The Ember and The Queen

Rain's POV

The next day—Operation

Good thing my meeting with my team in New York was rescheduled, so I could finally attend my Dad's debrief. I made sure to clear my schedule and head straight to the hospital. When I arrived, I found Mom, Dad, and Ate Riley waiting anxiously. They were all gathered around, silently waiting for the doctors to come in, their faces full of quiet tension.

The air in the room felt thick, and the quiet murmurs between my parents were only interrupted by the occasional shuffle of papers. I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment, knowing what was about to happen. My father was about to undergo a major operation, and yet, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off.

Just as I took a step forward, the door swung open. In walked Dr. Salvador, followed by Dr. Jacobe, and then—Kai.

My stomach did a flip at the sight of her.

The moment my dad saw her, his face lit up in recognition. "Kai!?? Anong ginagawa mo dito?? Come here!" he called, his usual confident demeanor giving way to the excitement of seeing a familiar face.

Kai approached him, offering him a warm hug. "Kamusta kayo, Cong?" she greeted, her voice calm and easy, as though nothing had changed.

Dad chuckled. "Ito, nakahilata—ooperahan ako sa utak mamaya," he said, with a mock-serious tone.

But as the words left his mouth, I found myself growing more and more confused. What the hell is she doing here? I thought to myself. I thought she was just a medrep... right?

Before I could gather my thoughts, Dr. Jacobe cleared his throat, bringing the focus back to the matter at hand. "Shall we begin the debrief?" he asked, his voice steady, professional.

"Oh! Sorry, Doctor. Na-excited lang ako makita tong si Kai!" Dad replied, waving off his earlier excitement with a casual shrug.

Dr. Jacobe gave a polite smile and said, "Mgakakilala pala kayo, Cong!"

"Abay siyempre—diba, Kai?" Dad responded, chuckling and looking at her fondly.

Kai just smiled, a small but knowing grin playing at the corners of her lips. It was strange—she seemed so different now. Calm, controlled, but there was something about her that made me uneasy. Was it the way she fit into this world of doctors, this professional environment? Or was it the lingering tension from last night?

I couldn't focus. My mind was still racing with questions.

I turned to Dr. Jacobe, my voice a little sharper than I intended. "Dr... akala ko ba dadating ngayon ang doctor from Germany?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure, though confusion was beginning to get the better of me. I glanced past Dr. Jacobe and through the door, expecting to see someone else following behind them.

"Parang wala naman kayong kasama—don't tell me..." I trailed off, not wanting to voice the suspicion that was starting to rise in me.

Before I could finish, Dr. Jacobe quickly cut me off. "Oh! Sorry, Doctor Celmar—I forgot..." His face turned sheepish as he looked at me, clearly realizing what he'd missed. Then he straightened up and motioned toward Kai. "Everyone, allow me to formally introduce the lead neurosurgeon who will be operating on Congressman Celmar," he said, beaming.

"This is Dr. Keisha Montinola. Trained and licensed under the Bundesärztekammer, board-certified in Germany, specializing in complicated brain and spinal surgeries. Known globally as 'Miracle Hands' for her record-breaking successes."