003

MIRABEL’S POV

As I slowly opened my eyes, the bright morning light piercing through the window felt like a sharp dagger to my brain. I groggily lifted my head off the pillow, and a wave of nausea washed over me, making my stomach churn with a sickening feeling. My body felt like it had been hit by a truck — heavy, weak, unwilling to cooperate.

I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, and I collapsed back onto the bed, my heart racing in my chest. The thought of getting out of bed and making it through the day felt impossible. The sickness sat like a stone in my stomach, a dark cloud hanging over me.

I closed my eyes, willing the nausea away. Deep breaths, slow and steady. It didn’t help much. The queasiness persisted, clawing at the edges of my control, threatening to unleash a wave of sickness I wasn’t ready for.

Turning carefully onto my side, I prayed the day would pass me by. Maybe, if I slept enough, I could pretend the world outside didn’t exist. But the ticking clock on my nightstand mocked me, each second a sharp reminder that life was moving forward, with or without me.

The sudden sound of a car pulling up outside broke through the silence, cutting into my thoughts. I frowned, recognizing the distinctive hum of Doctor John’s car. My heart skipped a beat, confusion flooding my foggy mind. What was he doing here?

Moving with painful slowness, I sat up again — more cautiously this time — and staggered over to the window. Pulling the curtain aside, I saw it: his car parked neatly in the driveway.

Relief washed over me in a confusing wave, mixing with surprise. I dragged in a deep breath, steeling myself, and made my way to the door.

When I opened it, there he stood, Doctor John, concern etched on his face. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he stepped toward me.

“Mirabel,” he said, his voice warm, “why do you look so pale?”

“I’m fine,” I muttered, my voice weak and shaky. “Just feeling a bit nauseous and sick this morning.”

Doctor John’s eyes narrowed slightly, assessing me like a patient. Embarrassed, I quickly excused myself and hurried to the bathroom. The slight movement energized me somehow, pushing back the fatigue just a little.

Inside, I changed into a fresh set of clothes and threw some cold water on my face, trying to wipe away the exhaustion. I brushed my hair quickly, not bothering with much else. I had no energy for vanity today.

When I emerged, Doctor John was waiting patiently in the living room, his professional gaze scanning me.

“Feeling a bit better, I see,” he said with a nod. “Good. Let’s get you to work. I’ll drive you myself.”

I blinked at him, frowning. “I haven’t even asked why you’re here. How did you get my address?”

He smiled and gestured toward the door. “You’re one of my partners at work. When I noticed your signature missing from the attendance papers, I got concerned. It wasn’t hard to find your file.”

I nodded, feeling a twinge of discomfort. “Okay… Thank you, sir.”

“Drop the formalities, Mirabel,” he said, chuckling softly as he walked me to the car.

The ride was quiet, tension hanging thick between us. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Doctor John thought there was something more between us than there really was. I needed to set the record straight.

I fiddled nervously with the strap of my bag before gathering my courage.

“Doctor John,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper, “can I talk to you for a second?”

He glanced at me, his expression open. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

Taking a deep breath, I struggled to find the right words.

“I just wanted to say… I really appreciate your help today, but… I don’t want to give you the wrong idea. Those moments we shared — it was a mistake. I didn’t know you were Andrew’s father at the time. Now that I know, we have to stop… everything. Before it gets out of hand.”

I hesitated, my cheeks burning. “People might get the wrong idea about us if they see us together too much.”

Doctor John’s expression remained neutral, but I saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He gave a slight nod.

“I see,” he said, his voice measured and calm.

A wave of relief washed over me.

“Thank you for understanding,” I said softly.

He nodded again and turned his focus back to the road.

As we entered the hospital, whispers followed us through the corridors. Curious glances darted our way, suspicion etched on the faces of our colleagues. Anxiety gnawed at my stomach.

“Doctor John,” I whispered urgently, “I think we need to be careful. People are starting to stare. I don’t want them to think something is going on between us.”

He nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway.

Just as I thought things might settle, I spotted Andrew and Aliana walking toward us. My chest tightened with dread. I could feel trouble brewing.

“Hey, Dad,” Andrew called out, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Why are you coming to work with Mirabel?”

He turned to me, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Mirabel, you just can’t seem to stay away from me, can you? Hopping onto my dad now for a promotion or whatever?”

The words sliced through me like knives. A stinging sensation bloomed in my chest. His betrayal still burned fresh, and now this public humiliation?

I refused to let his poison sink in. I stood tall, taking a steadying breath.

“Andrew, don’t make a scene here,” Doctor John whispered sharply into his son’s ear before striding away without another word.

I folded my arms across my chest and plastered a fake smile onto my face, refusing to show weakness.

“Aliana,” I said sweetly, “are you enjoying your time with my ex-boyfriend?”

Aliana stiffened, her anger flaring instantly. It radiated from her in visible waves.

“Well, you can’t change the fact that he cheated on you,” she snapped, her voice sharp and daring.

A subtle, knowing smile curled on my lips. I didn’t bother responding. I simply turned away, my silence louder than any words I could have spoken.

I felt Aliana’s furious gaze burning into my back as I walked away, my shoulders relaxed, my pace unhurried.

My silence was my shield, my armor against their petty games. It was also my weapon — denying them the drama they so desperately wanted.

As I disappeared around the corner, I could practically feel Aliana’s confusion and anger swirling in the air behind me. She thrived on provoking reactions, on being the center of attention. I had denied her that satisfaction, and it had left her off balance.

Good.

Let them wonder. Let them stew in their uncertainty.

Because in the game of silence, I was the one holding all the cards.