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Aria’s POV

My only hope and my only wish right now was that he would accept me, and at the very least, give me his number. Maybe through him, I could somehow connect with Dr. Nolan.

After all, they both worked in the same hospital, and I knew that one way or the other he must have a contact with him as his colleague. That was why I swallowed my pride and asked him for his number, convincing myself that it was harmless, and also professional.

But the next thing he said jolted me out of my wandering thoughts. His words were not the soft, considerate ones I had been hoping for.

Instead, he tilted his head slightly, as he narrowed his eyes in mockery and asked, “What kind of phone do you use?”

I blinked, caught off guard. My brows knit together in surprise, my lips parting as I struggled to understand the relevance of his question. “I—I don’t understand, doctor. What do you mean?”

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, though his gaze remained fixed on me. “It seems like you have a lot of storage in your phone. Or maybe you enjoy deleting things often to make space? Tell me, is this what you do with every handsome guy you see? Do you ask for their number just to store them in your collection?”

My stomach twisted painfully at his words. His tone wasn’t loud, but it pierced through me louder than a shout could ever do.

I could feel the heat rushing down my cheeks, raw shame filled my face. It was shame, flooding me until I thought I might drown in it.

I felt so disgraced, and swallowed hard by his casual cruelty, but that was actually what I deserved by asking the number of every doctor I see.

My hands curled tightly around the strap of my bag, until my knuckles whitened.

And just then my trembling and desperate eyes landed at on the badge pinned neatly to his coat pocket. I gasped immediately I saw his name: Dr. Nolan.

My breath caught and I could feel My throat closing, My heart pounded like an alarm bell inside my chest.

I gasped loudly, as I covered my mouth with my hand. My eyes widened as I stared at him in disbelief. Oh no. No, no, no. This cannot be real.

It was him. The man I had secretly admired, the man I had tried so hard to connect with, the man whose name had haunted me and gave me restless nights. Dr. Nolan.

I shouldn’t have said that to him again, he will think that I have no self control because I initially didn't plan on talking to him again.

And his face… oh, his face was more handsome than I had ever dared to imagine. He has those strong jaws, smooth face and cute plump lips.

I felt as though I had betrayed myself by not recognizing him sooner. My knees threatened to buckle beneath me as I realized the magnitude of my mistake.

In a small, trembling voice, I managed, “Dr. Nolan…i….”

He glanced at me, his expression was filled with tiredness, yeah! I think he should be tired of me by now. If anything, there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, but it quickly vanished from his face instantly.

“You again!? Are you not tired?” He asked.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to speak again desperately. “You see, it’s just that maybe… maybe you can give me your number. That way, whenever I have another allergic reaction, I can contact you directly. You could tell me what to do. Please—”

But he cut me off, his voice this time around was so cold. “No need to take my number Miss Aria. If you ever have an allergic reaction again, I am not your personal doctor. I work in the hospital. Whenever you have an issue, you can come here and see a doctor. And besides,” he added, straightening slightly, his eyes locking onto mine with finality, “I am not the only dermatologist in this hospital.”

My lips parted and I wanted to protest but I swallowed my words, that's enough of the rejection…I've tried my best! His rejection was like a slammed door in my face. It's time I give up.

He adjusted the cuff of his coat, already preparing to leave. My heart raced with panic, and I felt sinking dread pooling in my chest. But just as he turned away to leave, he suddenly stopped.

For one second, I thought maybe he had changed his mind, though I wasn't so sure about that.

He turned back, his face now composed of “Miss Aria,” he said firmly, his tone slicing through the air like a blade. “The answer is still no. You cannot have my number. Have a good day.”

And with that, he turned again, and walked away with hesitation or looking back.

I stood there frozen, as though my entire being had been shattered into pieces which were too small to gather. I could hear the echoing sound of his footsteps fading quickly. I could feel the eyes of other patients in the waiting room on me and whispers filled the room.

Humiliation burned hotter than fire inside me. My chest ached, and my throat closed tight as though I might choke on my own shame.

Slowly, I struggled and walked numbly back to my seat. My body felt heavy, and I dragged myself in embarrassment.

