Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Change
She usually called him and left messages on Messenger.
[“Dear Husband, your lunch box is on your work table, remember to eat, love you (。・ ・ 。 ) / ♡~“) $
Shouldn’t she have at least informed him on Messenger, even if she didn’t prepare a meal? No calls or messages–what was going on?%
He hesitated for a moment, then picked up his cell phone and dialed Emma’s number, but it rang for quite some time with no one picking up.%
Did he call her, and she didn’t answer? What was going on? Feeling a bit hungry, he decided to head downstairs for a meal. His office was on the eighth floor, while Emma’s
was on the fourth. He stopped by her office, curious why she hadn’t made him a meal. Was she simply too busy and forgot? If so, he might be willing to forgive her. Arriving at the fourth floor, the moment he stepped out of the elevator, a nurse came up to him with a friendly smile, “Hello, Doctor Luc!”
He merely nodded slightly and headed towards Emma’s office.
“Doctor Janice, it’s Doctor Luc,” said a nurse.
“What?” Why was Doctor Luc on the fourth floor? Had he come looking for Emma? Janice’s face lit up with joy.
She hastily asked Mia, “Mia, quick…check for me, is my makeup still okay?“%
A trace of contempt flashed quickly in Mia’s eyes, but she hid it well. Her face remained pleasant as she softly said: “Doctor Janice, your makeup is still very refined. It’s not messed up.“Q
Janice took out her mirror to check her reflection, reapplied her lipstick, and swiftly tucked the mirror and lipstick into her white coat, then hurriedly followed behind Luc “Dr. Taylor, Dr. Taylor,” Janice called from behind, her voice laced with charm.”
“What is it?” Luc turned around, his tone icy cool.
Janice giggled prettily, “Dr. Taylor, are you looking for Dr. Johnson?” Her soft and coquettish voice continued.%
Luc merely replied with a nonchalant, “Mmm.“@
“Unfortunately, Dr. Johnson was summoned by Director Fred.”
Luc arrived at the office and noticed Emma’s absence, disappointment flickering in his eyes as he prepared to leave.
Not willing to let this golden opportunity slip by, Janice quickly stepped forward, delicately tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, and said earnestly, “Dr. Taylor, do you have business with her? Why don’t you wait here, perhaps Dr. Johnson will be back soon.”
Luc took a step back from her overpowering perfume, and frowned saying, “No need.“”
A blush crept up on Janice’s face. Janice, indeed, was a remarkable beauty, a captivating presence who had once been regarded as the most enchanting among all her medical colleagues. It was difficult to find a senior or junior in her field who did not take the time to compliment her striking beauty at every opportunity. With a figure that many would describe as devilishly alluring, boasting measurements of 36C, it was no surprise that Luc found himself drawn to her and spent considerable moments admiring her. Her allure was not just in her physical appearance; it was also the confidence she exuded that compelled those around her to appreciate her even more.2 Luc’s demeanor was cold and stern, tinged with displeasure. It was his first visit to the fourth floor to find her, but he was met with an empty seat and an empty stomach.2 Noticing Luc’s poor mood, Janice secretly wondered, “Did Emma upset Luc? With the way she was behaving today, perhaps the two of them had a falling out yesterday. Upon this thought, she felt a surge of joy. What was Emma, anyway? Sooner or later, Dr. Taylor would shake her off; divorce was only a matter of time.
Testing the waters, Janice ventured to ask, “Dr. Taylor, did Dr. Johnson upset you?“>
Luc didn’t answer her question, he simply bypassed her and headed towards the elevator.”
“Dr. Taylor, take your time. Come back next time.“0
Seeing Luc’s unhappy face, she could almost guess what had happened. It must be that stupid woman, Emma, who annoyed him, and she wore a look of schadenfreude on
her face.
…3
As Luc entered the elevator, ready to press the button for the basement, he spotted Emma stepping out of another one. He quickly halted the closing door and exited.
“Emma!”
With her hands in the pockets of her white coat, Emma turned and asked coolly, “What brings you here?” She displayed no enthusiasm and seemed disinterested in approaching him. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, with strands framing her forehead, giving her a more casual, carefree look. Her once expressively watery apricot eyes now appeared indifferent and distant beneath naturally arched eyebrows.
