chapter 11

Short chapter just to add bit spice

Elias Matthews wasn’t the type to meddle—at least, that’s what he told himself. Yet, there he was, seated in his office, his fingers drumming impatiently on the polished oak desk as his assistant handed him a weekly report. The report wasn’t about business or the hospital’s finances. It was about Arjun Patel.

Yes, Elias had done something entirely out of character. He had discreetly asked for someone to keep tabs on Arjun, under the pretense of ensuring employee welfare. The truth, though, was much harder to admit. He needed to know what Arjun was up to. And now, he was paying the price for that knowledge.

“Arjun’s been spending a lot of time with one of the new medical interns, Dr. Rei Nakamura,” the assistant explained. “They’ve been seen together during breaks and shifts. Seems like they’ve become good friends.”

Elias’s brow furrowed. The thought of Arjun getting close to someone else stirred an uncomfortable twinge in his chest. Friendship was fine—necessary even—but why did this Rei person’s name feel like a thorn in his side?

“Anything else?” Elias asked, his voice deceptively calm.

“Well, Dr. Nakamura is, uh, quite the character. Seems he’s already made an impression on the staff and...Dr. Adam Carter. Flowers and coffee deliveries are becoming a thing.”

Elias waved the assistant away before they could elaborate further. The image of this Dr. Nakamura playing house with Adam while cozying up to Arjun gnawed at him. A sense of urgency bubbled up inside him. If he wanted answers, he’d have to see for himself.

---

In the ER, Rei Nakamura was like a golden retriever in human form—energetic, eager to please, and radiating warmth. He bounded into the breakroom carrying a bouquet of daisies, much to Adam Carter’s bemusement.

“Flowers? Really?” Adam asked, arching an eyebrow as Rei thrust the bouquet into his hands.

Rei’s smile was blinding. “Daisies symbolize cheerfulness and new beginnings. Thought you could use some after that night shift.”

Adam stared at the flowers for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. “You’re something else, Nakamura.”

Rei beamed. “You’re welcome!”

Arjun, who had been sipping tea nearby, watched the scene unfold with an amused grin. “You’re not even subtle, are you?”

Rei plopped down beside him. “Why should I be? Subtlety’s overrated. Besides, Dr. Carter needs someone to remind him to smile.”

Arjun snorted. “Good luck with that.”

Rei leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, “You’d think he’d be swooning by now. Maybe I need to step up my game. Any tips?”

“Yeah,” Arjun said with a laugh. “Try not to scare him off.”

---

Elias entered the ER under the guise of a routine inspection. He’d convinced himself it was purely professional, but the moment his eyes landed on Arjun, all pretense faded. Arjun was bent over a chart at the nurses’ station, his hair slightly messy and his glasses perched precariously on his nose. He looked...adorable.

Elias’s focus was abruptly interrupted when Arjun turned, walking straight into him. Papers flew into the air as Arjun stumbled back, looking horrified.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” Arjun blurted, scrambling to pick up the scattered papers.

Elias knelt to help, their hands brushing briefly. The contact sent a jolt through both of them. Arjun glanced up, their eyes locking. For a moment, the bustling ER faded into the background.

“Mr. Matthews,” Arjun finally managed, his voice a little breathless.

“Arjun,” Elias replied, his tone softer than he intended.

The spell was broken when Sophia appeared, raising an eyebrow at the scene. “Well, this is...unexpected.”

Elias straightened, clearing his throat. “Routine inspection.”

Sophia smirked but said nothing, wisely choosing to let the moment pass.

---

Later that evening, Elias found himself in his office again, replaying the day’s events. His growing protectiveness toward Arjun was starting to confuse him. Why did the idea of Arjun spending so much time with Rei—or anyone else—bother him so much?

Meanwhile, Arjun sat in the breakroom, his mind equally preoccupied. His heart had raced the moment Elias had looked at him like that. What was wrong with him? This was his boss, for crying out loud!

Rei burst into the room, snapping Arjun out of his thoughts. “Arjun, guess what! Dr. Carter actually laughed at one of my jokes today. Progress!”

Arjun chuckled, grateful for the distraction. “Congratulations. Maybe flowers do work after all.”

Rei grinned. “Told you! Now, what’s got you looking so dreamy? Thinking about someone special?”

Arjun flushed, quickly changing the subject. But deep down, he couldn’t deny the truth. Someone was on his mind, and that someone was Elias Matthews.