Chapter 802

"Not free for dinner tonight either?" Liam's voice was low.

Vivian's fingers paused mid-page turn on the medical chart.

She truly couldn't get away. Patient files from the morning needed organizing, and three special medications required preparation.

"How about... the hospital cafeteria?" She lifted her gaze with the suggestion.

The cafeteria would save at least two hours. Going out would waste most of that time just on travel.

More importantly, things between her and Liam weren't what they used to be. Those unspoken questions weren't ready to be voiced yet.

"Never mind." Liam stood abruptly, his lab coat whipping the air.

He left without hesitation, the sharp click of dress shoes against tile gratingly loud.

The hallway lights stretched his shadow long behind him. Liam clenched the pill bottle in his pocket.

Ungrateful woman. If not for his behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Vivian would have died in that explosion three months ago.

What he needed was a docile puppet like Annika, not an unpredictable variable like Vivian.

......

Silence reclaimed the office.

Vivian stared at the empty doorway, twirling her fountain pen absently.

Liam's reaction was excessive. The cafeteria's mushroom chicken noodles were actually quite good.

Knock knock—

Ethan peeked in just as she zoned out at thin air.

"He's gone?" He deliberately lowered his voice.

"Mhm."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he practically bounded to her desk. "Hungry?"

"Busy." Vivian didn't look up.

"I'll have my private chef—"

"Cafeteria?" she interrupted suddenly.

Ethan froze, his Adam's apple bobbing twice. "Yes!"

He answered too fast, nearly biting his tongue. The cuff of his white dress shirt brushed the desk edge unnoticed.

Vivian finally looked up from her charts. "Seriously?"

"Eating with you," Ethan loosened his tie, "anywhere works."

Even if it meant nibbling steamed buns while inhaling antiseptic fumes.

"Ridiculous." She snapped the folder shut.

"Scold me more?" He leaned over the desk, his dangling tie swaying. "Or tell me to get lost."

Vivian finally cracked a smile.

The man was... she couldn't even describe it. But he inexplicably reminded her of that yellow dog from her hometown that kept wagging its tail even after being kicked away.

Ethan was now clumsily gathering her scattered pens, his cufflinks clinking against the desk.

Different from Liam, she thought.

This one radiated warmth even in his happiness.