“The board members are inside,” he said. “They want to start the speeches in ten minutes.”

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“I think so,” he said, taking a deep breath.

We walked through the sliding glass doors into the main lobby.

The space was filled with natural light, the high ceilings making it feel open and airy.

A large wooden reception desk sat in the center, and the walls were decorated with colorful paintings.

In the corner, I spotted Chloe, wearing a bright yellow dress and sitting with Daniel’s sister.

She saw us and waved excitedly, but stayed in her seat as instructed.

Daniel led me toward the front of the lobby, where a small podium had been set up near the ribbon.

The CEO of the hospital was already standing there, checking his notes.

A microphone stood ready, capturing the low murmur of the gathering crowd.

“We are about to begin,” a public relations representative said, whispering to Daniel. “Please take your place.”

Daniel nodded and looked at me one last time.

“Wish me luck,” he whispered.

“You don’t need it,” I said, offering him a reassuring smile.