Chapter 111 Introducing a Partner

"It was the first time I'd ever been let down by someone." But Alison quickly perked up again. "But since you told me your type, I'll definitely find someone for you. Just wait and see."

The call was abruptly ended from the other side, and Catherine listened to the busy tone from the receiver, sighing helplessly.

Time flew by, and the injury on Catherine's waist healed significantly, though she still needed to go to the hospital regularly for dressing changes.

Manuel mentioned that it was more convenient to get the medication from their hospital. If he wasn't around, she could ask his colleagues for the medication without having to wait in line.

Thus, changing the dressing became a topic of their evening conversations. During the time they weren't living together, Manuel would call Catherine almost every night.

Each call would last at least an hour.

They didn't just talk about her wound; they also discussed other things.

Half a month passed, and Manuel suddenly called Catherine to tell her he was going on a business trip.

During this period, Catherine's wound was still in the healing phase and might get itchy. To prevent her from accidentally scratching the wound, Manuel suggested switching their nightly calls to video calls so he could check on the wound.

Catherine readily agreed.

She wasn't a doctor and didn't know much about wounds. Having Manuel, a doctor, keeping an eye on it made her feel better.

Since Manuel wasn't around, going to the hospital for medication became Catherine's task.

After a few visits, Catherine got to know several of Manuel's colleagues in the department and would occasionally chat with them.

One of the nurses, who looked very kind, even added her on Facebook with a smile, saying, "Dr. Green asked me to remind you to change your dressing regularly, so your wound doesn't reopen. If you need anything while he's away, just come to me."

Catherine raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.

Manuel actually instructed his colleagues to take care of her?

In the past, Manuel probably wouldn't even want to introduce her to his colleagues.

But on second thought, it made sense.

After all, being a girlfriend in name and a mistress in secret were two different things.

If their relationship was poorly concealed on the surface and Manuel's mother suspected something, she might think Manuel was mistreating her.

When she got home with the medication, Manuel called again. "Did you get the medication?"

"Yes, I did," Catherine nodded.

"Good. Apply the medication yourself at home. After applying it, take a photo and send it to me so I can make sure you did it."

Catherine scratched her cheek silently, feeling a strange sensation, as if she and Manuel were a real couple. They called each other regularly, cared about each other's health, and had video calls at night.

Such days could easily lead to misconceptions.

After hanging up, Manuel turned back to the person in front of him. "Where were you in your presentation? Please continue."

Gabriel, who was initially surprised, thought he must have misheard. Since when did Manuel take personal calls during meetings? And about such trivial matters?

After the meeting, Gabriel quickly followed Manuel out and, in a secluded spot, asked in a low voice, "Manuel, was that call just now to your girlfriend?"

Manuel glanced at her and stopped. "Yes, is there a problem?"

Gabriel saw the fleeting displeasure in his eyes, unsure if it was directed at the question or at him.

"I... I just wanted to remind you," Gabriel began hesitantly.

"I know why you are with Catherine, because she saved you. But gratitude and love are two different emotions. If you're with her out of gratitude, you could just compensate her financially or help her in other ways."

Manuel's expression grew impatient.

Gabriel swallowed hard but continued. "If you started this relationship out of gratitude and later realize you don't actually like her, but Catherine has fallen for you, it will hurt her when you eventually break up."

Manuel's cold gaze seemed to pierce through Gabriel's thoughts. "Whether we break up or not is none of your business. I know what you're up to."

Manuel took a few steps forward, cornering Gabriel against the wall, his expression menacing, his presence intimidating. "She's my girlfriend now, and it has nothing to do with an outsider like you. Are you asking all these questions because you're interested in her?"

"No!" Gabriel denied immediately, turning his head. "I'm not interested in her. I just can't stand it. Catherine saved you once, and you're just playing with her. If you get tired of her and break up, she might come to our hospital and cause trouble."

Gabriel spoke without thinking.

"Really?" Manuel's tone was meaningful, a cold smile on his lips. "I know what you're thinking."

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief, then heard Manuel calling Catherine again. "Hey, Catherine. How are you feeling now?"

He couldn't hear her response, but Manuel's expression and tone softened, a smile playing on his lips.

Manuel made the call in front of Gabriel, clearly declaring his territory.

Gabriel smiled wryly. He really was just concerned, not planning to do anything.

After all, seeing Catherine take a knife for Manuel, lying weakly in his arms, would soften any man's heart.

Only someone as cold-hearted as Manuel could see Catherine's sacrifice and still act so heartlessly.

Gabriel truly felt sorry for Catherine.

Catherine received the call just as her class ended. A colleague who was close to her greeted her. "Miss Powell, it's raining outside. Shall we share a ride home?"