Aria cast her an ambiguous glance.
Harper found it somewhat amusing yet a bit resigned, so she explained, "He's just a fellow alumnus from my college days."
Upon hearing this, Aria smiled but didn't press further, though not convinced.
Patrick's kindness toward Harper had long surpassed mere alumni camaraderie, appearing more like someone caring for a girlfriend.
As everyone knew, in the workplace, it was customary for couples to maintain some distance.
While she and Harper got along well, but if she didn't want to divulge certain matters, Aria wouldn't pry.
After showering and changing into fresh clothes, they descended to have their meal.
Patrick poured them each a glass of lemon water, saying, "I've ordered a few specialty dishes. Is there anything else you want? Take a look at the menu and add on."
Aria Reed shook her head. "I'm not picky. Anything is fine."
"I'm fine as well." Harper set the menu aside. "You may choose for us, Patrick."
"Don't fret. It's essential to relax before the competition. Being overly tense can hinder performance." Patrick smiled, directing his gaze toward Harper.
Harper and Aria nodded in agreement, not sensing anything out of the ordinary.
Patrick was quite skilled in his profession. Otherwise, he wouldn't have quickly found stability at the T-shine Company.
"Is there any place you'd like to visit? Tomorrow, we could wander around, unwind, and perhaps find some inspiration."
Upon hearing this, Harper inquired, "Do you know how far the earthquake site is from here?"
Patrick took out his phone, checked the map, and said, "It's not far. Would you like to go? If so, we can visit together."
Harper nodded and then turned to Aria. "Would you like to come too, Aria? Let's go together."
Aria waved her hand while shaking her head. "No. I'll pass on joining you."
With that kind of refusal, it was as if she'd be a glaring third wheel.
Harper knew she misunderstood again. Aria probably hadn't registered their conversation from earlier in the room.
Just as she pondered explaining further, Patrick interjected, "Then you should rest well here tomorrow."
Looking at Harper, he added, "Shall we depart at 9 a.m. tomorrow?"
Harper hesitated, only to respond after a while, "Alright."
When Joseph and his group landed late at night, they took a taxi directly to the hotel.
Observing the refined quartet, the receptionist regretfully stated, "I'm sorry, but we only have two vacant rooms available."
Upon hearing that, all four were put in a difficult spot.
Nathan suggested, "Should we check out another hotel?"
The receptionist elaborated, "This has been the norm in Bagores for the past couple of years. If you check in after 8 p.m., there usually aren't any available rooms left. You can verify it if you wish, but returning later might result in no rooms left, even those two."
This put everyone in a predicament.
With one room, at most two people could stay. As there were three men and one woman, the two male doctors would certainly share one room.
As for the remaining...
Olivia felt a tinge of delight but masked it with an air of reluctance and shyness.
Nathan and Daniel exchanged glances, waiting for Joseph to speak up.
Observing the situation, the receptionist quickly chimed in, "The other room is a suite. It has two parts, an inner room and an outer room, with a connecting door. Sharing the suite should be acceptable between acquaintances of the opposite sex."
"Then we'll share a room." Daniel chuckled, "Dr. Lucas, you and Dr. Smith are quite familiar, should it be okay for you to live together?"
Olivia smiled subtly. "I don't mind."
Joseph frowned almost imperceptibly, choosing not to object verbally.
Upon reaching their suite upstairs, Joseph noted the spaciousness of the unit, comprising two interconnecting rooms.
With anticipation in her eyes, Olivia inquired, "Joseph, will you sleep inside or outside?"
Joseph instinctively furrowed his brow. "You can take the inner room; I'll stay outside."
Foreseeing his response, Olivia nodded. "Understood."
With the night growing late, the two quickly tidied up before retiring to their respective spaces.
At that moment, they had no inkling that someone else was also staying at the same hotel, just a few floors away.
Harper had long finished her nightly ritual and settled into bed but found herself unable to sleep, engaging in conversation with Aria.
Suddenly struck by a thought, she sat up, holding her phone.
They had shared a bed just yesterday.
But the entire day had passed without a message from Joseph. Was he still caught up with work?
After hesitating, she sent a message.
Harper: [Rocky's stomach issues will take some time to resolve. I'm away; please remember to give him his medication.]
Completing the message, she placed her phone on the bedside table.
Feeling a blush creep up her face, Harper fanned herself with her hand before exhaling.
Perplexed, Aria gazed at her. "What's wrong? The air conditioning isn't that warm. Why do you look like you're struggling to breathe?"
Harper chuckled and shook her head. "It's nothing."
She was unsure of herself about the actions. She reasoned that it was merely a message to Joseph and nothing to feel awkward about.
After a considerable pause, Harper picked up her phone again, only to find no response. Could he have missed it?
After much deliberation, she dialed his number directly.
Joseph was seated on the couch when Harper's name lit up on his phone screen. He answered the call.
"Did I disturb you?" Harper's soft voice whispered through the receiver as if she were right beside him.
Joseph involuntarily curved his lips. "Not at all. What's up?"
"Rocky's stomach hasn't been well recently, and there are two days' worth of meds left. Remember to soak his kibble before feeding him and avoid taking him for a bath until he's better."
With immense patience, Joseph listened to her and responded, "I forgot to mention that I'm also on a business trip and had Rocky sent for boarding."
"I see."
"Joseph," Suddenly, Olivia's voice sounded from behind Joseph, softly calling his name.
Turning around, Joseph appeared slightly surprised at her sudden presence.
Olivia, clad in a thin nightgown, leaned against the already slightly opened divider, expressing some dissatisfaction. "The bed quality at this hotel is quite poor. It's uncomfortable to sleep on."
In the tranquil night, even through the phone, Harper could hear them.
Her heart sank heavily, a thin layer of sweat forming in her palms, her throat constricting uncomfortably.