Chapter 9 You're My Only Hope

• Cole's face was grim as he returned to his office.
• Frustration boiled within him, his thoughts swirling as he blurted out without considering propriety, "Aileen has really made something of herself, the audacity of her to sleep with my friend!"
• Sandra appeared unfazed by the escalating situation, stealing a glance at Alvin before asking, "Did she admit it to you?"
• "Yes, she boasted about it to me!" Cole's expression turned dark, anger in his eyes transforming into disgust as he entertained thoughts of her downfall.
• Sandra looked surprised. "Then she's truly something."
• Cole scoffed coldly, "You're no better, throwing stones with your own stained hands."
• Jealousy coursed through Sandra's heart; despite Aileen's scandalous behavior, Cole still seemed to protect her. Yet she forced a smile, playfully wrapping her arms around his, cooing, "That's not true. How could I betray the people around you? I'm not one to engage in promiscuous behavior."
• "I just can't believe it. She appears so pure and innocent, yet she's capable of such acts."
• Cole was internally vexed, shaking off her grasp, wanting to say more.
• But out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Alvin, calmly scrolling through his phone at his desk, and promptly held his tongue, only expressing disdain towards Sandra, "Keep your distance and sit at your own desk."
• Taking the hint, Sandra retreated without further ado, pulling out her phone to send a message to Aileen.
• 'I know who you slept with.'
• …
• Aileen ignored the message. She wasn't someone to be trifled with. What was there to be afraid of?
• For the next two days, Aileen kept a low profile, timing her visits to the cafeteria to avoid the doctors.
• She was scheduled to be discharged tomorrow but had postponed it by two days.
• The unresolved family matters weighed on her while the hospital provided a safer refuge.
• She needed to devise a plan to obtain quick money.
• That afternoon, Professor Parker and Dr. Fauci came to visit. Aileen overheard them calling for Alvin as they approached the door.
• She glanced through the small window on the door, catching only Professor Parker's face, but his voice was muffled.
• Turning away, she searched the cabinet for tea leaves, brewing a pot as a welcoming gesture.
• Outside the door, Professor Parker spoke with Alvin about a challenging heart transplant scheduled for the next day, offering detailed advice due to the procedure's complexity.
• Alvin listened silently, his demeanor earnest and focused.
• Alvin was a standout among Professor Parker's students, exceptional and inspiring over the years.
• His composure, bold yet meticulous approach, and quick reactions set him apart.
• He remained undaunted by the most daunting situations, which was one of his many positive qualities.
• However, a doctor must prioritize their patients and be driven by a sense of purpose.
• Unfortunately, Alvin seemed to lack this sense of purpose.
• Professor Parker noticed a troubling ambition in him, a dangerous edge that could drive him to unscrupulous means to achieve his goals.
• Recently, he had considered assigning Alvin back to campus as a lecturer, hoping to remind him of the noble ethos of medicine.
• His feelings for Alvin were mixed, filled with both affection and apprehension.
• After his advice, Professor Parker adjusted his badge and added, "You know, it's not all about work. Love is just as important. It's time you considered it. I heard a friend of yours was hospitalized, what's the matter?"
• This question arose from bits of hospital gossip he had picked up and decided to discreetly inquire about.
• Alvin replied, "Nothing serious for you to worry about, Professor."
• Dr. Fauci chimed in with a smile, "Let's not keep Alvin from visiting his friend. Shall we go in? Cole's girlfriend has been waiting for quite a while."
• Professor Parker smiled, gesturing for Alvin to proceed as he followed Dr. Fauci into the ward.
• Aileen had been listening intently, and as the door opened, she rose with a polite smile, greeting them, "Professor Parker, Dr. Fauci."
• Her voice was a perfect blend of softness and sweetness, resonating in Alvin's ears like music and landing gently yet profoundly on his conscience.
• The door closed behind them, sealing off the room.
• Alvin continued past three wards and then turned to open another door.
• There were visitors inside.
• "Natalie, stop. I don't want to hear these plans — I won't marry Jerry even if he threatens to harm me!" Lying on the bed, the woman's face was pale, bruises visible at the corners of her mouth and eyes, and her voice chillingly determined.
• Alvin remained silent and detached as he checked the nursing log at the foot of the bed.
• 'Click.'
• His movement halted as he looked up.
• Natalie froze, inwardly cursing herself for not putting her phone on silent.
• Fortunately, she had thick enough skin to overcome the awkwardness in the air. She grinned mischievously at Alvin, "Dr. Handsome, you're the most attractive person I've ever seen. Can I have your number?"
• Alvin didn't immediately reject her. He observed her for a moment before simply saying, "No."
• Natalie sensed the clear boundaries in his gaze. It became evident that she wasn't his type.
• Marilyn issued a cold dismissal, "I need to rest. Please leave."
• The impropriety between the two was palpable.
• Natalie, eager to avoid any entanglement, quickly grabbed her notebook and left.
• Just as she reached the door, Alvin called out, "Delete that photo, please."
• Turning, Natalie raised her phone, "It's already gone."
• With a casual goodbye and a noticeably gentle tone, Alvin bid her farewell.
• Natalie exited, hastily texting, 'Aileen! You won't believe it! I met your prince charming!!'