Love U, Doctor!

First Physical Encounter

"Where are you?" asked Mom.

"Dominic is still on the road, there's a traffic jam, Mom." "What's going on?" Dominic was discussing with his friends about the internship activities he would be joining.

A harsh sigh was audible, and an uneasy feeling crept into his heart. "Mom. What's going on?" he demanded his mother to tell him.

Dominic's mind was truly tangled.

"We'll talk at home later, drive carefully. We're waiting." Despite being pressed, Elizabeth refused to explain. Dominic no longer insisted, driving carefully as his mother requested.

As he got closer to home, Dominic increasingly felt that something was wrong. But he couldn't guess what it was. When he arrived home, he found not only his parents but also his fiancée's parents.

Dominic's lips curled into a polite smile, and he approached everyone with his characteristic politeness.

"Aunt, Uncle... did you come here with Daisy? Where is she? I've tried calling her, but lately, Daisy—"

"We didn't come with Daisy." Daisy's father quickly interrupted, his pale face causing Dominic's smile to slowly fade. "We're here to return the engagement ring you gave to Daisy."

The man was silent, his lips pressed into a straight line as shock filled his eyes. He tried to sharpen his hearing, hoping for a few seconds that he hadn't really heard it. Unfortunately, his fiancée's parents in front of him spoke again.

"Daisy can't continue your relationship anymore." While approaching, they took Dominic's trembling hand and placed a velvet box in it. Dominic hesitated, yet he opened it to reveal a beautiful ring that had once been placed on his fiancée's slender finger. The ring hadn't changed, just like his heart at that moment.

That day, he was left without ever knowing the true reason why.

***

Lena packed her things. Today she was moving out of her boarding house to move into Ashford's house. After officially being accepted as the personal nurse for Mrs. Ashford.

Elizabeth Rosalind Ashford

Lena kept memorizing that name. A middle-aged woman suffering from a stroke. Last night, Lena stayed up late to learn some things about caring for stroke patients. Lena had no prior experience. She had only been a nurse for children.

Zipping up the bag she was going to take, Lena was determined to always carry out her job wholeheartedly.

After making sure everything was packed, which wasn't much since the boarding house provided facilities. Lena only brought clothes and necessities, as well as her college books. Things which she would take to the Ashford house. Lena would reside there during her employment with Doctor Ashford.

According to the work contract agreement, each week, Lena can take a day off if Doctor Dominic or his father has a day off. And if Lena continues to work on her day off, the doctor will add a bonus.

Lying on her small floor mattress, covered with pink abstract-patterned sheets, she realized this would be her last night in this place. Working and getting free accommodation would help her save money. Lena was determined to save up—not just for herself but also to support her family, especially her younger siblings’ education.

Tonight, Lena felt hopeful. A few weeks ago, when her mother called to complain about their income not covering her siblings' daily school expenses, Lena had been worried. With her new job at the hospital, not to mention daily expenses and housing costs, Lena could only send a little money to her parents. Her mother never complained, but Lena knew it weighed on her.

Lena was almost asleep when her phone rang. Despite having an old phone, Lena never felt inferior, even though her colleagues used the latest models. For them, changing phones was as easy as turning a page.

Lena's gratitude stemmed from her father's teachings.

Child... no matter how much fortune you receive, it will feel sufficient if you are always grateful for it. It was good advice, and Lena would always remember it.

Lena saw her sibling's name appear on the screen. Her sibling was sixteen, just starting tenth grade at a state vocational school. They talked briefly until her sibling said, “Sis, Mom wants to talk.”

“Where's Mom?”

Then her mother's voice came through, “How are you, dear?”

“I'm fine, Mom. How's Dad?”

“Your dad is the same, no change.”

Lena heard her mother's soft tone, managing the household, caring for her sick father, and finding additional income. It must not be easy.

“Mom, don't worry anymore about the siblings' expenses and Dad's treatment. I got a new job.”

