Chapter 36 HandfulÂ
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Aaron wrapped up work early at noon. By the time the clock neared twelve, he was already lingering around the pediatric surgery department, patiently awaiting Emily.Â
Meanwhile, Emily had her hands full admitting a boy with severe burns. After taking care of all the admission formalities and jotting down the necessary medical orders, she finally made her way to the sink to wash her hands and shed her white coat.Â
Throughout this time, Aaron waited patiently,Â
sporadically engaging in friendly banter with the passingÂ
nurses.Â
It was almost half–past twelve by the time they stepped out of the hospital.Â
Aaron whisked Emily downtown to a top–notch eatery.Â
They snagged a table by the window, offering a breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles‘ bustling cityÂ
center.Â
1afon,Â
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Aaron, ever the attentive one, remembered Emily’s foodÂ
<Chapter 36 HandfulÂ
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answering, she said, “Our hospital’s a small fry in Los Angeles. You’re way too good for this place.”Â
With Aaron’s skills, hospitals were lining up to have him. on board.Â
Yet, he’d opted for Emily’s hospital.Â
Emily wasn’t stupid; she could feel the unspoken something in his choice.Â
Aaron flashed a smile. “The bigger the skills, the more I should be where I’m most needed,” he quipped.Â
His words were a bit of a head–scratcher but hard to argue with.Â
Emily couldn’t shake the unease. Locking eyes with Aaron, she said, “There are tons of other places that could use you…”Â
Before she could finish, Aaron jumped in. “But in this hospital, there’s a whole lot more for me to do.”Â
He stared straight at her, his eyes full of warmth and détermination.Â
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Just then, the waiter showed up with the dishes, breaking the awkward silence.Â
Once the waiter left, Aaron said, “Let’s chow down.”Â
The lunch was a feast, with each dish looking and tastingÂ
amazing.Â
Out of the blue, Aaron asked, “Fancy going to a lecture this weekend?”Â
Emily stopped mid–fork. “What kind of lecture?”Â
“My professor’s,” Aaron replied.Â
Emily was taken aback for a moment, then forced a smile. “I’m probably not cut out for it.”Â
Aaron laughed, “Ain’t I enough of a pass?”Â
Getting the gist, she smiled, “Okay then.”Â
Aaron’s professor was Oliver Jones, a big shot in the medical world. His team had racked up loads of patents and done groundbreaking research.Â
3/6Â
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Emily had once fancied the idea of doing a doctorate under Oliver. But then, marriage had tied her hands.Â
Not pursuing further studies after graduation had been a constant ache in her heart.Â
Now, at 27, it seemed like a lost cause.Â
The medical journey was long, and if she started over, she’d be pushing forty by the time she was done.Â
But who could resist the chance to attend one of Oliver’s lectures?Â
Halfway through the meal, Emily’s phone rang. It was her niece, Molly.Â
“Hey, Molly,” Emily said, her voice brightening.Â
“Aunt Emily, Sophie caused a ruckus at kindergarten today,” Molly blurted out.Â
Emily’s heart skipped a beat. “What happened?”Â
“A boy accidentally spilled her water, so she spat at him and threatened to get her dad,” Molly explained.Â
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turning serious.Â
LuckyÂ
“Yup, a pretty lady showed up. I don’t know how she sorted it out, and then she took off,” Molly said.Â
Emily knew it was Nancy.Â
“Molly, I got it. Have you eaten?” she asked.Â
“Sure have. What about you, Aunt Emily?”Â
“I’m in the middle of it.”Â
“Aunt Emily, are you mad?” Molly asked.Â
Emily paused before saying, “It’s all good.”Â
11Â
However, she was far from okay. Sophia, whom she’d raised, had become such a handful.Â
How could she not be worried?Â
After that, Emily’s appetite vanished. She was fretting over Sophia.Â
Aafon noticed her mood and kept quiet.Â
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sifleÂ
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Just as they reached the entrance, two guns. Andrew and Shown, walked in.Â
At the sight of them. Emily didn’t utter a single word Instead, she deftly sidestepped them and made a beeline out of the place.Â
Aaron trailed it bend her.Â
Eeva sec…. What the heck’s her deal?” Andrew cramed his neck, watching Emily’s retreating figure. Bitterly confused.Â
Shawn shrugged nonchalantly. “Beats me.”Â
In their memories. Emily used to be like a piece of chewing gum. Whenever she bumped into them, she’d stick around, all in the hopes of catching a glimpse ofÂ
EthanÂ
But just now, she’d simply walked right on by!Â
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