Peyton’s POV

I rushed to her side, grabbing her hand. "Mrs. Victoria, what happened?"

Her voice shook as she spoke, "Lucas... my grandson. He's been in an accident."

Her heart rate monitor beeped frantically, matching the panic in her voice. I quickly adjusted the IV and took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Mrs. Victoria, I need you to take deep breaths. We need to keep you stable."

She nodded, but her breaths were shallow and quick.

Lucas? I asked in utter amazement.

"Peyton, please... Lucas is all I have left. I am sorry that I deceived you. I am sorry I didn't tell you that the man on the TV was my grandson. I am sorry I lied about my identity but please Peyton, please help me," she pleaded as she clung tightly to my hands.

I immediately froze in shock as my mouth parted in surprise and I felt cold shivers run down my spine.

"I promise, I'll do everything I can," I assured her, squeezing her hand. "Let me call the hospital and get more information."

I called the hospital, and my worst fears were confirmed. Lucas Forbes had been in a severe car accident and was in critical condition. His internal injuries were extensive, and he needed immediate surgery.

"I'll go to the hospital right away," I told Mrs. Victoria, trying to reassure her as much as myself.

She clung to my hand, her eyes pleading. "You have to save him, Peyton. Please. Save my grandson."

"I'll do my best," I promised, knowing that my best would have to be enough.

*****

I drove like mad. I didn't care that Mrs. Victoria had lied to me about her identity. She had her reasons. What worried me was the fact that if Lucas Forbes was L.F, then I just need to save him. I need my children to know their father.

The hospital corridors were alive with activity . A big shot was here. I was quickly briefed on Lucas's condition: multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and severe head trauma that may lead to amnesia.

Fuck.

It was going to be a long, complicated surgery.

Dr. Thompson's eyes locked onto mine, “Peyton, you're our top surgeon, if anyone can do this, it's you” he said, his voice low and reassuring. I met his gaze, my jaw clenched. With a swift motion, I slipped into my surgical gown and gloves, the latex snapping into place.

“Let's move,”I said, striding towards the operating room.

"Alright, let's get started," I said, my voice steady and calm.

"Scalpel," my assistant replied, placing the instrument in my hand.

I made the initial incision, the sound of the blade slicing through tissue filling the room. "Clamp," I requested, my eyes fixed on the exposed area.

"BP's dropping," the anesthesiologist warned, her voice tight with concern.

"Get me a reading," I demanded, my focus unwavering.

"80 over 40," she replied, her voice laced with urgency.

"Dammit," Dr. Thompson muttered, his eyes darting to the monitors.

"Stay with me, people," I said, my voice firm but controlled. "Suction."

The suction device whirred to life, clearing the area of excess blood. I worked in silence, my mind racing with calculations and possibilities. I removed every thought, every fear, every distraction.

"Artery's compromised," my assistant warned.

"Get me a graft, now!" I ordered.

The minutes ticked by like hours, each second stretching into an eternity. My team worked in tandem, their movements choreographed to perfection.

"BP's stabilizing," the anesthesiologist announced, a hint of relief in her voice.

"Let's close it up," I said, my hands moving with precision.

The final stitches were placed, each one a testament to our collective skill and determination.

"It's done," I said, stepping back from the table, my eyes locked on the monitors.

"We did it," Dr. Thompson said, a smile spreading across his face.

I nodded, my eyes still fixed on the patient. "He's not out of the woods yet."

But for now, we'd won.

***

After hours that felt like days, we finally stabilized Lucas. He was alive, but still in critical condition. We had done everything we could; now, we had to wait.

I stepped out of the operating room, exhaustion washing over me. Anna, Lucas's fiancée, rushed towards me, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Is he okay?" she demanded, her voice wavering.

"He's stable for now," I replied, trying to sound reassuring. "But it's still too early to tell."

Anna burst into tears, her hands shaking. "This is all my fault. If only I hadn't insisted on going out..."

"Anna, this isn't your fault," I said firmly. "Accidents happen."

