RN hospital.
Ria gently shook Alexander's shoulder.
"Xander, wake up."
Alex frowned in his sleep.
"Come on, get up, Xander. It's getting late. You haven't eaten anything yet."
Alex finally opened his eyes, slowly, lazily.
"Yes, babygirl," he murmured in that husky, gravelly voice that always made Ria's heart skip.
The endearment sent a familiar blush up her cheeks. Trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering violently in her stomach, she cleared her throat.
"It's lunch time. Are you going back or… shall we…" She trailed off in a tiny voice.
Alex stood up immediately. He didn't waste even a second.
"Shall we eat outside?" he asked.
Ria simply nodded.
He grabbed his coat in a hurry.
"Xander, careful! You're injured," Ria said, her worry slipping into her tone.
Some ridiculous thoughts crossed Alex's mind, and a subtle smirk tugged at his lips.
"Ugh!" he winced dramatically, faking pain.
The great War God, General Gonzales, who didn't care about bullets, blades, or broken bones, was now acting like a fragile maiden in front of his pretty doctor.
Ria rushed to him instantly.
"What happened, Xander? Is it hurting?" she asked, eyes full of concern.
"Ugh… yeah," he said, wearing the most pitiful expression.
"How stupid of me… How could I forget you're injured?" she mumbled, gently taking the jacket from his hands and helping him wear it.
"You should rest, Xander. Let's do one thing... let's cancel the lunch plan and…"
Alex didn't see that coming. He cut her off immediately.
"No need! We should go. You know, food is essential. We can't skip meals just because I'm injured. Come, let's go!"
He spoke so fast he didn't even stop to breathe.
Ria blinked, unable to comprehend half of what he said. Before she could react, he was already dragging her toward the door.
"But how will you drive in this condition?" she ssked softly.
Alex froze for half a second, instantly trying to cook up another lie.
"That…"
Of course he could drive. But he had to stay committed to the fake pain he himself created.
"Slow down, Xander…"
"How about this," Ria suggested gently. "Let's go to the nearest hotel… apparently it's my favourite."
"That works," he replied immediately, satisfied.
Ria smiled and walked alongside him. He naturally slowed his pace to match hers. Being sick has its perks too, he thought, the corner of his lips lifting.
They walked toward the nearby hotel, 'The International'. One of the most prestigious hotels, owned by the Filschs. Alex smirked. His girl sure had good taste.
The staff greeted her warmly, and a lady led them to a private chamber. It was obvious she came here often; even the manager seemed familiar with her. The thought of her visiting this place with someone else pricked him sharply, and before he could stop himself, he asked,
"Looks like someone comes here often."
She smiled. "Yup. I like it here. They have a wide variety of dishes, from all around the world."
"Oh."
He barely heard her explanation. His mind was too busy imagining her here with another man.
"You come here alone?" he asked, pulling out a chair for her like a gentleman.
"Umm… yeah, sometimes. But most of the time I'm with my friends," she replied, settling down with a soft smile.
He nodded and took the seat opposite her.
"Friends like… colleagues?" he probed again.
She tapped her forehead lightly. "Oh! I forgot to introduce them to you. Not colleagues exactly, but yeah there's Nidhi. Do you remember the pediatrician who was with us at your camp during the checkup?"
"I think I saw her."
"Yeah. And then there's Meg and Bella."
His heart eased instantly hearing only women's names.
She continued, "I'll introduce you to them one day."
He nodded with a smile just as the waiter arrived. Alex glanced at her, silently asking her to order for him too. She nodded with a shy smile.
"One salad, a broccoli soup, and my regulars," she said. The waiter nodded and left.
Alex frowned. "Are you on a diet?"
She propped her chin on her hands.
"Nope. The salad and soup are for you. It'll help your wound heal faster."
He looked at her, horrified. "What? No!"
She giggled. "It's a yes."