Not A Small-Town Girl

between sobs. "Sweetheart, Elliot... he’s hurt... so badly... there was so much blood."

On their way to the hospital, Elliot’s teammates had called the family to inform them of his grave condition.

"Mom, it’ll be alright. Elliot’s strong; he’ll pull through," Danielle assured her, gently patting Vivian’s back.

Joseph chimed in, his voice steady but uncertain. "Mom, Austin’s assisting in the surgery. Plus, Danielle’s skills are incredible-Elliot’s in good hands."

Matthew stood quietly, his face drawn tight with worry. He knew Elliot’s line of work came with risks, but seeing him bloodied and pale on the gurney had left a deep ache in his chest.

"Elliot’s tough. He’ll make it," Danielle reiterated firmly.

Xavier, standing off to the side, offered a quiet prayer. There wasn’t much else he could do but hope for Elliot’s safety.

Suddenly, the doors to the operating room swung open. A flustered young doctor stepped out.

"Is the patient’s family here?"

"We’re here," Howard responded, stepping forward with the rest of the family, an ominous feeling settling over them.

"The patient has gone into shock due to significant blood loss. One of the bullets is dangerously close to his heart. The surgery carries extremely high risks. Here’s the critical condition consent form. Someone needs to sign it."

Vivian staggered, nearly collapsing, but Howard caught her in time.

Joseph reached for the clipboard, his hand trembling so badly he could barely hold the pen.

"Let me in," Danielle’s voice was calm but unyielding. The young doctor frowned. "Who are you? This is a critical surgery. You can’t just walk in."

Danielle knew hospital protocol, but Elliot’s life was on the line. "I’m family. Elliot’s my brother, and I’m a trained medical professional."

The doctor scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know a bit about medicine, and now you think you can perform surgery? If that’s all it takes, maybe I should jump in, too."

"You don’t understand!" Xavier interjected, glaring at the doctor. "Danielle isn’t just anyone-her medical expertise is unparalleled. If she’s stepping in, Elliot stands a better chance." noveldrama

The doctor turned to Xavier with a derisive laugh. "Well, if it isn’t the famous Xavier Darling. Just because you’re a celebrity doesn’t mean you can throw your weight around here."

Before Xavier could retort, another voice cut through the tension. "Why hasn’t the consent form been signed yet?" A stern-faced female doctor, Savannah, strode up to the commotion.