CHAPTER 2 : CHECK UP

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. In a few minutes, we will begin our descent into Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The current local time is 9:30 AM, and the weather in Manila is partly cloudy with a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Please ensure that your seatbelts are securely fastened, your seatbacks and tray tables are in their full upright positions, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. Cabin crew, please prepare the cabin for landing." I took a deep breath before continuing.

"On behalf of Haven Airlines and the entire flight crew, we sincerely thank you for choosing to fly with us. It has been a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again on your future travels. In Haven, your safety is our priority. Once again, this is your Captain, Sydney Rae Salvador, and welcome back to the Philippines. Have a great day."

A soft chuckle beside me made me turn my head. Ynari was smiling, her eyes shining with approval.

"You're so good, it’s annoying," she teased, crossing her arms. "You really have that authoritative but calming tone. No wonder passengers always feel at ease when you're in command."

I rolled my eyes playfully but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at my lips. "It’s just part of the job, Yna."

I exhaled quietly, shifting my focus back to the landing procedures. We were almost home.

It didn’t take long before the plane landed. I received nothing but praises from my coworkers because of how smooth the landing was. They even joked that my brother Kent and I were really siblings. I just laughed it off.

Well, our time in Turkey was enjoyable. Those who first thought I was unapproachable eventually warmed up to me after spending the whole day together, exploring the country’s famous spots.

I just naturally had that intimidating face because I used to be mean when I was a kid until college. Maybe I got used to frowning. But when I started working, I learned how to adjust and interact with people better.

Dragging my suitcase with me as I walked out of the airport, all I wanted was to go home and sleep the whole day.

But my steps slowed down when I reached the parking lot. My brows furrowed the moment I realized my car wasn’t there. I quickly pulled out my phone to call our driver.

But before I could even find his name on my contacts, a car honked behind me, making me jump in surprise.

Frowning, I turned to see who it was—and almost wanted the ground to swallow me when I saw Clyren’s car.

The window rolled down smoothly, revealing his familiar face. "Get in."

"Why?" I asked, brows still knitted.

"We’re going to the hospital," he said matter-of-factly.

I huffed, crossing my arms. "That’s not necessary. And I’m not even comfortable getting checked by another doctor—"

"I’ll be the one checking on you," he cut me off before I could finish.

"Do I look like I’m sick in the head?" I asked sarcastically. "You’re a neurologist, right? My brain isn’t the one that’s pregnant. Can the brain even get pregnant now?" I added.

I saw him take a deep breath, clearly trying to keep his patience.

"Just get in the car, Sydney."

I rolled my eyes but still yanked the door open, sliding in with an annoyed huff before slamming it shut.

I stayed quiet the entire ride. How could I not? Clyren wouldn’t talk either. The awkwardness was so thick I could almost choke on it—not to mention the thought that he had already seen my whole body.

"Have you eaten?" he asked eventually. I didn’t look at him, didn’t even answer. I just stared out the window, watching the trees sway with the wind.

"Syd, look at me." His tone was firm, but I still didn’t move. What did he expect? That I’d just talk to him so easily?

My eyes shut tight when the car suddenly stopped. I felt his hand on my chin, gently turning my face toward him.

"What are you doing?" I frowned, slapping his hand away.

The truth? I didn’t really want to remove it. Honestly, I wanted his hand to stay right there, holding me. But of course, I couldn’t let him know that. He might think I still hadn’t moved on from him. Well… I really hadn’t. But that was something I refused to let him see.

"What’s our problem?" he asked as he withdrew his hand. His eyes locked with mine, but I quickly looked away before my face could betray me and turn red.

"Our problem? Nothing!" I snapped before turning back to the window.

"Then why aren’t you answering my question? Are you mad?" he pressed.

Damn it. I couldn’t even be mad at him!

"Are you buying me food?" I blurted out, then froze. "I mean… are you treating me to eat?" I corrected quickly.

He let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, I’ll treat you." He paused. "I’ll feed you."

I shot him a glare. "Annoying," I muttered before leaning back and closing my eyes.

When we arrived at San Matteo Hospital, my palms turned cold. It was a prestigious institution owned by Clyren himself. The towering buildings loomed above, their glass windows reflecting the city lights, making the place feel both intimidating and suffocating. My chest grew heavier with nerves.

I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper as I stared at the hospital entrance. "Are you sure about this? What if there’s nothing to find out? You’d just be wasting your time."

