chapter1236

Marilyn made a face, clearly unimpressed. Seriously? They dragged everyone out here so late just to talk about this? She was sure it had to be Lydia's idea. Dr. Tomlinson and Mr. Russo always listened to Lydia. Before she showed up, nobody even mentioned how important robotic surgery was. The second she walked in, that was all they wanted to talk about. Typical.

Yara wasn't bothered by the professors either. She felt totally ready for this competition, no matter what they said.

Meanwhile, Lydia opened her laptop again, checking the main page for the international medical competition. She scrolled through the list, seeing which countries and schools would be there tomorrow.

Connor wandered over wearing his black robe and sat beside her. He glanced at her screen, then asked, "What do you think of our team's average skill this year?"

International competitions were all about team pride. Lydia gave a small shake of her head. "Not great," she said quietly. Then she added, "Mostly because the other teams are so strong." She'd just checked the list. Every school was famous, top-tier, from places abroad.

Also, from the way Dr. Tomlinson and Mr. Russo talked tonight, it was pretty clear the students weren't as prepared as they should be.

Connor smiled and looked at Lydia with that soft, affectionate gaze of his. "That's just because..... our country only has one Lydia.

He kept going, "You're one of a kind, Lydia. Nobody else even comes close."

Lydia couldn't help but laugh. "When did you get so smooth?"

"I'm just telling the truth," Connor said, totally sincere. "As long as you're here, our team won't lose."

Miracle Hands was already at the top of the medical world. Everyone knew that.

"We'll see how they do tomorrow," Lydia said. She was curious if there were any real standouts among this year's students.

"Alright, it's late. Time to get some rest."

Lydia glanced at him, then snapped her laptop closed. "Okay. Whatever you say."

Connor reached over, easily picking her up in his arms. "You've gotten even skinnier," he murmured, worry in his voice. She felt so light now.

He carried her back to the master bedroom, setting her gently on the bed. Then he slid under the covers with her, pulling her close. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight."

Cuddled against his chest, Lydia smiled. "If you want to, I'm yours."

Lydia was never old-fashioned about things like this. Since she'd chosen Connor, if

he wanted their wedding night a little early, she was more than willing.

Connor hugged her tighter, his voice low and rough. "Do you really think I'm some kind of monster?" Of course he wanted her. More than anything. But he respected her Until they were officially married, be wouldn't cross that last line. Besides, she was still fighting off that poison and working so hard every day. How could he be that selfish?

Lydia listened to him, a soft smile on her lips as she closed her eyes. She'd picked

the right man.

The next morning, outside the

competition venue, teams from all over the world lined up for the

security check. Lydia was one of the last to arrive, taking her place at the end of her country's line. There were thirty contestants from her team. Marilyn and Yara were ne

hear af the front, looking confident and chatting as they watched the other countries' teams walk in.

Suddenly, Marilyn noticed Dr. Tomlinson and Mr. Russo heading over to talk to Lydia at the back. She frowned.

"Lydia thinks she's so special, just because she's the dean's favorite. If she's really that amazing, let's see if she can even place in the top three this time."

Yara smirked. "Lydia barely ever shows up at school. She might be smart, but if she never practices, it's useless, Forget about the top three. If she gets into the top ten be shocked."