Chapter 8 Stranger

• 8. Stranger
• "Hey there, I hope you're feeling better now." Wynter gently stroked the fur of the beautiful white cat before her.
• "Olive is doing well at the moment. He's started eating and seems quite occupied with his toys," the woman who brought the cat informed Wynter during the check-up.
• It had been nearly a week since the hospital's opening. Everything was running smoothly, and Ethan had already attracted his regular clients from his previous job. This was a significant advantage for them as Ethan's exceptional skills quickly earned him a loyal following. People specifically requested Ethan or someone he recommended to care for their pets, which benefited Wynter as she learned a great deal from observing him.
• Despite his playful behavior towards her, Ethan was highly dedicated to his profession. When it came to his work, he displayed a whole different level of seriousness and commitment.
• Unlike Wynter, Ethan has transformed into a close friend. Wynter recently discovered that Ethan grew up in an orphanage and has no memories of his childhood. Despite this, he excelled in school and received scholarships, fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor. Ethan's investment journey began with the money he earned as a waiter, which he used to invest in stocks, resulting in significant growth. Part of his investment capital came from internships he completed the previous year. When Ethan found out about a surgical vacancy at Wynter's hospital offering good pay, he decided to leave his long-standing internships.
• Now, as they both pursue their goals, their friendship continues to deepen. Wynter gently massaged Olive's fur, softly stretching his skin. "You're such a good boy, aren't you, Olive?" Wynter spoke to the cat, meeting his olive-colored gaze.
• "Please, next," Wynter said to the following patient, continuing her day of caring for the animals in need with the expertise of a skilled veterinarian. She injected Olive with a second dose of vaccination, handling him with great care despite his unsettled stomach, that caused him to regurgitate his food. The owners, though concerned about Olive's condition, were encouraged by his growth, and Wynter's gentle touch on the cat's skin immediately brought calmness to him.
• "He may sleep a lot today, but he'll be OK tomorrow," Wynter reassured the person, who smiled back gratefully as she prepared to take Olive home. Seeing the joy on the faces of the pet owners as they happily reunited with their furry companions brought a sense of fulfillment to Wynter.
• As the day progressed, Wynter diligently attended to each animal, embodying the compassion and professionalism of a dedicated vet. When it was time for lunch, Ethan, now a close friend, joined her at the table. Their friendship had blossomed, allowing them to share personal conversations alongside their usual business discussions.
• "Tired lot, I see," Ethan remarked, taking a seat across from Wynter. Their lunch breaks had become a cherished time for them to unwind and connect on a more personal level.
• "Yes, pregnancy can be exhausting," Wynter responded with a sigh.
• "Perhaps you might have slept today. Last week was a lot to comprehend," Ethan said, taking a bite of his chicken.
• "Nope, not happening. I won't be stopping anytime soon; clearly, I will need some off days later," Wynter replied, shaking her head as she cut into her steak.
• "But, you know, being the owner has its own set of advantages," Ethan teased, giving her a wink.
• "Of course, but let's just say I don't enjoy slacking off at work," Wynter grinned, masking the deeper emotions swirling within her. She was working extra hours to keep her mind occupied, avoiding thoughts that lingered on what could have been different if Sean had been by her side.
• She struggled to admit to herself that she still harbored feelings for him, buried deep within. Wynter was trying to let go of these emotions, searching for a stronger sentiment to replace them. However, the weight of her secret—carrying someone else's child, weighed heavily on her, making it challenging to move forward.
• Yes, Sabrina was indeed an exception. She had a kind heart and embraced Wynter, but not everyone out there feels the same way. This world is filled with people who can be quite cruel, just looking to toy with her emotions.
• It's probably best for her to guard her heart and carry on with her life. When her child eventually asks about their father, she'll have to carefully consider how she'll handle that conversation.
• "I see you've become lost in your thoughts," Ethan murmured, trying to bring Wynter back to the present by snapping his fingers in front of her eyes.
• Wynter snapped out of her reverie, giving Ethan a sidelong glance. "Huh?"
• "Would you like to share what's on your mind?" Ethan inquired, showing his willingness to listen.
• Wynter hadn't disclosed anything about Sean to Ethan, who still believed she was in a committed relationship. "Perhaps another time. It's a bit complicated to explain since things aren't always as they appear," Wynter grumbled.
• "I understand, but just know that I'm here to listen whenever you're ready," Ethan reassured with a kind grin.
• "I'll keep that in mind," Wynter replied.
• "Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be out of town for a few days. One of my friends is getting married, so can I take a few days off?" Ethan inquired, his fork firmly in place.
• "You, too, Ethan, are a partner. You don't have to ask my permission. Go there and have fun," Wynter pointed out. "But offer the number of someone you know in case of an emergency," Wynter requested.
• "Sure, I'll email them to you, and I'll leave soon," Ethan grinned as he wiped his lips.
• Wynter gave a nod. They parted ways, and Wynter returned to her chamber, where her patients awaited her. She became engrossed in her job again and didn't notice how quickly time passed, but she became irritated and tired as time went on.
• That afternoon, she had to handle everything on her own since Ethan had departed early that day, and various tasks kept her engaged, leaving her with no time to relax and unwind.
• "Hush, that was a lot to process," Wynter eventually sat back in her chair, sighing deeply, having finished her work for the day. She was having a challenging day, suspecting that her pregnancy hormones were causing the issue.
• Suddenly, she felt bile rising in her throat, the urge to empty herself overwhelming her. Rushing into the bathroom, she quickly vomited into the toilet bowl.
• "Gosh, this is getting worse by the day," Wynter muttered to herself. Her health was in good shape until a few days ago when she began to feel ill again. Looking at the mess she had made her want to weep. She needed someone's help at times like this, but she knew she wouldn't get it. She had to get back up and be there for her.
• With tears in her eyes, she pushed herself up and headed to Ellias' chamber. Today, she left Ellias with other canines who had been taken to the hospital to be monitored for a variety of health issues. Ellias would keep them company outside of the glass, which would aid in their motivation.
• "Elli, let's go," Wynter said as she opened the door. Ellias woofed and dashed at Wynter. Wynter grabbed his leash and began guiding him outdoors. She was in a bad attitude, but she had no choice but to listen to what her coworkers had to say.
• "All right, if there's an emergency, contact Ethan's guy; he'll take care of it," Wynter grumbled. "All right, ma'am," the nurse said. Wynter began hurrying outside again when Ellias' leash loosened from Wynter's grip, and he took off running. Wynter pursued him instinctively. "Wait, Ellis!"
• Wynter didn't pay attention to her surroundings and continued sprinting. She didn't notice when the front glass door opened, and a guy walked in. Wynter crashed with him and was ready to land on his buttocks. A sturdy set of arms curled around the small of her back, keeping her from falling.
• Wynter screamed and closed her eyes, anticipating a surge of anguish to shoot through her back. She gradually opened her eyes, one by one. She exclaimed, her gaze drawn to a pair of electric blue eyes peering into hers. Wynter blinks a few times before regaining her calm and picking herself up.
• "Are you blind? Can't you walk straight?" Wynter had no idea what had happened to her, but she ended up snapping at the blue eyes in front of her. Wynter's rudeness was uncharacteristic. That annoyed the stranger with fascinating blue eyes in front of her, who lashed back at her. "Yes, I am, but maybe that tag fits you better."
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