Chapter 69 Chapter 69
ALL I KNOW is that I fell asleep after that. And when I woke up in the morning, there was no Hendeix by my side—only a letter on the table that read,
“Take care, my wife.
—Huz”
I still remember everything that happened yesterday, and judging by how sore my body is, Hendeix and I really went overboard. But I think he really did stop after I said our safe word, because I didn’t even realize that he had already left. I guess he’s back in the city again for work. He even skipped a day just for me. It looks like he won’t be coming home again. Good thing I have somewhere to go. The question is, can I even walk?
I lowered my foot to the floor to put on the house slippers, which also looked expensive because of how they were made. I could only roll my eyes when I saw the brand name. Hermès?
I stood up and ended up limping because of the pain in my hips, thighs, joints, and even my back and neck. Actually, every part of my body hurts. It feels like I’ll have a hard time moving during the medical mission. Wait, what time is our call time again? It slipped my mind. And what time is it now?
My question was answered when someone knocked on my bedroom door and Roan entered, carrying a tray of food.
“Good morning, Miss Jade. I thought it would be better to bring your breakfast here so you won’t have a hard time going down the stairs,” she said.
“Oh, shut up, Roan. I can handle it!” I snapped as I went to the couch to eat what she prepared. Good thing it was congee in front of me, because I don’t think I could even chew properly.
“Are you sure you can travel alone for your agenda today?”
“Yes, of course. Don’t mind me. Just warm up my car engine so I can leave after this,” I said, pointing to where the keys were. She also handed me my phone, so I saw the time. It was 5:30 in the morning, because the sun was already up, so I thought I was late. Our call time is 8 a.m., but the service actually starts at 9 to 10 a.m. since there’s still registration and orientation. I should still make it to Tarlac by then, right? Sky Villa is just in Pampanga anyway.
I took a shower and got ready before heading down to the garage, where my car was already waiting.
“Thank you very much, Roan,” I said as I got into the car.
“You look very different today, Miss Jade.”
“Huh? Why? Do I look kind now?” I asked.
She shook her head and smiled at me. “You look so intimidating today, Miss Jade. It’s just a pity that Mr. Lavarre can’t see how beautiful you are in your doctor’s uniform.”
“Let it be. He might fall in love with me if he sees me,” I said, scrunching my nose. “I mean, fall even more in love.”
“Yes, Miss Jade. Mr. Lavarre will definitely fall harder for you.”
I gaped when I heard that from her. What does she mean by “fall harder”? Don’t give me false hope, woman!
At that very moment, my heart stopped, sinking as unfathomable ideas filled my mind—ideas of Hendeix someday deeply falling for me. I can’t even imagine it.
And then I remembered what I whispered into Hendeix’s ear last time. I said I love him. Not just once, but twice! Like I really meant it.
And now I’m blushing just thinking about it. I’m so doomed for saying that. Why did I even choose that as our safe word? It’s so awkward whenever I remember it!
I quickly maneuvered my car away from Sky Villa. Throughout the drive, my mind kept replaying the moment I said those three words to Hendeix. He wouldn’t really think that I truly love him, right? It was just a safe word. A safe word. Nothing more. Just sex. That’s what it was. That’s why I chose something hard to say, because I didn’t really want us to stop—but I had no choice. Wait, why am I even explaining this? It doesn’t mean a thing! Okay?!
When I arrived at the venue, it was already a quarter to ten. I kept apologizing to the other doctors while patiently looking for Dr. Apolinaris and Dr. Martino, who were apparently already in their respective mobile clinics and had started operating.
“Doc Jade! You’re finally here!”
The door of one mobile clinic opened, and Dr. Apolinaris came out, greeting me cheerfully.
“How are you? Did you just arrive? Have you eaten yet? Eat first so you can go straight to duty.”
“I’m fine. I already ate. Where’s my assigned station?” I asked while looking for the nursing aides and assistants to show me where my table for checkups was prepared.
“Ah… well, Doc Jade… I forgot to mention it to you. Sorry, it slipped my mind to update you… We have another doctor with us, and she’s the one handling your patients. She wants to work with you.”
“Who?” I asked with interest.
“Me.”