Even though she lived far away, Lena was always open with her mother. Lena told her about her new job.

“Wherever you work, do it wholeheartedly.” That's her mother's advice: “Take care of yourself, dear. Don't disappoint the doctor who has trusted you.”

Lena listened carefully to her mother's advice. Then the call ended, and Lena rested.

In the morning, Lena said goodbye to the boarding house owner and returned the room key. She carried one suitcase and a backpack. There was one box containing books.

She was about to order a taxi online when she received a call from Dominic.

Lena frowned and murmured, “Why is the doctor calling me this early?” Before the call ended, Lena quickly answered, placing the phone to her ear.

“Hello..”

“Lena, is your boarding house address correct?”

“Uh, yes, Sir. Right behind the hospital.”

"Which side are you on? I'm already on the main road near the photocopy shop."

Lena needed a few seconds to process what he said until Dominic called her name again.

"Hello... Lena—"

"What did you say, Doc?" not sure of what she heard.

“I just finished my night shift, and you’re moving today, right? I figured I’d pick you up.”

Lena quickly asked Dominic to wait near the photocopy shop. Because her boarding house was in an alley right next to the shop. A narrow alley that only fits for walking.

Lena came out carrying a suitcase and hugging a box. Dominic, who was in the car, saw her struggling and immediately approached to help.

"No need, Doc... uh," Lena gasped, her heart pounding when her hand accidentally touched Dominic's.

She stood there, mouth agape, not realizing the box had already been moved.

"Close your mouth, Helena, or a fly might get in." He chided as he turned away.

Blush!

Lena's cheeks flushed instantly. She noticed Dominic's shirt-sleeved arms rolled up to his elbows. Lena swallowed hard, noticing the fine, thick hairs on his strong, muscular arms. Even when Dominic lifted the car's rear trunk, the muscles in his upper arms and shoulders tightened, outlined in the pink shirt he wore.

Usually, Lena felt uncomfortable seeing men in bright colors like pink or yellow, but somehow, on Dominic, it seemed just right.

Lena bit her tongue. Just then, Dominic turned and surprised her with his deep voice. "Helena, how long are you going to stand there?"

"Uh... oh yes, Doc!" her voice nervous, Lena stepped forward and hurriedly tripped over her own feet. "Ouch!"

Dominic was in front of her, quickly catching Lena's body, bringing them close and their faces so near.

Lena hurriedly stood up, "Sorry, Doctor…"

"You're really clumsy."

Lena looked down as Dominic immediately took her suitcase. Following her inside with the box and other bags.

Bang!

Dominic closed the trunk, "Let's go!"

Lena nodded, intending to open the back door.

"You're planning to sit in the back?"

"Yes…" she replied, confused.

"Sit in the front, Helena. I'm not your driver," he said, amused. Dominic walked to open the door and got into the driver's seat.

Lena blinked.

Honk! Honk!

She jumped at the sound of the horn Dominic pressed. "So impatient," she grumbled. Lena finally jogged and got into the seat next to Dominic.

"Helena—"

"Just call me Lena. You must have forgotten, Doc."

Dominic looked at Lena who was looking at him. Out of all the applicants to be his mother's nurse, Dominic chose Lena because she was unassuming, honest, and seemed hardworking. And now Dominic's view of the woman in front of him had expanded.

The clumsy girl, also known as the clumsy girl.

Clearing his throat slightly, "Hm, put on your seatbelt."

"Oh, yes sir! Sorry.." Lena glanced at the seatbelt, and when she tried to pull it, it felt stiff, stuck.

"Why is it difficult, Doctor Dominic?!" She asked again innocently. She kept pulling but couldn't.

"Difficult how?"

"This, it can't be pulled—" Lena's sentence was cut off by Dominic's action of unbuckling his own seatbelt, then leaning closer. Lena caught another whiff of his masculine scent.

Thump!!

Her heart pounded; it was truly the second time in a short while that they were so close. From this distance, Lena could see Dominic's high nose from the side. His face was so handsome, no wonder Dominic was the most talked-about doctor by many admirers.

