watch. Eva quietly pulls it off for him and places it on the table.
He blinks at her, mesmerized, wanting to say something romantic but the alcohol stole his words.
She pats his arm.
Eva: “Come on, go sleep.”
They both walk toward the big bed.
Neil collapses on his side instantly, face flat into the pillow, one hand still stretched in the air.
Eva giggles.
She climbs onto the other side, keeping a respectable safe distance — but close enough that she can hear his slow, tired breathing.
Neil turns slightly, eyes half-open, staring at her silhouette through the dim light.
Neil(slurring):
“You’re… warm… you know? Not temperature… just… you.”
Eva’s breath catches quietly. She doesn’t reply.
He gives her a sleepy smile.
Then…
He’s out. Fully asleep.
Eva watches him for a few seconds — his messy hair falling over his eyes, the soft rise and fall of his chest, how peaceful he looks only when he’s with her.
She whispers to herself:
Eva (quiet, fond):
“Good night… Neil.”
The lamp is dim, wind from the balcony swaying the curtains.
Her mind still replayed his words, his touch earlier… the way he brushed her cheek… the way she tucked his hair… the way he was trying to get closer.
She blindly pats the table, eyes barely open.
Eva (sleepy mumble): “Whose phone…?”
Neil doesn’t even flinch. Dead. Gone. Completely knocked out.
Eva sighs, pushes herself up—his arm still around her.
Eva: “Neil… your phone… it’s crying at this point.”
Eyes half-closed, she reaches blindly and grabs the phone.
Eva(sleepy, annoyed): “It’s not time to call…”
A pause.
CHIEF (confused, irritated): “Who are you? Where is Dr. Neil Morris?”
Eva’s eyes SNAP open.
She jerks up, looks at the screen—
28 MISSED CALLS.
CHIEF OF HOSPITAL.
E (whispers): “Shit—shit—shit—shit!”
She hangs up instantly.
And that’s when she feels it.
A heavy arm around her waist.
A warm breath on her neck.
A very large man wrapped around her like a koala.
Neil, dead asleep, literally hugging her like his life depends on it.
His leg is thrown over her tiny frame.
His face buried in the crook of her neck.
Their bodies tangled like they’ve been married for a decade.
Eva (struggling, whisper-yelling):
“Neil… Neil, get up.
Cheif is calling—damn—move your leg—NEIL.”
No response.
He just nuzzles closer.
Neil (sleep mumble):
“You are… warm…”
Eva freezes.
(oh god… he’s adorable… but also, chief will murder him…)
She tries to slide out—
but he tightens his grip.
Eva:
“OH GOD, Neil—this is not the time to be cute—wake up!”
The phone vibrates again.
“Dr. Neil Morris — Incoming call.”
Eva’s soul leaves her body.
She tries slapping his arm—gentle at first—
then slightly harder—
Eva:
“Neil! Wake up! Hospital emergency!”
He finally groans.
Neil (still half asleep):
“Ev… five minutes…”
He pulls her even closer.
Her heartbeat skyrockets.
Eva:
“Five minutes? The Chief WILL KILL YOU.”
Then,
“And LET GO! My ribs!”
His eyes finally blink open, unfocused, drunk, hair messy.
Neil(confused, raspy):
“…why am I holding you?”
Eva (deadpan):
“Ask yourself. Pick up the call first.”
The phone vibrates violently again.
Eva holds it toward his face.
Eva:
“Take. The. Phone.”
Neil stares at it.
Then at her.
Then at where his hand is still around her waist.
Neil (soft, embarrassed):
“…sorry.”
He slowly lets go.
She rolls away, breathing like she just ran a marathon.
He answers the call in the most drunk, sleepy, unprofessional voice:
Neil:
“…hello Cheeef?”
Eva facepalms SO HARD.
---
Sirens screamed outside Harmony Care Hospital as three ambulances stopped at once.
Lucas and Lexi were already rushing stretchers in.
Lexi: “Fifteen injured, multiple fractures, two critical!”
Dr.Lucus: “We need Neil, where is he?!”