I sat down, my hands were trembling as I clasped them together on my lap. I felt like screaming loudly or even crying but I refused to cry in public. Not here! Not in front of all these strangers who had witnessed my rejection. I can do this!

A few minutes later, my friend returned. Her cheerful footsteps approached quickly, but the moment she saw my face, her smile faded immediately. She stopped and squatted close to me, her brows furrowing with concern.

“Aria… why is your face like that? What happened? Did you… did you see him again?”

I forced a smile, brittle and broken, shaking my head. “No, no… it’s fine. I’m just… let’s just go home.”

She looked at me for a long moment, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she gently touched my arm and nodded. We left the hospital together, and I tried to cheer up but my heart was heavy.

One week later.

I told myself over and over to forget him. To erase the memory of that moment from my mind. But no matter how I tried, i always see his face anywhere i go and even in my dreams…slightest things reminded me of him.

His voice replayed in my head, those harsh and nonchalant tones, I knew it was foolish. I knew he didn’t like me, didn’t want me anywhere near his life. He had made that painfully clear.

And yet, my heart betrayed me.

But I tried to distract myself. After all, I was not just a student. I was more than that. I had my own world and my passion for escape whenever I felt depressed…Dancing.

I owned a small studio, not a school exactly, but a cozy space where I could teach and share the love u have for ballet dance skills.

Each time I twirled myself gracefully in the mirror inside my studio room, I felt alive and free from stress at that moment.

One of my students, Nora, had been brought to me by her parents to teach her some steps. She was just eight years old, and full of energy.

Her eyes always sparkled when she danced, though her steps were clumsy because she was a child but…I loved her spirit, and eagerness.

That day, I stood before the wide mirror, my reflection staring back at me as I twirled gracefully in a princess-like swirl. My skirt lifted with the motion. When I finished, I bowed deeply, and smiled.

Nora who was sitting and watching me clapped enthusiastically with a smile, her voice rang out, sweet and bright. “Coach Aria, you did so well! I wish I could learn more and dance just like you. You’re my mentor, and my inspiration.”

I laughed softly, walking closer to her as I sat next to her. My heart warmed at her words. “Nora, you dance well too. Why wouldn’t you? You’re my student, after all.”

Her laughter filled the studio, it sounded so innocent and pure. “I wish I could dance like that. And you look so pretty, Coach. I wish you were my family.”

Her words caught me off guard, softening me from the inside. I smiled, touched. “Oh, Nora…”

Then, with childlike boldness, she grinned. “My uncle is still single. I can set you up on a date! And maybe you can get married.”

I burst into laughter, clutching my stomach. “Oh, Nora, you’re just a little girl. How do you even know about dating? And besides, I'm so picky about men”

Her cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly looked down. “Oops… sorry. But I’m serious. You don’t have to worry. My uncle is also picky. He’s never with anyone. But I know he would like you. You’d be the perfect match.”

Still smiling, I crouched down to meet her eyes. “You’re really sweet, but you see… I got rejected three times just last week. I’m still healing, Nora. It’s not that easy.”

She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. Then, with a sudden spark in her eyes, she said, “Then he can heal you. Guess what..he’s a doctor too!”

I blinked at her surprised, I'm never datingor crushing on any doctor again! Not after the last one rejected me. A small smile tugged at my lips despite the heaviness inside me. “Oh really?” I asked, my tone soft, teasing.

I was just about to say something else when the sound of footsteps echoed behind us.

A voice, deep and calm, filled the studio. “Come on Nora, let’s go home. Are you done with your lessons?”

Nora’s face lit up instantly. She spun around, her entire body radiating joy. “Uncle Nolan!” she squealed, rushing to him.

My breath hitched immediately, did she just say Nolan? And her uncle is a doctor!?

I slowly turned backwards almost against my will…And then my eyes widened in pure shock.

Standing there, and smiling broadly at Nora was Dr. Nolan! He was hugging her tightly.

Wait…he's Nora’s uncle!? The same man who had rejected me three times. His eyes widened as he stared directly at me and he muttered “Miss Aria?”

Oh no!