"There, easy. You just need more force," Dominic said, having returned to his position after fastening the seatbelt and ensuring it wrapped around the girl's body.

"Thank you, sir."

Dominic put his seatbelt back on and started driving.

Dominic's hand tapped the center console. Then music filled the awkwardness.

Of course, only Lena felt awkward; Dominic was completely relaxed.

Please… stop acting ridiculous, Lena! she scolded herself internally.

"Sir, why go through the trouble of picking me up?"

"I already told you—I just finished my night shift. It was on the way. Not a big deal. Better than you getting lost," he said, amused.

Lena rolled her eyes. "I'm new to New York, but I wouldn't get lost, sir."

Dominic's gaze was focused ahead, while Lena occasionally glanced at him.

Doctor Dominic had just gotten off work, yet he smelled as if he had just showered. Lena thought to herself, shaking her head.

"Why?" Dominic asked.

"Yes, sir?" Lena stopped acting silly.

"Is your head shaking because you're dizzy? Earlier, you almost fell, but I managed to keep your head from hitting the asphalt," he said, making Lena's eyes widen. Dominic caught her acting silly.

Oh my goodness!

After that, Lena decided to maintain her composure, staying silent and letting the music from the car stereo set the atmosphere. Occasionally, she glanced at Doctor Dominic. Lena often saw handsome men, but being so close like now made her nervous.

"Watch out!" Dominic shouted, causing Lena to look up with her eyes widening in surprise.

Screech!

Dominic suddenly slammed on the brakes, causing a screeching sound and making both their bodies lurch forward. His hand extended reflexively in front of Helena, as if to protect her.

The car stopped, accompanied by the sound of a horn from the vehicle behind. Lena held her breath for a moment.

Dominic looked at her, "Are you okay?" wanting to make sure she was alright.

Lena was still a bit shocked. "I-I'm fine, Doctor Dominic." Thankfully, they were wearing seatbelts. Dominic's hand was still in front of Lena, a protective position that made Lena's heart pound. Lena glanced at the strong hand, her heart beating faster, perhaps more because Dominic reflexively protected her. Dominic quickly withdrew his hand when he realized it was still in a sensitive area for Lena.

They looked at each other, both feeling a bit awkward. Dominic cleared his throat to dispel his discomfort. For some unknown reason, his heart was also pounding.

They both looked at the motorcyclist in front of them. A woman. But instead of apologizing for nearly causing an accident by intending to turn right while taking the left lane without signaling, the woman continued without feeling guilty.

Dominic opened the window, then raised his hand to the driver behind him. Even though it wasn't his fault, he apologized anyway. Luckily, there was no collision.

Closing the car window again, Dominic started driving the car again.

"We were careful, but we can still get into an accident because of someone else's carelessness," he said.

Lena smiled slightly, in admiration. Usually, men would curse and end up angry when faced with an incident like that. Doctor Dominic was different; he was surprised but not angry. He remained calm. It was a good start, making Lena realize that Doctor Dominic was indeed as good as people said.

Eventually, the car stopped in front of a very large house. Dominic pressed something on his phone, causing the automatic gate to slide open.

Awesome! She thought. Just by seeing the gate, Lena was already amazed. Entering the elite residential area, there were no simple houses; all were very grand, and the house in front of her was the grandest.

Several guards dressed in all black nodded politely, and Dominic honked the horn. It turned out that from the gate to the house building was quite far, and walking would be tiring. And when Lena looked at the Ashford house building, in her mind, it wasn't just a luxurious house but like the depiction of a mansion she often read about in novels. And now, she would be living in it.

"This is my parents' house. I hope you enjoy working here, Lena," Dominic said.

Of course, Lena was sure she would be very comfortable living in the Ashford family's house. Besides needing the money, who wouldn't enjoy working in the home of such a handsome doctor like Doctor Dominic? Who knows, she might be able to...