Chapter 12 chapter 12
Chapter 12
Natalie was confused by Dr. Sean’s sudden call, but regardless, she dropped everything and rushed to City Hospital.
When she arrived at the hospital gate, the security guard instructed her, “Doctor Hart, you are here? Just head directly to the conference room. Everyone is waiting.”
Natalie was confused when she heard the security guard say, “What's going on? What's happening? Is there another emergency?”
The security guard shook his head, “Dr. Hart, I really don’t know what is going on. I was just instructed to tell you to head to the conference room once you're here.”
Natalie nodded, “Okay, thank you so much.”
Natalie rushed to the conference room, but when she arrived, the room was dark, and there was no sign of anyone. She looked around and thought that the security guard must have been mistaken, and just as she was about to turn around and head back, the lights were switched on and everyone screamed, “Surprise.”
Natalie was taken aback, and her heart almost stopped beating. The conference hall was filled with doctors, nurses, and everyone that she had worked with at City Hospital for the last few years.
Natalie closed her eyes as her heart trembled in her chest. She could not believe that this was happening. This, had they planned a farewell party for her?
As Natalie’s mind was still processing everything, she heard Jojo’s voice, “Mommy, you are finally here. You really kept us waiting.”
Natalie opened her arms wide and said to Jojo, “Come here.”
Jojo rushed over and hugged her mum as she explained, “Uncle Sean was the one who brought me here. He said that he had something for mommy, and I had to be here.”
Natalie looked at Sean for a second before her gaze returned to Jojo, “Oh, so Uncle Sean brought you here?”
“Yes, Mommy. How are you doing? I missed you while I was at school.”
Natalie smiled happily, “I missed you too, baby. How was school?”
Seeing how Natalie was interacting with her daughter, the people in the room could not help but feel envious, “Oh wow, she's so cute. I just feel like pinching her chubby cheeks.”
Director Grant walked over and clasped his hands in front of his chest.
He looked at Natalie and said, “Dr. Hart, we couldn't just let you leave without appreciating everything that you have done for this hospital, so we prepared a small surprise farewell party for you.”
Natalie was touched, and tears gathered in her eyes. “Thank you so much, sir. You guys have really left me speechless.”
Another doctor stepped forward and spoke, “Dr. Hart, I've learned so much from you. Your surgical skills are unparalleled, and I wish that one day we'll get a chance to work together again.”
Natalie nodded, “Of course, we will. My departure doesn’t mean that we will stop being in contact. I’ve already spoken to the director, and you can reach out any time you want.”
Dr. Sean walked over and hugged Natalie, his baritone voice sounded in her ear, “I thought that you wouldn't show up.”
Natalie was stunned by the sudden hug, and her heart skipped a bit.
“What are you doing?” She asked Sean. He had never hugged her in public before.
“Uhm, sorry. I was overwhelmed by emotions, so I just hugged you.” Sean said as he let go.
He looked at everyone and clapped, “Come on, time to celebrate.”
As they were having dessert, the lights suddenly dimmed and soft romantic music started to play. Natalie felt that something was not right, but did not think much about it. She just continued to enjoy her cake with her daughter, Jojo.
Out of nowhere, someone tapped her on the shoulder, startling her. Natalie turned around and saw Sean standing behind her. He had changed from his doctor's white coat into a very fancy tuxedo suit.
He stood there with one hand behind his back as he looked at her with a nervous smile.
Natalie looked at Sean with a questioning gaze, not knowing what was going on.
Sean continued to smile. He took the microphone that was lying on the table and started to speak.
He looked at Natalie and spoke, “I know this might sound abrupt, and I don't know what to expect, but I just can't hide what I feel anymore. Natalie, from the moment I saw you five years ago, you made my heart skip a bit in a way that I have never felt before. I felt something I have never felt for anyone. Something that has been stuck in my mind all these years.”
“It felt like we had known each other for a very long time, and since then, I've been secretly admiring you. I've been so madly in love with you for the past five years, and the fact that you're leaving, I just had to gather my courage and confess my feelings to you.”
Natalie's expression turned pale as she stared at Sean with wide eyes. The words he had just spoken echoed in her mind as she looked at the handsome face in front of her.
“Natalie, I know you’ve said this before so many times that you will never get married again. And before I met you, I always thought that I would never get married either. But the moment I saw you, I just wanted to make you my wife.”
“Natalie, before you head back to Sterlin City, I just wanted to express my feelings to you. I just couldn’t continue to lie to myself anymore. I love you so much, Dr. Hart, and I will love you forever.”
Sean knelt on one knee and handed Natalie the rose that he had been holding behind his back. His eyes were sincere, and they were filled with love as he popped the question, “Dr. Hart, will you be my girlfriend? Let me love you in a way that no man ever loved you and ever will.”
Natalie was stunned. Was Sean out of his mind? They had been best friends for five years, and now he decided to drop such a bomb?
Her mind was all over the place, and she only came back to her senses when Jojo pulled her hand.
“Mommy, what are you waiting for? Say yes to daddy.”
Natalie looked at her daughter, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Natalie looked at Sean, and just as she was about to shake her head and reject his proposal, she remembered that many eyes were on them.
She looked around and realized that no one seemed surprised. It was like they knew all along that Sean was in love with her.
If she rejected him in front of everyone, then he would be humiliated, and Natalie would never let her best friend be humiliated after everything he had done for her.
Well, she will just say yes to avoid embarrassing Sean, and then she will explain everything to him later.
After what seemed like forever, Natalie finally nodded her head, “Yes, I… I will be your girlfriend.”
Everyone cheered, and Jojo was the happiest as she clapped happily.