CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN – RESTRICTED

She found him in his office, poring over a stack of research papers. "Carter," she said softly, "can we talk?" He looked up, and for a moment, Laura saw the man she had fallen in love with – kind, passionate, dedicated to his work. But then his expression hardened. "If this is about the surgery, Laura, I don't want to hear it. I stand by my decision." Laura took a deep breath, steeling herself. "It's not just about the surgery. It's about us. Carter, what's happening to you? To us?" Dr. Carter sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm under a lot of pressure right now, Laura. This research... it's everything I've worked for. I can't let anything stand in the way of that. Not even..." He trailed off, but the implication was clear. Not even you. Laura felt her heart breaking, but she pushed on. "I want to understand. I want to help. But I can't do that if you won't let me in." For a moment, Dr. Carter's facade cracked. He reached out, pulling Laura into a fierce embrace. "I'm sorry," he wh