"In chief's office "
Eva came running inside, still breathless from rushing straight from the resort.
Her hair tied messily, still in casual clothes — she barely got time to change.
Lexi: "Thank God Eve you are here, take on that ambulance 5089"
---
CHIEF’S OFFICE
The moment she passed the corridor toward the emergency bay, she heard it.
The Chief’s voice — furious.
Chief:
“Where the hell were you, Dr. Morris?! Fifteen people are lying downstairs waiting for the chief surgeon and you stroll in late?!”
"I was on leave chief."
Eva froze behind the half-open door.
Her heart sank.
She saw Neil standing there… expression tight, jaw locked.
He wasn’t arrogant.
He wasn’t rude.
He looked… guilty.
Chief:
“And who is that girl answering your phone? Lift your calls, Dr. Morris!
I don’t care about your personal life, but one damn minute can cost a life.
This hospital depends on you.”
Neil swallowed hard.
Neil:
“…Sorry, Chief.”
That was all he said.
Quiet. Controlled.
But Eva could feel it — the punch those words landed on his heart.
EVA WALKS IN
Eva stepped forward, pretending she hadn’t heard anything.
Eva: “Dr. Morris… emergency’s ready.”
He rushed out.
THE RUN TO EMERGENCY
They both began running down the corridor side by side.
He didn't speak.
She didn't push.
But a few seconds later, she quietly said:
Eva (soft, breathless):
“You’re here. That's what matters for now.”
Neil’s steps slowed for a fraction — like those words held him together.
He glanced at the patient on the stretcher.
Neil:
“O2 support,now”
Eva nodded.
Eva tied her hair back as she rushed through the ER doors. Alarms. Nurses running. Stretcher wheels screeching against the floor.
“Multiple accident victims incoming!” someone called.
Neil was already there,white coat on, hair still slightly messy from the wind, completely back in doctor-mode.
Eva stood beside him, matching his pace without a word—they slipped back into their rhythm so naturally, like their bodies remembered before their minds did.
Another stretcher rolled in, blood dripping onto the floor.
Neil: “Airway first—Eva.”
Eva: "ABCDE'S got it! "
---
Lexi was giving compressions on a patient in Resus Room-2, sweat lining her forehead. Lucas slid beside her to assist, snapping on gloves.
Lucas: “Switch?”
Lexi (breathing hard, nods): “Please.”
He takes over, strong and steady. Lexi steps back, catching her breath while adjusting the patient’s IV line.
A nurse whispers,
“Nail-biting case… they’ve been fighting for 20 minutes.”
Lucas stays focused.
A moment later the monitor shows slight improvement.
Lexi (relieved): “You were good.”
Lucas looks at her — that soft smirk of his.
Lucas: “I know. But you? You were… really good.”
(a beat)
“You always are.”
That raw morning energy occupied in the emergency care.
Lucas: “No fractures.”
He presses his thumb against the X-rays, looking for one last time.
Lucus:" All clear? Nancy sister. "
Nurse: “Yes, Dr. Lucas. Everything is updated.”
He releases a small sigh, rolls his shoulders.
Lucas: “Good. I need a break.”
He spots Lexi across the corridor, pulling her hair up into a messy ponytail, tired eyes but still sparkling.
He steps closer.
Lucas: “Coffee? Dr. Lexi.”
She looks up, a little surprised but trying to appear unfazed.
Lexi: “Yes please.”
A tiny smile escapes her — the smile she tries to hide every time he’s near.
They walk side by side toward the coffee machine, their elbows brushing just lightly; neither steps away.
The machine hums.
Two cups drop.
Lexi: “Long night?”
She sips, the steam curling around her cheeks.
Lucas: “Long week.”
He leans against the wall, watching her more than he watches his coffee.
She notices.
Lexi rolls her eyes, cheeks going slightly pink.
Lexi: “Stop trying to flirt during CPR,Dr.Lucus.”
Lucas: “Who’s flirting? I was just complimenting a colleague.”
He leans a bit closer, voice dropping mischievously.
“A very cute colleague.”
Lexi: “This is hospital sir—”
Lucas: “Then give me a place.”
