Chapter 4 It Was Late

• They exchanged numbers.
• Alvin sent her the screenshot. He didn't know what she had planned, and she didn't explain.
• Even though Aileen had broken up with Cole, he didn't agree to it. He also denied cheating on her.
• Unfortunately, he had erased all evidence of his infidelity.
• But just because she couldn't find proof of him cheating didn't mean she wasn't breaking up with him.
• It was just a breakup. It wasn't like a divorce where both parties needed to agree.
• Aileen's eyes started to sting as she stared at the positive pregnancy test.
• He had probably been cheating on her longer than she had realized.
• She threw her phone aside and walked over to Alvin, who was watching a movie on the bed. Aileen boldly straddled him.
• She turned off the lights and the TV.
• Aileen wanted to lose herself in pleasure.
• After they were done, Alvin kissed her ear and said, "Much better."
• Aileen's heart skipped a beat. Not wanting to lose, she replied, "You're not too bad yourself."
• ...
• The next day.
• Aileen and Alvin both instinctively woke up at the same time.
• Alvin was in charge of making rounds that morning, so he had to freshen up and leave quickly.
• Aileen lay in bed, meditating. Her dark hair spread across the pillows. She burrowed under the blankets, leaving only her head exposed.
• Her face and eyes showed signs of just waking up.
• Alvin was changing next to her. He found her dazed, barely awake self adorable. Pinching her cheeks, he said, "I've reserved this room for an extended stay. I'll leave you a key. You're free to use it whenever you want."
• Aileen's heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks started to flush.
• Does that mean this was a long-term arrangement?
• Today, he wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was wearing gray, loosely fitted slacks. He looked neat and put together. Aileen felt embarrassed for some reason, but she also didn't want him to leave.
• It was just on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn't say it.
• Aileen finally reached the hospital an hour later.
• Brenda's surgery was scheduled for the next day. The head of the orthopedic department was personally conducting the surgery.
• Thankfully, Aileen didn't have anything to do these few days. She was able to save money that would have otherwise gone to a caregiver.
• While Aileen was peeling some apples for her mother…
• A group of doctors entered their room and stood in a circle around her mother's bed.
• Aileen spotted Alvin standing in the back, reviewing her mother's medical records. He jotted down some notes, frowning intently at his task.
• This professional side of him was almost too much for her to handle.
• Aileen's heart was beating so loudly she feared they would hear it. Even though there were people standing between them, Aileen felt like they were in their own little world.
• Alvin suddenly looked up and caught her staring.
• Aileen's breath caught in her throat. Her cheek started to twitch.
• She watched as Alvin tapped the head of an intern with his pen for playing with his phone.
• Thank goodness Aileen swallowed her laugh. Otherwise, it would have been extremely awkward.
• The consultation was almost over.
• Brenda suddenly took the senior doctor's hand and said, "Professor Parker, my son-in-law is Cole Wagner from the cardiac surgery department."
• "I know. Cole mentioned it. Don't worry. This is a minor surgery, and Dr. Fauci is one of our best surgeons. You'll go down for a nap, and it'll all be over when you wake up."
• Aileen couldn't stop her mother in time. All she could do was watch.
• Alvin held his hands behind his back. He finally turned to look at her.
• She was wearing a sky-blue chiffon blouse. The fabric was sheer enough that he could see the color of her bra.
• The frills on her collar made her look younger.
• She looked like a freshly graduated college student. Innocent and pure.
• The air between them turned awkward. She didn't know if she should smile and acknowledge him or not.
• Meanwhile, Brenda was still talking.
• But the doctors smiled patiently at her without any sign of annoyance.
• Professor Parker answered each of her questions without rushing her.
• Aileen couldn't take it anymore. She interrupted, "I'm sure the doctors have other patients they need to see. We should let them go."
• Brenda finally calmed down. Aileen walked Professor Parker to the door and apologized, "Sorry, my mom tends to talk a lot more when she's nervous."
• Professor Parker: "That's okay. It's completely normal. You don't need to apologize. Whenever you're free, have Cole bring you over for dinner at my place."
• "Sure, I'll definitely visit when I get the chance."
• Aileen stammered. She felt flustered. Alvin was standing right behind him.
• She felt as if she were untethered to the ground and needed something to anchor her down.
• Aileen went to the cafeteria for some food at noon.
• Unfortunately, she ran into Sandra while lining up for food. She arrived late for lunch, and only one window was left to serve food. Aileen had no choice but to line up behind Sandra.