Luc felt a pang of disappointment. Squinting slightly, his eyes revealed a hint of coldness. “Can’t I come?”
“Have you finished the surgery?“?
Emma was accustomed to his cold words, which sharply contrasted with the gentle tone he used when speaking to someone from country M in his study. How had she failed to notice this difference? For three to four years, she had played the role of a pathetic admirer, only to meet her end in the middle of the road.
How can someone hide their feelings every day? It’s all her fault! She’s supposed to be an insignificant side character but deludes herself into thinking she’s the protagonist. Reflecting on her past, Emma’s eyes showed deep regret as she glanced at the man before her with resentment. Did she even remember I had surgery today? I thought she had forgotten. So… where’s my meal?!
Luc’s peach blossom eyes frosted over, cool and indifferent, “I haven’t had my meal yet.“”
Emma tightened her grip on her white coat, her lashes lowering to conceal the turmoil in her eyes. “Then go eat quickly; I still have a report to write.” She turned away, disregarding his next words. Her eyes glistened behind her thick lashes, afraid that if she looked at him too long, she’d confront him: What do you think I am? Your nanny? Does the Taylor family need one? Why marry me if you love someone else? Is it because I’m naive, calm, undemanding, always putting you first, and easy to manipulate
Is my love for you making me fear losing you, leading me to tolerate your infidelity? When you choose to confront me or discard me, will I be left with nothing–no background, no family wealth, and no way to hold onto you?
16:28
Luc watched her leave, her figure steadfast and cold, both heroic and charming. Though usually unyielding, he felt a fleeting distraction… Was he blaming her for catching a cold and fever while he wasn’t by her side? Or for not taking her back to the old house over the weekend?
A moment later, Luc loosened his tie, feeling bothered. How come he was distracted because of her?{
The phone in the pocket of her white coat vibrated. Her slender fingers slid to answer the call, “Grandma,”
“Luc, don’t forget to come back and have dinner with grandma this weekend. Remember to bring Emma along. You missed out last time owing to your work. Don’t forget this
time.”
“I was preoccupied last time, didn’t I ask Emma to accompany you to the old house?”
Did she upset Grandma? Judging from Grandma’s tone, it seems there is some dissatisfaction.
“Do you finally have some free time? It’s always Emma who visits. You rarely come by, and even then, it’s just with her. What can I say about you?” Sensing Grandma’s complaints, Luc rubbed his forehead. “Hmm, Grandma, I understand. I haven’t eaten yet, so I’ll hang up now!” Madame Taylor expressed concern, “What? You haven’t had breakfast yet? Didn’t Emma make it for you?” “Grandma, let’s talk later. I need to eat first.“@
…S
Emma also received a call from Luc’s grandma. “Grandma? Are you okay?”
“Emma, I’m fine. My health is good. Remember to come with Luc this weekend for a meal at the old mansion.“@
“The weekend…” Emma hesitated. That worked out; she needed to finish Director Fred’s task ahead of schedule. After working overtime, she could take a leave.
“Yes, the weekend. Are you busy?” Madame Taylor frowned slightly, wondering why they both seemed so occupied.
“No problem, Grandma. We’ll visit the old mansion this weekend.”
“Good, Emma, Luc works hard every day and often feels tired. You should take better care of him. Make sure he eats on time, and if necessary, prepare meals in advance
since his stomach isn’t great, and he can’t afford to go hungry.
Two months ago, Luc traveled to Boston, and since returning, his stomach issues have been more easily triggered. Concerned for his health, Emma started making him nourishing meal daily, which has helped keep his stomach disorder at bay. Is Grandma reminding her?
“…I understand. I’ll ensure he eats well.” In the future, other women would take care of him; she was merely extra. He claimed he was in Boston for academic exchange, but really he went to see his sweetheart, didn’t he? Those who accompanied him returned a month early, yet he deliberately stayed over a month longer. If it was solely for academic purposes, he wouldn’t need to wear himself out like that. If he didn’t care for his health, why should she, an unnecessary outsider, worry about it?
Emma still had to write up a piece of medical theory, so she needed to research resources and literature. She was incredibly busy and also needed to return to her old home
over the weekend. Despite her busy schedule, she started racing against time.