She blinks, stunned for half a second.
Lucas: “Even the patient woke up after hearing we might go on a date.I noticed.”
Lexi smacks his arm lightly.
He chuckles, continuing to sip the coffee with a playful sparkle in his eyes.
Meanwhile… Neil Eva
From outside the glass window, Eva sees them and smiles.
Eva: “They’re cute.”
Neil stands beside her, arms crossed.
Neil: “He talks too much.”
Eva: “So do you… sometimes.”
Neil gives her a side-eye, lips twitching.
Neil: “Only with you.”
And she feels her stomach flip in a good way.
Eva and Neil were both paged:
“Dr. Morris Dr. Walter — Report to chief’s cabin immediately.”
Eva walked in first, tense, clutching her coat.
Neil was already inside, arms folded, waiting for the chief to start talking.
Chief jonas didn't speak when they walked in.
He just sat there… elbows on the table… fingers locked… jaw tight.
Eva stood behind Neil, her hands cold, heart thudding so loud she felt like everyone could hear it.
Neil stood tall, calm,and focused.
Chief finally turned his phone toward them.
A photo.
A very bad, very dangerous photo.
Neil… caging Eva to the wall.
Her hands on his shirt.
His face way too close.
Her eyes closed.
Chief looked up—his voice was quiet, deadly.
Chief: “What the hell is happening in my hospital?”
Eva’s throat went dry. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.
Chief slammed his palm on the table.
Chief: “Dr. Eva Walter… this is unacceptable! This is a hospital, not some college fest. You want to ruin your career before it even starts?”
She flinched. Tears pricked her eyes.
Neil stepped forward.
Neil: “It was me, Chief.”
Chief whipped his head toward him.
Chief: “Don’t defend her. I saw the picture. YOU are the one pinning her to the wall.”
Neil didn’t budge.
Neil: “Yes. I did. And it wasn’t her fault.”
Chief pushed his glasses up his nose and stood.
Chief: “Dr. Neil Morris… you are one of the best surgeons in this country. The treasure of this institution. A man residents worship. And this… THIS is your behaviour? With a resident? In the corridor?”
Eva swallowed hard. Her eyes dropped to the floor.
Neil clenched his jaw.
Neil: “Chief, you know I have never—”
Chief: “It doesn’t matter what you never did! You were caught. With a junior.”
He turned to Eva sharply.
Chief: “And YOU—do you realise how this looks? People already talk. Now I have evidence?”
Eva’s voice trembled.
Eva: “Chief… I—I didn’t—”
Neil cut in immediately.
Neil: “She didn’t do anything. It was me. I approached her. I reached for her.”
"And not just this "
Chief’s eyes narrowed.
Chief: “Dr. Morris… Dr. Walter…”
He paused. His eyes were razor-sharp.
“I have been hearing concerning things.”
Eva stood straighter.
Chief: “Talks that you—Dr. Morris—have been favouring your junior. Giving her more OT exposure. Choosing her for every difficult case. Shielding her from criticism.”
His jaw tightened.
“And whatever… relationship is going on between you two—”
Neil’s brows twitched. Eva’s eyes widened.
Chief: “—is not entertained in this hospital. You want to flirt, you do it outside. Here, only professionalism matters.”
Eva felt her throat close. Before she could open her mouth—
Neil stepped forward, voice firm, controlled, but burning underneath.
Neil: “Chief, you’re mistaken.”
Chief crossed his arms. “Am I?”
Neil didn’t blink.
Didn’t look at Eva.
Didn’t hesitate for even a breath.
Neil: “She is my wife.”
The room went silent.
Chief stiffened.
Eva… froze.
Heart stopping.
Breath caught.
Chief looked almost offended at the casualness in Neil’s tone.
Chief: “I’m sorry… she is what?”
Neil spoke with the calm authority of a man who never second-guesses himself.
Neil: “My wife.”
Eva looked at Neil in shock—he wasn’t supposed to reveal this. Not yet. Not like this.
Neil continued before anyone could speak:
Neil: “And I do not favour her. Not once.”
