After much thought, Amelia decided it was best to tell her grandmother about her separation from Lucas. She didn't want to continue deceiving her grandmother if the topic of Lucas came up again.
"Grandma, actually, Lucas and I broke up a while ago. I just haven't had the chance to tell you. We weren't right for each other, but I didn't want to say anything because I knew how much you liked him."
Her grandmother looked shocked, as if she'd heard some significant news. In her mind, the fact that Amelia could be in such a good hospital must have had something to do with Lucas. After all, the old woman could see the young man's intentions towards her granddaughter.
However, since her granddaughter had spoken, she understood that a forced relationship wouldn't work. "Oh, you should have told me earlier. I wouldn't have blamed you. If you don't like him, then it's better to part ways. We can find someone else."
Seeing her grandmother be so understanding about her love life, Amelia felt very happy and fortunate to have her grandmother by her side.
Amelia, like a child, snuggled into her grandmother's embrace and cooed, "Grandma, I met with a big shot at work yesterday, and he complimented my talent. Look, your granddaughter is doing well."
Her proud expression was evident, and her grandmother was delighted to hear Amelia share her life's events. They hugged and laughed heartily, their joy infecting the other patients in the ward, who also joined in the laughter. Happiness was that contagious.
"Now that we've parted ways with Lucas, during these days when grandma has been hospitalized, my attending physician is a young doctor. Grandma thinks he's quite handsome and has a stable job. Why don't we check him out?"
Here we go again, Amelia thought with a hint of helplessness. Her grandmother was always concerned about her love life, a common trait among the elderly who worry about their children's personal affairs.
"Grandma, I want to focus on my work for now and consider my love life once it's stable," Amelia said, hoping her grandmother would understand her feelings.
Although her grandmother agreed, as soon as Amelia stepped out to fetch water, she called the nurse and made up an excuse to summon her attending physician.
"Dr. Xavier Price, do you have a girlfriend?" the grandmother asked.
Hearing the question from the elderly lady, Dr. Xavier Price was somewhat at a loss but responded with a smile, "Ma'am, I'm not in a relationship. My profession is quite demanding, and I wouldn't want to keep a girl waiting."
Undeterred, the grandmother continued, "I have a granddaughter who is gentle, generous, beautiful, has a stable job, and most importantly, is very filial. She's in her twenties now and hasn't found a boyfriend yet. As her grandmother, I'm getting anxious. I hope Dr. Xavier could consider spending time with my granddaughter. Let me give you her contact information."
Dr. Price had met the grandmother's granddaughter a few times, and his first impression was good—she was intelligent and graceful, and it was clear how filial she was, always by her grandmother's side when she had time.
However, being a proponent of non-marriage, he felt some matters needed to be discussed with the person involved, and it wouldn't be right to dismiss the old lady's intentions outright.
So, he acquiesced, and the grandmother, looking relieved, told Dr. Price, "You can go find my granddaughter. Her name is Amelia; she's gone to fetch water for me."
After bidding farewell to the grandmother, Dr. Price left the ward, intending to meet the granddaughter the grandmother was so proud of.
Unexpectedly, he encountered Amelia returning with water in the corridor.
Doctors in a hospital are a common sight, so when Amelia passed by Dr. Price, she didn't plan to stop.
However, Dr. Price called out to her first, "Miss Amelia, I have something to discuss with you. Please stay a moment."
Amelia turned around in surprise but recognized the doctor as her grandmother's attending physician. They had only met a few times, and she didn't even know his name.
Confused, Amelia wondered why Dr. Price had suddenly stopped her. Was it about her grandmother's condition?
Touching on her sensitive point, Amelia dared not think the worst and her expression became serious.
"Dr. Price, what's wrong? Has my grandmother's condition worsened?"
Dreading Dr. Price's response, she was relieved to see a puzzled look on his face instead.
Then, with a young and handsome face, he answered her question, albeit not quite on point.
"No, it's not about your grandmother. It's about you."
"Me?"
Amelia pointed to herself in doubt, but hearing it was not about her grandmother, her heart settled.
Recalling her grandmother's earlier mention, Amelia had an idea. It seemed the old lady was still worrying about her love life.
Amelia quickly explained, "Dr. Price, I apologize for my grandmother's presumptuousness. I hope it hasn't caused you any trouble."
Dr. Price was magnanimous and didn't dwell on the issue, instead offering a kind smile.
"I also wanted to tell you, Miss Amelia, that your grandmother cares deeply for you. Although she can't force matters of the heart, rest assured, I am a proponent of non-marriage and won't pursue you."
They shared a smile, but then Oliver's figure suddenly intruded.
His tall silhouette stood between Amelia and Dr. Price, and his presence seemed to lower the air pressure around them.
"I am her boyfriend. I suggest you, doctor, focus on your duties and refrain from courting patients' family members."
Dr. Price tried to argue, but Amelia quickly and awkwardly explained, "Dr. Price, please don't mind him. You may go."
With that, Amelia pulled Oliver away, surprised by his sudden appearance here and not wanting her grandmother to see him.
Considering the corridor was a public place with many eyes and ears, and rumors could easily reach her grandmother's ears, Amelia decided to take Oliver to a less populated area to talk. After some thought, the only place she could think of was the hospital's rooftop.
Leading him by the hand, they arrived at the rooftop. Amelia scanned the area, relieved to find no one around.
"You just barged in like that. He's my grandmother's attending physician. My grandmother doesn't even know about you. If she found out about our relationship now, I'm afraid it would worsen her condition."
Oliver laughed, his anger turning into laughter.
"What do you mean? Am I someone to be hidden? Or am I not good enough? Not better than that guy Lucas?"
Amelia didn't mean that; she wanted to retort.
But before she could speak, Oliver seized her hands and kissed her forcefully.
This unexpected action made Amelia gasp.
Soon, even her gasp was muffled, and all that could be heard was a muffled cry from her throat.
"This is the price for disobedience," Oliver whispered a warning in Amelia's ear.
Amelia didn't tolerate his bad behavior and slapped him backhand, the sound of the slap ringing clearly on the rooftop.