Chapter 5
1177 Words
Through the glass window of the hospital room, Olivia silently watched her father. He lay motionless on the hospital bed, with only the heart monitor emitting occasional beeps.
"Don't be ashamed of me, Dad," Olivia whispered. "How I wish it was me lying in that hospital bed instead of you."
I'm willing to sacrifice everything to save you.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Olivia Williams? Dr. Patrick Roberts has agreed to perform surgery on your father. He even postponed a consultation with a European political figure for this," the nurse said, handing Olivia a document detailing the surgery precautions and procedures.
Olivia could hardly believe her ears. She clenched her fists in excitement but, mindful of being in a hospital, didn't dare speak loudly. She could only repeatedly thank the nurse.
"Don't thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Deputy Director Dr. Adrian Roberts. He pleaded with his father for a long time on your behalf."
"Adrian," Olivia murmured his name, her mind conjuring up that calm, indifferent face.
She then recalled the events at the hotel on the night they met, and her face flushed red.
He's willing to help me, but I'll have to repay this favor someday, Olivia thought to herself.
The next day, outside Adrian's office. Olivia waited quietly by the door, holding a lunchbox.
At six in the morning, Adrian appeared punctually at his office door. Since graduating from Harvard Medical School and joining the hospital as an intern, he had unfailingly arrived at his office at 6 AM every day to handle work. Over the years, his dedication and work ethic had been evident to all - a meticulous and hardworking genius, earning him a reputation similar to his father's. Rumors suggested he might become the heir to the Roberts Medical Group, if not for Matthew.
As Adrian walked past Olivia, he gave her only a fleeting glance before entering his office.
Feeling awkward, Olivia followed him inside before the door closed.
"Adrian," Olivia paused, "Dr. Roberts. I made breakfast for you. I'm really grateful for your help with my father's surgery." She carefully opened the box. "Yogurt with oatmeal, fruit and vegetable salad, coffee, poached eggs, and in the center, a golden Yorkshire pudding. I woke up early to make it from scratch, not the frozen convenience food from the supermarket. Although I'm not confident in my cooking skills, I thought something homemade would be more sincere. I made ten in total. A few were burnt, some didn't look good, so I chose what I thought was the best-looking one for the lunchbox. The golden Yorkshire pudding, shaped like a flower bud, looked particularly appetizing.”
Adrian paused his work and looked up at the lunchbox.
Olivia felt nervous, waiting for Adrian's response. "I saw an interview with your father the other day. He said his son's tastes differ from his. He likes meat sauce pasta, but his son prefers Yorkshire pudding."
"You're mistaken. Matthew is the one who likes Yorkshire pudding."
"Oh." The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. "I'm sorry, it's my fault for not clarifying beforehand."
"Besides, no one eats Yorkshire pudding for breakfast."
There was a brief silence for a few seconds.
"I'm sorry. Let me get you something else. Dr. Roberts, I can make toast, or I could make you a cup of coffee."
"It's fine, just leave it here," Adrian said, lowering his head to continue his work.
"I want to say, thank you so much. I felt completely hopeless at one point. I'll work hard to earn money and pay off the medical bills as soon as possible."
"How will you earn money? By stripping? Or by accompanying clients for drinks, letting them touch your body all over, or kiss you everywhere?" Adrian stood up, pushed his chair back, and walked over to Olivia.
"For my father, I'm willing to exchange anything, as long as it's within my ability."
"Okay," Adrian said expressionlessly, spreading his hands slightly, as if indifferent.
Okay? Isn't this response a bit too cold, even for a friend? Then again, their current relationship is that of a surgeon and a patient's family member, not friends. Her affairs are indeed none of his business. Why should she expect his concern?
Perhaps deep down, she was hoping Adrian would say something like "Be careful, take care of yourself."
"Have you had breakfast?" Adrian suddenly asked.
"Yes, I have. Thank you for asking," Olivia replied, equally coolly.
The atmosphere was awkwardly delicate.
"Alright then, I'll be going. Thank you, Dr. Roberts."
Adrian raised an eyebrow and made a gesture of seeing her out.
Olivia didn't say anything more and left.
"Miss Williams," Adrian called out just as Olivia was about to exit the room.
Perhaps he had wanted to say something all along but had restrained himself until the last moment.
"If you're going to that kind of place, given your experience, you'd better be careful."
"What do you mean, 'that kind of place'? Do you think dancing at a club is shameful? Then why do you go to clubs?"
"Our situations are completely different."
"How are they different? If you assume I'll encounter danger dancing at a club, doesn't that imply you're assuming people like you are dangerous? Is that it?" Olivia retorted.
Adrian raised an eyebrow, surprisingly showing some expression.
"Come here. Come to me," Adrian beckoned with his long fingers, gesturing for Olivia to approach.
Olivia hesitated for a moment but still walked over to Adrian.
"What do you think?" Adrian asked.
"About what?" Olivia was confused.
"What kind of person do you think I am?"
Honestly, Olivia didn't know. When he helped her multiple times, she thought he was kind and gentle. But he was indeed a cynical playboy, or at least his three brothers were. It's rare for someone to remain untainted in such an environment.
"I..." Olivia hadn't finished her sentence.
Adrian suddenly pulled Olivia into his arms, turned, and pressed her against the desk. One hand gently cradled the back of her head, preventing it from hitting the desk due to the sudden movement.
"You came when I called you. Are you always this obedient?"
"..." Olivia dared not speak, her face flushed and her breathing rapid from nervousness.
She could only feel Adrian's breath gently falling on her. Doctors aren't allowed to wear perfume during work hours, but Olivia could occasionally catch a faint scent from Adrian.
He leaned in slowly, their faces getting closer and closer. The moment their noses touched, Olivia closed her eyes.
"Olivia." His approach stopped. His actions were so aggressive, yet his tone when saying her name was exceptionally gentle.
"Hmm?" Olivia opened her eyes, seeing Adrian's handsome, sculpture-like face and blue eyes right in front of her.
"I'm not like my brother," he said, touching his own lips with his finger, then gently placing it on Olivia's lips.
The moment his fingertip touched her lips, it was light, gentle, and caressing.
Was this a "kiss"?
"I don't like to play with women casually, especially women I care about."
- Writer
