At last, the knock Axel had been waiting for echoed against the door.
He straightened instantly, heart pounding, and turned just as the door opened.
Medical staff stepped inside, their movements calm and practiced. At the front stood Professor Han, the chief surgeon who had performed Evelyn's operation.
Axel didn't wait for introductions. He moved toward him. Relief and worry clearly flashed across his face.
His gaze flicked briefly to the hospital bed behind the doctor before returning to him.
"Doc..." Axel asked quietly, "Is my wife stable?"
"Mr. Knight," Professor Han greeted him with a reassuring nod. "Yes. She is stable now."
Axel took a deep breath, then slowly released.
"She's still under anesthesia," the doctor continued, glancing at his watch. "Based on her condition, she will likely wake up in the early morning."
Axel closed his eyes for a brief second, pressing his fingers together as if grounding himself. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "Really."