But he didn’t flinch at my words. Instead, he gripped the wheel tighter. "No, this is not a waste of time, Sydney. You’re not a waste of time." His voice was calm but firm, like he had already decided. "We need to be sure, so we know exactly what to do next."

I sighed, feeling my heart race faster. "And what if I am pregnant?" I asked quietly, though my voice was steady, fighting against the fear pressing on my chest.

His eyes stayed on the steering wheel, knuckles turning white as he gripped it harder before finally looking at me. "Then I’ll marry you, Sydney."

For a moment, I thought I’d feel relief—or maybe even safety. But instead, a sharp pain settled deep in my chest. His words weren’t comforting. They weren’t romantic. They felt like duty, an obligation—not a choice.

I shook my head, bitterness clawing at my throat. "No," I murmured, my fingers trembling as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

"Sydney—"

"If I’m pregnant, I don’t want us to get married." My voice was firm despite the chaos inside me. I looked at him, gripping the door handle tightly. "Let’s just do co-parenting. We don’t have to be together."

His jaw tensed before he spoke again. "That’s not healthy for the baby."

"And marriage isn’t healthy for us," I countered, softer this time but filled with conviction. I looked at him one last time, my chest tightening as I forced the words out, "It’s not healthy for you."

Because I didn’t want to tie him down to a responsibility he never asked for, something he never truly wanted.

I didn’t wait for his reply. I opened the car door and stepped out quickly. The cold wind wrapped around me, but it wasn’t enough to cool the heat of tension burning between us.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I glanced back at him. “Come on, I don’t want to stay out here any longer.”

Without giving him a chance to answer, I shut the door, cutting off whatever words he still wanted to say.

The moment we entered the hospital, the chill of the air conditioner brushed against my skin, but it didn’t calm the storm inside my chest. The faint scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, mixed with the soft fragrance of fresh flowers at the reception desk. Everything about the hospital screamed prestige—the polished floors, the towering glass walls, the staff moving with quiet confidence.

As expected, almost everyone we passed greeted Clyren.

“Good afternoon, Doc Clyren.”

“Welcome back, Doc.”

“Doc, would you like me to inform Dr. Marquez of your arrival?”

I noticed how his posture shifted slightly—his usual calm demeanor taking on something sharper, more authoritative. His strides were steady, his expression unreadable, but I knew he was used to this kind of attention. Of course, he was. This was his hospital. His territory.

And me? I just stood awkwardly at his side, wishing I could disappear.

“Who’s with you, Sir?” a nurse asked.

I turned toward her. She was smiling, polite but obviously curious. Her gaze flickered to me, and I could almost see the question forming in her mind.

Clyren didn’t hesitate. “She’s with me.”

That’s it? No name? No explanation? Just she’s with me?

I raised a brow but chose not to argue. Instead, I forced a polite smile. “Good afternoon.”

She nodded back, though I could feel her eyes scanning me. God. I was not in the mood for this.

We continued walking, and soon I realized almost every staff member was either greeting him or sneaking glances our way. It was unnerving. I wasn’t used to this kind of attention. He probably was, though.

“Do they always act like this?” I muttered quietly, keeping my voice low.

“Hm?” He barely looked at me, his eyes fixed on the hallway ahead.

“This.” I waved vaguely at the staff who kept looking at us. “Like you’re some kind of royalty walking through his castle?”

He smirked. “Would you prefer they ignore me?”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Why? Are you embarrassed?” His tone was teasing now, and I didn’t even need to look at him to know he was enjoying this.

“I’m not embarrassed. It’s just… awkward,” I replied, crossing my arms. “And you didn’t even introduce me properly earlier.”

He glanced at me sideways. “Did you want me to introduce you as my girlfriend?”

I froze mid-step. Girlfriend? The word sounded strange—too heavy in my ears.

He walked a few more steps before noticing I wasn’t beside him anymore. When he turned, there was clear amusement in his eyes. “What? Cat got your tongue, Sydney?”

My heart pounded against my ribs. “Girlfriend? Of all things, that’s what you thought of saying?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t mind,” he said casually. “Unless you want me to tell them we’re just two people who had a reckless night and are now waiting to see the consequences?”

I clenched my jaw and stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Or, I don’t know, maybe just your friend? That wouldn’t kill you, would it?”

