In the chat group for Silver Boulder Private Hospital, Aikin typed, “Wilson has asked that we keep our relationship under wraps at the hospital.”
“Dear colleagues, let’s not bring up my name around Dr. Wilson, alright?”
“Oh my, henpecked? Can’t talk about it at work, so you’re saving it for home?”
“Or, Rivera, aren’t you being a bit too cautious? The hospital isn’t against relationships at work. What’s the worry?”
“Dr. Wilson is stunning, and she’s with you? I’m so jealous!”
“Hey, Rivera, what’s your secret with Dr. Wilson? Share some tips with me, will you? Let me learn from you.”
Bright and early, the Silver Boulder Private Hospital’s chat group was bustling. Following Aikin’s post, the entire staff started buzzing with theories and jokes about his and Norah’s supposed relationship, making the conversation quite the spectacle.
Since Norah was the face of the hospital with a more reserved nature, no one had added her to the chat, allowing the discussions to flow without restraint.
Aikin typed, “Actually, there’s nothing romantic between Dr. Wilson and me. Let’s drop the assumptions, okay?”
“Really? So, if it’s not romantic, what kind of relationship is it? The kind that shares a bed? Hahaha.”
“I feel for myself, having to be surrounded by all this romance at work.”
“Could you maybe not flaunt your relationship so much? I’m trying to work here, making me frustrated!”
Upon arriving at the hospital today, Norah expected a calmer day but was met with sly looks and whispers from passing colleagues, clearly still abuzz with rumors about her.
While Norah was sitting at her desk, Jolie leaned in and quietly asked, “Did you see Aikin yesterday? He’s still bringing up your relationship in the group chat.” Jolie passed her phone, revealing the hospital’s chat group.
On the screen, with more than 300 members, it was alive with chatter, likely fueled by some tantalizing gossip.
“I tried to clear the air for you, but it seems my efforts were in vain,” Jolie explained, pointing at the screen. “Just like before, they’re not only making fun of Aikin and you, but also spreading your pictures and rumors like wildfire.”
Norah’s beauty was undeniable, shining through even without a trace of makeup, making her the center of attention and the subject of endless gossip at the hospital. The idea that someone as visually striking as Norah would choose someone like Aikin baffled many at the hospital, yet it hardly dampened their appetite for the juicy stories.
Aikin’s messages were left intentionally vague, stirring curiosity among the group. Any attempt to clarify now would only fuel further speculation about their relationship, particularly if Norah preferred to keep their association private, prompting Aikin to step in and clear the air.
Norah clenched her jaw. Maybe she had given Aikin too little credit, but no matter. This was just the start. She realized it was time to reshape her reputation at the hospital. If not, she’d continue to attract unwelcome attention from those lacking insight, like Aikin.
This moment was ripe for setting a precedent, showing everyone she was not easy to mess with.
Jolie observed Norah’s swift departure from the department without a backward glance and turned to Baylor, saying, “Why is Dr. Wilson in such a rush?” Baylor, absorbed in his paperwork, responded, “Why concern yourself with the affairs of others? Just keep to your tasks.”
“Fine. I’m just showing a bit of concern here. If I were in that spot, I’d worry about you too,” Jolie retorted.
Norah headed straight for the Neurosurgery Department, only to find out Aikin was swamped with patients at the outpatient clinic. A colleague from the department teased, “Dr. Wilson, you’re really dedicated, running to Dr. Rivera right after getting a moment apart. Afraid someone might sweep him off his feet?”
Norah gave the speaker a frosty look and retorted, “Perhaps you should consider donating your brain if it’s of no use to you.”
It was clear to Norah that only those who didn’t engage their brains would take rumors at face value and speak carelessly in front of those involved.
Disregarding the comment, Norah returned to the Cardiac Surgery Department. She understood seeking out Aikin at the outpatient clinic would be futile now. There was ample time to set things straight with him later.
“Crash!” In a secluded room, Norah, clad in her doctor’s coat, expertly flipped a man over her shoulder and firmly stomped her foot on his chest.
“Aikin, I warned you about my temper. It seems you didn’t quite understand my words yesterday. You chose to test my patience,” Norah declared flatly.
Increasing the pressure, Norah added, “Don’t blame me for not holding back.”
Aikin’s face flushed from the pressure, whimpering under Norah’s hold. The blistering afternoon sun beat down on them as the secluded grove beside the hospital offered privacy for Norah’s confrontation.
“Did Madeline offer you anything to continue spreading these rumors? Were your actions today just to provoke me?” Leaning in close, Norah whispered menacingly, “Did you really think you could play games with me?”
A sharp slap made Aikin reel, his teeth rattling from the impact. Fear took over him.
“I made a mistake, please! I don’t even know who Madeline is, I’ll make things right with our colleagues, I swear!” Aikin’s plea was accompanied by tears streaming down his face.
The previous day, Aikin had been intimidated by someone resembling a bodyguard, keeping silent to avoid further trouble. This morning, his vague messages in the chat were intended to annoy Norah.
Hadn’t he been asked to make things clear? He did explain, but misunderstandings were beyond his control. Imagining Norah’s frustration gave Aikin a sense of victory as he headed to work today. Norah might be stunning, but what of it? They would still be bound together, with her weathering the storm of rumors.
In the meantime, he could gain money from the deal he had struck with Madeline.
Norah summoned him to the secluded grove at midday. Aikin assumed she wanted clarification. However, he was caught off guard by her fierce onslaught.
Aikin was in agony, puzzled over how someone so graceful could possess such force. The pain didn’t just linger; it burned.
“Ah, seeking clarification now? It’s a bit late for that,” Norah said, pulling Aikin’s phone from his pocket and using his fingerprint to unlock it. She accessed the hospital’s chat group, took pictures, and uploaded them.
Norah sent the messages using Aikin’s account. “For those who spread rumors, think twice. Next time you casually toss around rumors, expect this to happen.” Norah’s post with Aikin’s account, showing his bruised face, shocked everyone in the chat.
“Who sent this? It can’t be him, right?”
“Come on. No one in their right mind would post their beaten-up photos. Someone beat Dr. Rivera and then posted these in the group.”
“Who would assault a doctor here in the hospital? Should we alert security?”
Silence took over the chat, with no one brave enough to continue the conversation. The last message read, “Why’s everyone quiet? I’ve already called…”
Witnessing the chat history, Norah had to hold back a laugh. The idea of calling security when no one else dared to type was utterly absurd to her.
Norah discarded the phone onto the ground and gently tapped Aikin’s cheek, offering advice, “Listen…”
“Dr. Rivera, your value is only as much as your bank account. Don’t overestimate yourself. You’re merely a bug under my foot that I could easily squash.” Norah’s voice was cold, devoid of warmth, causing Aikin to feel overwhelming dread. His thoughts stalled, and he shivered uncontrollably.
“Norah, I wouldn’t dare,” Aikin stammered. “Dr. Wilson, you have my word, I’ll steer clear of you.”
As Norah lifted her foot, Aikin breathed a sigh of relief. His gaze remained fixed on her retreating figure, filled with both fear and awe. Norah had an unexpectedly intimidating presence-savage and formidable.
Back in her department, Norah saw Jolie giving her an approving nod and a thumbs-up.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.