Chapter 7: He didn't hesitate. Not even for a second

Nat’s POV

I take a cab to the hospital, glancing at the wristwatch where it displays how late I am. Thirty minutes late.

I bite my lips and brush my hair back before entering the building, waving at a few colleagues along the way.

As soon as I check in, my colleague with the previous shift immediately wave. “Nat, you’re here.”

I walk over with a smile. “Good morning, Sera. Apologies for the delay.”

She yawns, stretching as she gets up. “It's okay…” Her eyes linger on my face and her voice trails off. “Why do you look so pale uh? And your voice also sounds thick. Do you catch a cold or something?”

“Just a mild one. I need to prep for my first patient. I’ll inform the supervisor on my way.”

Sera nods in understanding. “Patient Freya?”

I rock my head in a nod.

She sighs, closing the chart in front of her with a thump. “She only ever settles for you. Heavens know why.”

I smile slightly before walking to my office. I have a small window before the appointment.

I was in too much of a rush and didn't take any med or even eat. So I decide to go get the med first.

The health office is just on the floor below mine. Taking the elevator, I arrive in the curtained cubicle, exchanging greetings with the cheerful nurse whom I am familiar with.

The doctor inside is also a friend of mine, so the moment I get in, I already open my mouth to say hi, but the words die in my throat at the presence of two other people in the room.

Perched on the edge of the exam table is Thalie, looking delicate and pale. And standing protectively close, his hand on her back, is Ivan.

[Oh, for pity's sake!] Noelle groans, her exasperation mirroring what is going on in my head.

Of all the rooms in this vast hospital, I just have to run into them here. As if they haven’t soiled my mood enough with their voices. What a joke.

Our eyes collide at the same moment, and the smile on Thalie’s face freezes. My gaze doesn’t miss the way her fingers, previously resting lightly on his arm, now wrap around it possessively.

I turn to the doctor. “Good morning.”

“Nat.” He returns, and his brows furrow with concern as his gaze drops to my face. “What happened? You look ghostly. Are you coming down with something?”

I ignore the lovers’ intense eyes on me and help myself to a seat. “Went to a pool party, got pushed into the pool by someone, and was foolish enough to fall asleep in the bathtub afterward.”

He clicks his tongue with obvious disapproval. “Natasha, you of all people should know how to care for yourself. Let’s get your vitals.”

I allow the thermometer and blood pressure cuff to do their work, my expression calm, unlike certain people who fix their attention on me.

“Temperature’s 100.1°F,” he says, jotting notes. “You’ve got a slight fever. Mild cold, not a big deal, but you should rest when you can. Take this,” he adds, handing over a small packet of paracetamol. “And plenty of fluids. And for Pete’s sake, mask up around the immunocompromised.”

I nod, slipping the medicine into my pocket. “I understand. Thank you.”

With no plans to linger, I turn to leave, but I don’t make it past the doorway before I hear that voice, filled with command and… concern?

“Nat! Wait.”

I pretend not to hear, my pace the same. But sincerely, I wish to get out of this place faster.

Yet he suddenly grabs my hand and spins me to face him.

“What is it?” I question as he looms over me.

Oh, did I mention he’s wearing a new suit?

And also, there’s this faint floral scent on him that clearly isn’t his, and it churns my stomach, sending waves of nausea down my throat.

I ignore the urge and stare at him calmly. “What is it?”

“You are sick? Why didn’t you tell me? Planning to keep it to yourself so it worsens enough for me to take care of you? Seriously? Do you wish to be in Thalie’s position that badly?”

[What the hell is he yapping about?] Noelle grumbles.

And yes, I’m curious too. Where does he get the feeling that I’m waiting for him to come back?

I lost hope already.

I have no chance to rebut before he continues. “Is that why your voice sounds like that this morning? You could have explained.”

Oh… so he cares after all…

“I’d have understood why you behave like that.”

That makes me pause, and I stare into his eyes. “Behaving like how?”

He doesn’t hesitate. Not even for a second.