Prepare for an emotional and long-awaited reunion as “Chicago Med” delivered a powerful sendoff to one of its most central characters, Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss), in the Season 8 finale. This monumental departure saw the surprising, yet highly anticipated, return of Dr. Natalie Manning (Torrey DeVitto), a reunion that finally gave fans of the iconic “Manstead” pairing the happy ending they had tirelessly rooted for. DeVitto herself has now opened up about her decision to scrub back in, revealing her deep personal connection to the characters and her desire to give their story the closure it truly deserved.

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at Epic Cons Chicago, Torrey DeVitto, 39, shared the intimate details behind her cameo appearance. For the “Pretty Little Liars” alum, the motivation was singular: it was “all about Nick for me.” DeVitto candidly admitted that she “had no intentions of going back to the show” after her previous departure, feeling that “I had done my time and I loved so many people there and had such a great experience, but there was nothing in my head that was like, ‘Oh, I hope to come back.'” This honesty underscores the unexpected nature of her return, making it even more special for fans who had long grieved the separation of Will and Natalie.

However, the opportunity to rectify what she perceived as an injustice to their on-screen romance proved too compelling to resist. DeVitto articulated her long-held frustration, stating, “I did not feel like Natalie and Will got the ending that they deserved at all.” This sentiment resonated deeply with a vast segment of the fanbase, who had witnessed the tumultuous ups and downs of Will and Natalie’s relationship, often hoping for a more definitive and joyful resolution. DeVitto confessed that she “was such an advocate for them,” and openly expressed her disappointment when her character, Natalie, began a relationship with Dr. Crockett Marcel (Dominic Rains). “I was like, no,” she emphatically stated, highlighting her strong personal preference for the “Manstead” pairing over any other romantic entanglement for Natalie.

Therefore, when Nick Gehlfuss, 39, made the decision to exit “Chicago Med” at the conclusion of Season 8, the stars aligned for the beloved reunion. DeVitto was more than happy to return, knowing that it meant fulfilling the hopes of countless viewers and bringing a sense of completion to Will’s journey. “I wanted them to end up together so badly, and Nick became a brother to me,” she shared, revealing the profound off-screen bond that mirrored the deep connection between their characters. “I love that dude so much. And so it was because he was leaving, I was just like, we need to give this to all of the Manstead fans out there.” Her enthusiasm for her return was palpable, as she simply added, “I loved it.”

The Season 8 finale delivered on this promise in a truly heartwarming fashion. In a pivotal moment, Will Halstead made the momentous decision to quit his job at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. His resignation came as a direct consequence of the hospital’s controversial move to become a for-profit institution, a decision that fundamentally clashed with Will’s ethical compass and his dedication to patient care above all else. With his moral convictions intact, Will made a dramatic exit from Chicago, heading directly to Seattle. His destination? To reunite with Natalie and her young son, Owen (Ari Morgan), signaling not just a romantic rekindling but the beginning of a new chapter for their reunited family.

Nick Gehlfuss himself, speaking to PEOPLE last May, expressed immense satisfaction with how the writers chose to conclude his character’s long and often turbulent story. “It was really just a terrific moment and one that I hope brings some closure to fans,” he remarked, acknowledging the deep investment viewers had in Will’s happiness. Gehlfuss further emphasized his pleasure in the nuanced nature of the reunion, noting that it wasn’t merely a couple that reunited in his final episode, but an entire family. “And it’s not just Dr. Manning that shows up, it’s Owen,” he highlighted, underscoring the significance of Natalie’s son in Will’s life. “I really always admired that about Will’s character, that he was willing and open to being a stepfather. So there’s this family at the end, not just a couple, that’s really reunited.” This emphasis on family, not just romance, provided a rich and fulfilling resolution for Will Halstead, closing out his decade-long journey on “Chicago Med” with a sense of peace and a hopeful future alongside the woman—and family—he truly loved.

Fans can revisit Will and Natalie’s journey and all the dramatic twists and turns of “Chicago Med” on NBC and streaming platforms, reliving the moments that led to this deeply satisfying closure.