Chapter 41
Ellie’s steps quickened as she heard Alex’s curses echo from the room behind her. She had tricked him into thinking an anesthetist was on the way, but in reality, she hadn’t given him any anesthesia. If not for the tools she was holding, Alex might have leapt out of the bed to punch her. Ellie tried to shake off the feeling of unease that lingered as she made her way down the hallway.
Just as she reached the door, Dr. Vance Tate stopped her. “Mr. Warren has been admitted, so you’ll stay in general surgery for now until he’s discharged,” he instructed.
Ellie frowned, feeling a wave of frustration. “Dr. Tate, I have other work to do,” she protested, her mind already on the tasks waiting for her in her department.
Vance’s tone was calm but firm. “Follow my plan, and I’ll apply for your full-time position when you get back. So work hard,” he said, his eyes holding hers for a moment.
Ellie hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “I’ll go back to my department to grab some things,” she agreed, realizing she had little choice in the matter.
She walked toward Alex’s hospital room, hearing Nancy’s scolding voice from outside. Apparently, Alex had gotten into a fight with one of Haley’s admirers and had ended up at the police station after taking on a group of people by himself. Ellie took a deep breath before knocking and entering.
Nancy’s tone softened when she saw Ellie, and she quickly pulled Ellie over to Alex’s bedside. “If you and Haley are serious, I should visit the Owen family to discuss making it official. You can’t keep getting into fights like this,” she said, her voice full of concern for her son.
Alex glanced at Ellie casually, but his eyes lingered on her as he spoke. “Take Ellie with you. She’s close with Haley, so she’ll help things go smoothly,” he said, emphasizing the last words with a touch of irony.
Ellie’s heart sank. She knew that her feelings for Alex would eventually fade, but hearing about his engagement still stung. She forced herself to keep her emotions in check and replied softly, “Even though Haley is my friend, it’s not appropriate for me to go. I’m the younger one, and it’s not my place.”
Nancy looked at her with a gentle, loving expression, as if she were her own daughter. “Ellie, you have to help with Alex’s wedding. It’s just you two kids in our family. When you get married, I’ll make sure you have a grand wedding,” she said, her tone filled with affection.
“Thank you,” Ellie replied, a small smile on her face despite the tightness in her chest. She had always appreciated Nancy’s kindness, how she treated her like her own daughter, often spoiling her a little. Ellie was grateful, but she didn’t want to owe the Warrens more than she already did.
“I’ll step out for a bit,” Ellie said, eager to escape the room and the rising tide of emotions. As she turned to leave, she noticed Alex had picked up her phone, which she’d left on the nightstand.
As Ellie leaned over to grab the phone, Alex playfully moved it out of her reach. She walked around the bed, but he switched hands, keeping it away. Frustrated, Ellie stopped and glared at him. Alex tilted his head back defiantly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Don’t bully Ellie. Just look at you,” Nancy chided from across the room, tapping Alex lightly on the head before taking the phone from him. She handed it to Ellie with a smile.
Alex winced and shot a sharp glance at Ellie. “Mom, I just got stitches. Can’t you pick another spot?” he grumbled, clearly irritated.
Ellie grabbed her phone and turned to leave, grateful for the brief distraction. As she opened the door, she was taken aback to see Haley standing in the hallway, fixing her makeup.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, Ellie’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly forced herself to look away and stepped out into the hallway.