She looked at me with wide, desperate eyes. "But I need to prove that I can be there for him. To Mrs. Victoria, to everyone. They all think I'm just some pretty face."

Before I could respond, Mrs. Victoria was wheeled into the room. Her eyes immediately sought mine, and I nodded slightly, letting her know that Lucas was out of immediate danger.

"Thank you, Peyton," she said softly,"I knew I could count on you."

Anna, however, seemed less appreciative. "If he doesn't wake up, what was the point?" she muttered under her breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Mrs. Victoria shot her a stern look. "Anna, that's enough. Peyton did everything she could."

Anna sulked but remained silent, her eyes darting around nervously.

The next day was a blur of updates and checks. Lucas remained unconscious, and the tension in the room was thick. Anna continued to blame herself, while Mrs. Victoria alternated between hopeful optimism and quiet despair.

By the end of the day, Lucas still hadn't woken up. I could see the strain wearing on Mrs. Victoria, her frail form seeming even more delicate.

"Mrs. Victoria, you should get some rest," I advised gently. "We'll keep you updated on any changes."

She nodded, too exhausted to argue. Anna, however, seemed more determined to make a scene.

"This is your fault," she snapped at me as soon as Mrs. Victoria was out of earshot. "If you were such a great surgeon, he'd be awake by now."

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Anna, he's been through a lot. His body needs time to heal."

"Time we don't have," she retorted, tears streaming down her face. "You have no idea what this means."

Before I could respond, the door to Lucas's room burst open. A nurse rushed in, her face flushed with excitement. "He's waking up!"

Anna and I both ran to his side, our differences momentarily forgotten. Lucas's eyes fluttered open, and he groaned softly.

"Lucas, can you hear me?" I asked, my heart pounding.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze unfocused but alive. "Anna?" he murmured, his voice hoarse.

Anna let out a sob of relief, clutching his hand. "Oh my God, you're awake!"

I took a step back, I tried to blink back tears of disappointment. What was I thinking? He was probably not the one.

As always, false hope. I was only deceiving myself. He was awake, and my job was done. I left the room quietly, giving them their moment.

Back home, I was greeted by my twins and my father. It was late.

"Jared, Jamie, what are you two doing up so late?" I asked, trying to hide my exhaustion.

"We were waiting for you, Mum," Jared replied.

"Yeah, you've been gone forever!" Jamie added, crossing his arms.

"I know, sweethearts, but I had to take care of a patient. He's been hurt," I explained.

Marco, my father, intervened, "Ah, come on, kids. Your mum needs to rest. I'm here, everything is fine."

But the twins were unconvinced. "No, Grandma said you'd be back hours ago!" Jared protested.

I sighed, trying to placate them. "I know, I know. But sometimes grown-ups have to take care of things. Now, it's time for bed."

Jamie pouted, "But why do you always have to go? Can't someone else do it for once?"

I knelt down, hugging them both tightly. "I'm sorry, my lovelies. You know mummy is a surgeon and many people need her sometimes. But don't worry, I promise I'll make it up to you guys, okay? But for now, let's get some sleep."

Marco added, "Your mum is tired, kids. Let her rest."

I stood up, looking at my twins. "Time for bed, let's go.”

As I tucked Jamie and Jared into bed, my phone rang. I answered it, expecting it to be the hospital with another update.

"Peyton, you need to come back to the hospital immediately," the voice on the other end said urgently. "Lucas wants to see his surgeon."

My heart skipped a beat. "I'll be right there."

When I arrived at the hospital, my mind raced with possibilities. Has something gone wrong? Or…did he recognize me?

As I entered Lucas's room, I froze. He was sitting up in bed, looking directly at me. After a shower, he looked fresh.

I stood by the door. Not because I was scared of entering. No, but because I finally had my confirmation. I immediately felt the same connection all over again. His cologne. The necklace. His looks. There was no way that he wasn't the one. In that moment, everything clicked into place.

Lucas Forbes is the father of my children.