Alex cleared his throat, desperate to ease the tension. The small sound made her flinch
"You're the doctor in charge of the medical check-up, right?" he asked, his voice softer now, an attempt to be friendly.
She nodded quickly, avoiding his eyes.
He frowned. "Words, Miss…"
"Za… Zaria," she stammered.
"Okay, Miss Zaria," he said, tone lighter this time. "Are you planning to stay there all day or come inside?"
She realized she was still frozen at the doorway. Startled, she took a quick step in. The door closed automatically behind her.
He didn't like this, the fear in her eyes. The way she seemed ready to bolt any second. But how could he blame her? It was her first time being shouted at, and his reputation, that cold smirk and that unrelenting glare surely didn't help.
Still, she gathered every ounce of courage she had, stood straight, and finally spoke.
"Si… sir, about the requirements….."
But he cut her off.
"Everything is arranged in the left wing, D-block building. Some of the soldiers are already there. If you need anything else, you can ask them. Or…" His voice trailed off. He looked directly into her eyes now softer, almost warm, with a faint smile.
"You can come to me."
She looked back, startled by the sudden change in his tone. Still afraid, yes, but more confused than anything else. She nodded awkwardly, mumbling a barely audible yes. The room felt increasingly uncomfortable.
"Oh, and one more thing," he added casually, a hidden smirk tugging at his lips.
"After the routine check-up of all the soldiers, you will do mine personally. Here. In my cabin."
Her eyes widened. "W–what…?"
He frowned slightly. "You didn't hear? Or you don't want to?"
She shook her head quickly. "No… no."
He raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, yes, I heard. I… I will be here," she corrected hastily.
His smirk returned. "That's more like it."
She nodded, unsure what else to do. Then he tilted his head. "Am I that handsome?"
"Huh?" The question caught her completely off guard.
Sure, he was handsome. Anyone could see that. But she was far too terrified to notice such things at the moment. She blinked at him, utterly confused.
"Exc… excuse me?" she whispered.
He shrugged. "You're still standing here when you're supposed to leave."
Realisation hit her like a slap. "I…. I'm sorry, sir. I'm leaving."
She practically sprinted out of the cabin.
As soon as the door closed behind her, he let out a soft chuckle. Leaning back in his chair, he murmured to himself, "How stupid of me… Of all people, I shouted at her."
He sighed again.
"I'll make it up to you, baby girl."
And that playful smirk returned to his lips.
Meanwhile with Ria.
She sprinted back through the corridor, breath uneven. Meg was outside, interviewing a soldier, but the moment she noticed Ria practically running, she quickly excused herself and walked toward her.
"What happened to you, baby? Why are you running?" Meg asked, stopping her.
"Oh my God, Meg! You scared me!" Ria said, hand on her chest.
"But why?"
Ria pouted. "That General! He is a devil, Meg. First he shouted at me… and then he suddenly started behaving so strangely."
Meg raised an eyebrow. "Oh. You don't know him?"
Ria tilted her head in confusion. "Do I have to?"
Meg chuckled and shook her head. "No, that's not what I meant. It's just… he's your family friend. Mr. Alexander Gonzales." She stressed the surname.
Ria blinked. "Oh! He's Uncle Theo's son?"
Meg nodded.
"I've heard about him, but I don't remember ever seeing him. Maybe when I was a kid," Ria muttered thoughtfully.
"Didn't you miss me, bishes!!"
A loud voice interrupted them. Nidhi came running toward them, panting heavily when she stopped.
Meg smirked. "Relax, there's still time, Miss 'Always Late'."
Nidhi shot her a tiny glare while Ria giggled.
"Okay, okay. Now that you're here, come on, let's go. Bye, Meg."
"Alright, sweeties. See you at noon. Bye!" Meg waved.
Both of them waved back before heading toward the left wing, D-block, where the rest of the medical staff had already gathered. Equipment was being arranged with the help of several soldiers.
As they worked, Ria nudged Nidhi. "By the way, you still didn't tell me how you got here." Nidhi sighed dramatically. "That's a long story."
Ria grinned wide. "It's fine. We've got thirty minutes before starting. I'm all ears."
Nidhi shook her head with a helpless smile.