Help me, won`t you?

Chapter 5: Miracles and Hard Choices

I think I’ve fallen in love. How else could I describe the whirlwind of emotions inside me every time I think of Igor? When he invited me to dinner, I never imagined it would end that way. Even after the unsettling call from my brother, which left me shaken, Igor’s presence managed to calm the storm in my soul. My brother hasn't changed; he’s still demanding money, still threatening that his debts will become my problem. I didn't tell Igor—he has enough to worry about.

But the moment Igor started kissing me, all thoughts of my family’s drama vanished. I didn't want him to stop. I craved his touch, the way his hands moved over my body with such raw, masculine certainty. When his fingers found the damp heat between my legs, I was lost. I haven't felt that kind of electric spark in years. I was on the very edge of bliss when that knock on the door shattered the moment.

Part of me wanted to scream at Nurse Sveta for ruining everything, but another part—the professional part—was relieved. If we had gone any further, I wouldn't have been able to look myself in the mirror. How could I call myself his doctor after that? After checking on the patient with the emergency, I snuck back into Igor’s room. He was sleeping like a baby. I watched him for a long time, then gently tucked him in and kissed him goodnight. I just couldn't help myself.

Days passed in a blur of preparation. Tuesday—the day of the surgery—finally arrived. I was focused, determined. I had to save him. A knock at my office door interrupted my final notes. It was Fedya, Igor’s brother. He looked pale, his movements nervous.

"Hello, Fedor. Is something bothering you?"

"Good morning, Elena Vladimirovna. I wanted to talk to you... about Igor. And about you." My heart skipped a beat. Did Igor tell him everything? I could lose my license for this.

"I'm listening," I said, gesturing for him to sit.

"Can we use first names? It feels more appropriate now," he said, and I nodded. "Look, Igor really likes you. He hasn't let anyone close in a long time. But he’s insecure. He thinks if he doesn't walk again, you won't even look at him. Please, tell me you’re not playing with him. Even if the surgery fails... please, either give him a real chance or walk away now. I can't watch him break again."

"Fedya," I said, standing up and walking over to him, "I truly care for your brother. Regardless of the surgery’s outcome, I’m not going anywhere. But we have to be careful—if the administration finds out, we’ll all have problems. Right now, the surgery is my priority. Then rehab. I’ll be with him every step of the way."

We walked to Igor’s room together. He was ready, looking like a soldier about to go into battle. Lera was there too, talking to him in her professional "therapist voice."

"Here she is! We're ready, Lena. Are you?" Lera looked suspiciously happy. What had Igor told her?

"We’re all ready," I smiled at Igor. He didn't take his eyes off me. "The nurses will be here in ten minutes. I’ll see you in the OR. Stay positive."

I stroked his stubbled cheek for a brief second before leaving to prep the staff. The surgery lasted five grueling hours. It was intense, delicate work, but it went better than I had dared to hope. Once Igor was moved to recovery, I took a long shower and collapsed in my office chair. I decided to stay the night. I couldn't leave him.

I told Fedya the good news and sent him home. Later that evening, I sat by Igor’s bed, watching his chest rise and fall. I drifted off to sleep in the chair, only to wake up feeling someone’s gaze on me. I opened my eyes to see those deep brown eyes watching me with incredible tenderness.

"Hi... how do you feel?" I whispered.

"Thirsty... throat hurts... and my head is spinning," he croaked.

I gave him a sip of water through a straw. "I need to check something." I took my flashlight and checked his pupils, then used my reflex hammer on his knees. Finally, I ran it along the soles of his feet. "Can you feel that? Tell me what you feel."

"I felt the tap on the knee... but the sole... wait. Do that again," he said, his voice trembling with shock.

I ran the tool along his foot again, smiling.

"I... I can feel it, Lena. I can feel it!" He looked like he wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. "God, how can I ever thank you?"

"Thank me when you're walking," I teased. "Now, I need to call your brother."

"Will you really stay? Will you wait for me?" he asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

"I’ll be right here," I said, taking his hand. "Rest now."

I went to my office to call Fedya, but my phone buzzed with several messages from an unknown number. My blood ran cold. Ugly threats. Demands for money. It had to be my brother or his goons. At 2 AM, I couldn't sleep. I washed my face and went back to the nursing station, then slipped into Igor’s room.

"Don't go... I was waiting for you," he whispered without even opening his eyes.

"How did you know it was me?" I sat beside him.

"I'd know your scent anywhere. I'm just dreaming of the day I can take you on a real date. On my own two feet."

"We have time," I promised, but my heart was heavy with the news I had received earlier that day.

The Chief of Staff had called me into his office that morning. "Lena, you’re going to Europe for advanced training on Monday. Two months. It’s mandatory, and you’re the only one I trust."

"But my patients! Igor!" I had protested, but he wouldn't hear it.

Now, sitting with Igor, I had to tell him. "Igor... I have to go away for two months. For training. It’s mandatory." I expected him to get angry, to shut down. "I’ll monitor your rehab from there, I’ll call every day, I—"

"Wait," he interrupted, taking my hand and kissing my palm. "Stop worrying. You have a career, Lena. I understand. Go, learn everything you can. And when you come back... I’ll be the one meeting you at the airport. Standing up. Okay?"

The relief was so overwhelming I leaned down and kissed him deeply. I was so afraid he’d push me away, but instead, he gave me the strength I needed.

"Thank you for understanding," I whispered against his lips. "I’m going to make sure you have the best therapist and the best gym. I'll be watching your every move."