His voice sharpened.
“She earned every OT case I picked her for. She proved why she stands beside me—through skill, dedication, and grit.”
He finally turned his head a bit—just enough to show he meant every syllable.
Neil: “She’s here because she’s good, Chief. Not because she’s my wife.”
Eva’s heart stumbled.
Chief exhaled, tension shifting.
Chief studied them. Sharp eyes softer now.
Chief: “ But —being married doesn’t shield either of you from my standards."
Chief: “This hospital has rules. Integrity. Discipline. Boundaries. Harmony Care didn’t build its reputation by ignoring misconduct—especially from the people leading the OT.”
Eva lowered her gaze, heart thumping. Neil responded before she could.
Neil: “Sir, nothing—”
Chief (cuts in): “Dr. Morris. I’m not interested in explanations. I’m telling you the consequences.”
He looked between them—first Neil, then Eva, softer but still firm.
Chief: “This will be your first and last warning. If there are more complaints… any more distractions… any more moments that cross the line—”
His eyes locked on Neil.
Chief: “—strict action will be taken. Even if you’re the best surgeon on my team.”
Neil swallowed his anger but nodded.
Neil: “Understood, Chief.”
The Chief turned to leave, pausing with his hand on the door.
Chief: “Sort yourselves out. Both of you. The hospital is watching.”
They stepped out into the corridor—
—and everything changed.
The hallway went silent.
Whispers.
Phone screens angled just enough to show they were looking.
Interns nudging each other.
Nurses staring as if they were watching a scandal in a TV show.
A group of residents hurriedly lowered their phones when Neil’s eyes turned toward them… but they didn’t stop whispering.
Intern 1 (whispering):
“Is that really them in the photo … together?”
Nurse (muttering):
“So it’s true… she really slept her way to OT with him.”
Intern 2:
“He picks her for everything. Obviously there was something going on.”
Eva’s steps faltered.
Her heart sank.
She wasn’t the type to cry easily—but her eyes tightened, throat burning.
She tried to keep her head down, clutching her Ipad like a shield.
Neil noticed.
Of course he did.
His jaw tightened.
He wanted to snap. To shut every single person up.
But one wrong move… and it would all get worse.
They walked past another group of nurses.
Nurse 2 (not even whispering):
“Inappropriate. No professionalism nowadays.”
Nurse 3:
“Imagine flirting with your senior just to get OT slots.”
Eva’s breath hitched.
Neil’s eyes went ice-cold.
He stepped closer to her—subtle but protective—his shoulder almost brushing hers, forming a barrier between her and the comments.
Dr.Jonas, another senior, came around the corner and glared at them like they were some nuisance.
Dr. Jonas:
“So the rumours are true?”
Neil’s voice dropped, cold and sharp.
Neil: “Rumours spread faster than facts in this place.”
Dr. Jonas scoffed and walked away.
Eva took a shaky breath.
She whispered, almost broken:
E: “ I think I should leave . People won’t stop otherwise—”
He stopped walking.
Completely.
Turned to her.
His brows pulled together in a way she’d never seen before—soft, hurting, angry for her.
N (low, firm):
“Eva Walter, look at me.”
She hesitated… then looked up.
His voice lowered, edging on protectiveness:
N: “You will not run away. You did nothing wrong. And I’m not letting this hospital destroy your confidence.”
Her heart thudded.
He continued, voice steady:
Neil: “You are here to learn not to answer their questions.”
A few more people walked by, staring.
Neil ignored them completely.
He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice just for her:
Neil: “Let them talk. They don’t matter. You… matter.”
Eva blinked fast.
The tension between them tightened like a wire.
She managed a small nod.
Not because he believed in her.
But because she believed in herself—
Neil gently touched her elbow, guiding her forward.
Neil: “Come on. We have rounds.”
Eva was off during rounds,she barely speak, didn't respond and she wasn't herself.
Neil saw it instantly.
His eyes sharpened—
That protective, dangerous softness only she ever saw.
He leaned in, his voice low but commanding, “Eva… just stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Before she could ask, he was already walking away.
Long strides.