Lyra returned to Cala’s room after being corrected by Dante. Carvin’s reminder not to offend him echoed in her mind, and she swore she hadn’t ant to.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on Cala, feeding her slowly, careful not to rush her throat, and managed to help her finish half the bowl without throwing up.
After giving the bowl to the maid, Lyra carefully helped Cala settle into a more comfortable sitting position.
She offered Cala a sniff of the faint lemon freshener the maid had prepared earlier. Cala showed no sign of discomfort, then she sprayed a little around the room.
After making sure Cala was comfortable, she went back to the kitchen to discussed the lunch and dinner preparations with the chef.
Outside the mansion, the butler waited at the pool’s edge until Dante swam over.
"Sir, the doctor is about to leave," he said, a towel draped over his arm. Dante climbed out of the pool, and the butler imdiately handed him a towel.
Lyra sat in the parlor, glancing at her watch several tis. She needed to get back to the hospital, but the butler had asked her to wait while he went to call Dante from the pool.
"Doctor... are you done with today’s check-up?"
Lyra stood when she heard his voice behind her. She turned to see him in a loosely tied robe, a towel in hand as he dried his damp hair.
She averted her gaze as she answered. "Yes, I’m done. I should head back now. My second shift is about to start."
Dante studied her with a frown. He had already reminded the director not to rush her.
"You’re not leaving without eating. Join for lunch."
"But... my shift starts in thirty minutes. I really need to get back."
"So you’re planning to start your shift on an empty stomach?"
The authority in his voice stopped any protest before it ford.
"I’ll call the director. You’re running late because of ."
She agreed helplessly after Dante left her with no choice.
The maid began setting the table, and Dante went upstairs to change.
A few minutes later, they sat down to eat together.
She focused on her plate, trying to eat quickly, but Dante kept piling more food onto it, completely ignoring her discomfort.
Unwilling to argue, she lowered her gaze and continued eating, letting it pass for the mont.
When they finished, Lyra reached for her bag, eager to get out of his grip. But he was already on his feet, ready to take her back to the hospital, claiming he was headed in the sa direction.
She knew arguing was pointless, so she agreed.
On their way, her phone buzzed. Rowan’s na lit up on the screen.
She answered the call, turning her head toward the window and covering her mouth slightly as she spoke.
After the brief conversation ended, she slipped her phone back into her bag.
"Who was that?" His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze still fixed on the road.
"My husband."
A faint smirk tugged at Dante’s lips. "Is he always this attentive?"
"Yes, he likes to know I’m safe." Lyra answered evenly.
Dante nodded.
"Tell him there’s no need to worry. You’re with ."
The words rendered her silent.
She wondered how being with a stranger could possibly be considered safe and she swore inwardly she would never say sothing like that to Rowan. Not even once.
They arrived at the hospital entrance monts later. Dante stepped out of the car imdiately and walked around to open the door for her.
The gesture felt almost princely.
"Mr. Cortez, you don’t have to do this. People might misunderstand."
She cast a quick glance around the entrance, as she guessed people were watching.
Seeing him frown, Lyra hurried to explain.
"I didn’t an to be rude. I just wanted to avoid any misunderstanding."
"It’s fine... people will misunderstand no matter what we do. You’re my doctor. Of course there’s nothing to worry about."
Lyra raised her brow slightly. "What?"
Dante tried to soften his intentions with words people commonly used, but her concern didn’t change.
She gave a brief nod, not wanting to linger with him, already aware that she was late for her shift.
The next morning, when having breakfast with Rowan, Lyra leaned toward him.
She had already arranged her words carefully, not wanting him to worry as she sought his permission.
"Um... later I’ll be driving to Mr. Cortez’s place."
"Hmm?" Rowan looked at her, slightly puzzled.
"I think it’ll be easier if I drive myself. The cab was late yesterday."
"Oh... alright. Drive safely."
Relief washed over her when Rowan agreed. At least for today, she could avoid having Dante drive her.
As she expected, Dante frowned when she arrived on her own. Still, Lyra made herself stay firm with him today.
She focused on doing her job as usual and leaving once it was done. That was her goal for the day.
...
Days before, in an abandoned place, Paul was bound to a chair, unconscious.
A shock of icy water crashed over him, tearing a gasp from his throat. His head felt heavy from the lingering haze of alcohol.
"Lenny... where are you?"
His voice ca out hoarse when he first called his wife’s na. There was no response, and his eyelids fluttered open in confusion.
The unfamiliar surroundings slowly ca into focus.
"Awake?"
Paul stiffened. The voice was low and calm.
He didn’t recognize it.
Martin straddled the chair backward, casually flipping a small pocketknife open and closed between his fingers.
"Who are you... where’s Lenny?" Paul asked, panic creeping into his voice.
Martin smirked. "Why do you look so afraid? I haven’t even started yet," he said, clearly toying with him. "Why? Did you do sothing wrong?"
He rose from the chair, circling Paul slowly. His boots crunched against the sandy floor.
"N-no. I’m not afraid... I didn’t do anything wrong," Paul said quickly.
"Really?"
Martin stopped behind him, making him twist his head awkwardly, fear prickling as he imagined a blade sinking into his back.
"Let test you."
He paused and bent slightly. "Why did you quit your job after the accident?"
"What accident?" Paul asked.
"No idea? That’s fine. I have the file right here."
Martin walked to a nearby table and picked up a folder.
He opened it and began to read aloud, listing the date, the ti, the incident, the report Paul had filed, and the nas involved.
Sweat broke out along his skin, and Paul began to feel uneasy.
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