**Chapter 16: The Past Comes Back to Haunt Her**

The air seemed to thicken as Luka approached them, his eyes never leaving Pamela's face. Dr. Carter, sensing the tension, shifted his weight slightly, his eyes flicking between Pamela and Luka with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Luka," Pamela managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Luka's smile widened as he reached out to her, his hand hovering in mid-air before she awkwardly shook it. "It's been a while," he said, his voice low and smooth. Pamela felt a shiver run down her spine as she recalled the way his touch used to make her feel. She had thought she was over him, that she had moved on, but the flutter in her chest told a different story. Dr. Carter cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "I'm Dr. Carter," he said, his hand extending to Luka. Luka's handshake was firm as he greeted Dr. Carter, his eyes never leaving Pamela's face. "Nice to meet you, Doc," he said, his tone friendly. Pamela felt a pang of annoyance at Luka's easy charm. He had always been able to turn on the charm, to make people like him, but she knew better. She knew the pain and heartache he was capable of inflicting. As they stood there, the tension between them grew thicker, until it felt like they were the only three people in the ER. Pamela's colleagues seemed to fade into the background, their whispers and murmurs a distant hum. Dr. Carter, sensing the awkwardness, tried to steer the conversation towards safer topics. "So, Luka, what brings you to our hospital?" Luka's eyes flicked to Dr. Carter, and for a moment, Pamela thought she saw a flash of something - guilt, maybe, or regret. But it was quickly replaced by a charming smile. "Just a routine check-up," he said, his voice light. "I've been having some... issues lately." Pamela raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. Luka had never been one to admit to weakness, and she wondered what was going on. But before she could ask any questions, Luka turned to her. "Pamela, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low. Pamela hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her wanted to avoid him, to tell him she was busy, but another part of her was curious. What did he want? Dr. Carter, sensing her uncertainty, stepped in. "I think that's a good idea," he said, his eyes locked on Luka's. "Pamela, why don't you take a break and talk to... your colleague?" Pamela nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She knew that once she stepped away with Luka, there was no going back. The past was about to collide with her present, and she wasn't sure if she was ready.