Be My Cure Now

Chapter 7 An Invitation to Move In

This time, Clarice stepped into a newly prepared rehabilitation room.

Earlier, she had suggested that Ivan go to the hospital for rehabilitation training, given that the hospital had better facilities and equipment.

Unexpectedly, Ivan had a rehab room built at home, and the equipment was newer and more advanced than the hospital's.

'Well, that's what happens when you're a wealthy tycoon,' she thought.

The only downside was that the lighting in the rehab room was somewhat dim.

At the far end of the room, soft, warm light cast a faint glow over Ivan, creating a subtle, ambiguous atmosphere.

Today, Ivan wore casual sportswear made of luxurious, logo-free fabric that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique.

Even with a cane in one hand, he still exuded elegance.

Clarice's breath hitched.

Ivan bore no resemblance to the man she had loved as a teenager, yet there was something familiar about him that she couldn't shake.

Soon, she snapped back to reality.

"Mr. Morris, today marks our first official rehabilitation session. It will be tough at the beginning, but things will gradually improve as you persist."

She quickly shifted into work mode, starting with warm-up exercises for Ivan.

The mask obscured the upper half of Ivan's face, but his exposed lips had a refined shape that suggested natural elegance.

Ivan followed Clarice's instructions, cooperating without enthusiasm.

She assumed that beneath the mask lay an expressionless face.

After returning home the last time, Clarice had looked up information about the Morris family. It was an old, wealthy family with vast industries spanning banking, art collection, wine production, and real estate. Although the financial crisis had caused some decline, the family had recently thrived again under new leadership.

But what role did Ivan play within the Morris family?

He couldn't possibly be the head of the family. He seemed too relaxed and content to fit the image of the ruthless family leader described in rumors, especially living in this quaint, less modernized town.

Clarice realized that she was becoming too curious about her patient.

A good doctor should not only possess excellent medical skills and rich experience but also inspire patients to stay hopeful about their recovery.

While Ivan's leg injury was not the worst she had seen, the severe aftereffects were notable. Beyond the physical nerve and muscle damage, he probably needed psychological rehabilitation as well.

She rolled up his pant leg, revealing crisscrossed scars that were shocking to behold. She could only imagine the danger he must have endured.

"I'm going to use an ultrasound device to soften the scar tissue on your leg. Let me know if it becomes uncomfortable, and I'll stop."

Cool gel was spread over Ivan's leg, followed by heat from the ultrasound device.

Ivan felt a tingling, numbing sensation in his calf.

Clarice operated the machine with focused intensity, seemingly unaware of the world beyond the small rehab room.

A few strands of hair fell along her cheeks, dancing lightly with her movements.

Her long eyelashes cast shadows as they fluttered now and then, like a gentle breeze brushing against Ivan's heart.

Hidden behind the mask, his eyes were filled with a hunger he hadn't realized was there.

An uncontrollable wave of desire rose within him.

"Dr. Ford, would you consider becoming my live-in doctor?"

The sudden, raspy voice startled Clarice.

Was this a sign that he acknowledged her professional skills?

Ivan always seemed aloof, and she had assumed his impression of her was lukewarm at best.

"The current treatment arrangement isn't very time-efficient, and it's costly for me. If you agree, you can continue working at the hospital as usual, but prioritize my treatment. You'll live at the Morris estate, which will facilitate my recovery schedule. Naturally, I'll amend the contract to include additional compensation."

"Mr. Morris, I appreciate your recognition of my abilities. For me, all patients are equal. There's no priority, only a first-come, first-served basis. I'll do my best to help you recover, just as I do for every patient, regardless of extra pay."

While Clarice indeed needed money, the patients at the hospital needed her as well. It was something she couldn't abandon.

Ivan didn't respond, merely requesting her phone at the end of the session to enter his number. "If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

This move was unusual for someone of Ivan's status.

Clarice was about to ask whether she should contact Mike instead, but the day's long work had left her too exhausted to think any deeper about it.

Once home, Clarice headed straight to the bathroom, eager for a hot bath to unwind.

The warm water soothed her body, and the accumulated fatigue melted away with the steam.

In the darkness, Clarice was on the verge of dozing off when an unexpected noise came from the direction of her bedroom, jolting her awake.

'Is there a burglar in the house?'

The rustling stopped, but she couldn't relax. She quickly locked the bathroom door and reached for her phone to call for help.

In her panic, she intended to call Mike, who had left not long ago.

The call was answered almost immediately.

"Hello, this is Ivan."

'Damn, Mike and Mr. Morris have similar initials.' In her haste, she had dialed the wrong contact. But there was no time to fix the mistake now.

In a hushed voice, she said, "Help, there's an intruder in my house. I can't speak loudly. Please call the police!"

"Okay, don't be afraid. Stay hidden in a safe place. I'll be there shortly."

For a moment, Clarice was distracted. The sound of Ivan's voice soothed her frantic nerves.

But before she could fully calm down, frantic banging erupted at the bathroom door!