His lips twitched, like he was holding back a laugh.

I shook my head, frustrated at how easily he got under my skin. “Whatever. Let’s just get this over with so I can go home.”

He chuckled but didn’t push it further. Instead, he kept walking, and I quickened my pace to catch up.

When we reached the elevator, another doctor stepped in with us. He looked like he was in his late forties, clearly someone in a high position. He immediately greeted Clyren.

“Doc Clyren, good afternoon,” the man said with a respectful nod.

Clyren returned it smoothly. “Good afternoon, Doc Marquez.”

Dr. Marquez glanced at me for a second before turning back to him. “Will you be checking the west wing renovations tonight, Sir? Or is this a personal visit?”

“Personal,” Clyren replied calmly. “I’ll be in and out.”

The doctor nodded, not asking further. I noticed he didn’t ask about me, either. Maybe they were trained not to pry. Or maybe they simply knew better than to question him.

The elevator doors slid open at the third floor. Clyren gestured for me to step out first.

Right in front of us was the sign: Obstetrics & Gynecology Department.

Something heavy dropped in my stomach.

This was it. No turning back now.

Inside the private consultation room, the atmosphere immediately felt heavier. Clyren was silent—too silent—but even without words, his authority filled the room.

Dr. Isla Ramirez, the attending physician according to her nameplate, greeted us politely. “Sir Clyren, Miss Sydney. We’ll proceed with the necessary tests—”

“No need,” Clyren cut her off sharply. “Please leave. I’ll handle this myself.”

The doctor didn’t even hesitate. She nodded and walked out, closing the door behind her.

I wasn’t even surprised anymore.

Clyren slipped on a pair of medical gloves like it was second nature. With his usual commanding tone, he pointed at the examination bed. “Sit.”

I arched a brow. “Seriously? You’re the one checking me?”

He gave me an unimpressed look. “You don’t trust me?”

“It’s not that.” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “But you do realize you’re a neurologist, right? This isn’t exactly your field.”

“I’m still a doctor, Sydney. I know what I’m doing.” His voice was calm but firm as he glanced at me.

“Yeah, but this isn’t your specialty,” I muttered.

He exhaled, a touch of impatience slipping through. “I studied medicine. This is basic. Just let me do my job.” He gestured again toward the bed.

I groaned but gave in, climbing onto the examination bed with my arms crossed tightly over my chest. The silence in the room was suffocating.

As if sensing my tension, he finally spoke. “Relax, Sydney. It’s just a simple check-up.”

“Easy for you to say,” I grumbled.

His jaw tensed for a moment, but he didn’t comment. Instead, his hand pressed gently against my abdomen. My skin tingled at the contact, though I refused to acknowledge it.

“Any pain?”

“None,” I whispered, keeping my eyes fixed anywhere but him.

He nodded, continuing with precise, practiced movements that unsettled me. “You’re tense.”

“Oh, really? I wonder why,” I said sarcastically.

He sighed, clearly running low on patience. “Sydney, just—”

“Wait.” I stopped him.

His jaw tightened. “What?”

“You’re too good at this. You haven’t done this before, have you?” I asked, eyeing his hands.

He stared at me blankly. “I told you. It’s basic knowledge.”

I shut my mouth after that, letting him finish in silence. No matter how much I teased him, I couldn’t deny he was good—too good, like he had studied every single move.

A few minutes later, he straightened up, pulling off his gloves with practiced ease. “You’re not pregnant.”

I blinked. “What?”

“You’re not pregnant, Sydney,” he repeated firmly. “The results are negative.”

A sharp breath escaped me. But instead of panic, a wave of relief washed over me, lightening the heavy weight on my chest.

“Oh,” I breathed out, a small, shaky smile forming.

Clyren watched me closely. “You seem happy about that.”

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head. “I’m relieved.” Then I met his eyes and said firmly, “We should never talk about that night again.”

“Excuse me?” His brows furrowed.

“You heard me,” I said, this time stronger. “Now that we know it didn’t lead to anything, there’s no reason to bring it up. Ever.”

“You want to pretend it never happened?” His expression was unreadable.

“Exactly.”

He was quiet for a moment.

“If that’s what you want, Sydney,” he finally murmured, his tone carrying something close to amusement. “Then consider it forgotten.”

I rolled my eyes for what felt like the hundredth time and hopped off the bed. “Good. Glad we’re on the same page.”