Ria was re-dressing Alex's wound. "It'll be okay… soon," she mumbled.
All the while, Alex couldn't take his eyes off her, the closeness making his mind spiral with some decidedly carnal thoughts.
'Those expressive eyes… always stealing my breath. I love how her brows crease in worry, especially when it's about me. And that cute little nose… what would she do if I pulled her cheeks? No, no… she'd think I'm crazy. And those lips. Oh God… I just want to devour them.'
He licked his own lips, eyes fixed on hers.
Ria flicked her fingers in front of his face, snapping him back to reality.
"Were you even listening to what I was saying?" she asked, pouting slightly in irritation.
He chuckled. 'My cute little doctor… and she's got quite the temper.'
"Tell me again, Doctor ma'am."
"I was saying you can remove the bandage tomorrow evening. Never let the wound touch water."
He nodded, smiling. "And then?"
"Umm… then… nothing," she said, biting her lower lip subtly.
Alexander clenched his eyes shut. "Don't do that, babygirl," he said through gritted teeth.
"Huh?" she asked, clueless. Her cheeks flushed pink. She always blushed whenever he called her that.
"Nothing," he added, forcing himself back to the calm, 'friendlier' side of him.
"Then… I'm leaving."
"Shall I drop you?" he asked, standing.
"No, it's okay. My driver uncle is still outside. I told you I'm heading home after last night's shift."
They reached the door and ran into Rick, who was doing the dishes.
"Leaving already?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied with a smile.
"Bye then. Call me if there's an emergency."
Saying that she left and Alex plopped onto the cushion, closing his eyes.
Rick cleared his throat. "Ahem."
"What, Rick?" Alex mumbled, still eyes closed.
"Do you even know about her family?" Rick asked, hinting cautiously. He wanted Alex to think before acting.
"No. Why should I care?"
"First I have to woo her, then propose, and when she agrees, I have to meet her parents. I'm sure I can make them agree."
Alex sat up confidently, smiling. "I'll handle that when the time comes."
Rick internally face-palmed. "But…"
"I'm nowhere near that stage. Right now, you should worry about lunch and dinner!" Alex stormed off to his room.
"I thought I was helping you…" he muttered, whisper-yelling as he left the kitchen. "Suit yourself, you stupid f***er!"
Next Day
Café Butterscotch
Rick stood at the entrance, pressing the doorbell as he glanced around.
"This is the café little SIL talked about," he mused, nodding approvingly. "Hmm… not bad."
Before he could ring again, a voice called out from inside, "Come in! The door is open!"
He stepped into the cozy little café. It was early evening, and a few customers were scattered around the warm - lit space. Rick chose a table and settled down.
Bella rushed out from the kitchen to attend to him, a baseball cap pulled low and a mask covering most of her face.
"What would you like to order, sir?" she asked politely.
Her voice made him stiffen instantly. His brows drew together.
'That voice… Why does it feel so familiar?'
He turned around to look at her.
Bella froze. The color drained from her face, and her fingers tightened painfully around the notepad. Memories she had buried deep threatened to burst open. The man sitting in front of her was the reason she had run away, the reason she was living here, away from her family, her life, everything.
"One iced coffee and a smothered chicken," Rick said, trying to match her politeness, completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside the woman before him.
Bella quickly nodded and hurried back into the kitchen, almost stumbling in her haste.
He frowned faintly.
'She is…' He closed his eyes tightly.
'Why am I remembering her now? There's no way she's here.'
A heavy sigh escaped him as old wounds stirred.
Inside the kitchen, Bella handed the notepad to a staff member, her voice trembling.
"Pl… please prepare this and send it to table five."
The staff noticed her distress. "Ma'am, are you okay? Should I call Madam Meg?"
Bella removed her cap and mask, breathing shakily.
"No… I… I need to step out for a while. Can you manage here?" she asked, voice cracking.
The staff nodded and turned to prepare the order. Bella grabbed her phone, quickly texted Meg that she was coming, and slipped out through the back door. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks as she ran.
Back at the table, Rick shifted uneasily. A strange ache settled in his chest.
"Ugh… What is happening? Why do I feel like this all of a sudden?"
Unbidden, her memory filled his mind.
'Where are you, baby? Why can't I find you?'
He exhaled deeply.
Soon, the staff arrived with his order. "Here you go, sir."
Rick looked at her closely. "You… you're not her."
"Pardon, sir?"
"No, nothing. I just meant… you weren't the one…" He trailed off.
"Oh, ma'am is busy right now. Is there anything else you need, sir?"
"No. I'm good."
She bowed politely and left.
Rick leaned back, rubbing his temples.
'What are you thinking, Rick? Your mind is playing tricks. She can't be here.'
He let out another long sigh.