I meant it. Even though I had no medical background, his exnations made it easy to follow and


    appreciate just how impressive modern medicine is.


    “What’s up with you? You look like you’ve been up to no good,” Lena teased, ignoring my praise


    and zoning in on my state.


    No surprise there–being a gynecologist gave her a sixth sense for this stuff. She didn’t just notice.


    something was off; she pretty much guessed why.


    I pouted. “Just a little worn out.”


    Lena’s eyes went wide. “You… You actually did it? With who?”


    The first part made sense, but thosest two words were a bit much.


    I nced–around, thankful no one was nearby. Biting my lip, I replied, “Who do you think?”


    Lena squinted at me for a moment. “Hayden?”


    I didn’t say anything, which was answer enough. Lena nodded slowly, then shook her head. “I can’t


    believe It. Jace was with you for ten years and never got there, but Hayden swoops in and seals the


    deal?”


    I was stunned into silence.


    “What happened? Did you make the first move?” Lena asked, clearly overestimating my boldness.


    I cleared my throat. “It was mutual.”


    Lena burst outughing, obviously teasing me.


    I red at her. “What’s so funny? It’s true! I didn’t force anything.”


    “That’s not the point. The point is, you managed to snag such a good–looking guy. You definitely


    came out on top,” Lena said, each word more shocking than thest.


    I smirked and shot back, “Dr. Lane, I always wondered why you haven’t shown interest in anyone or


    gotten involved with any guys all these years. Turns out you’ve been holding out for someone like


    Professor Neumann, thinking only that would be worth it?”


    Lena wasn’t shy about it at all. “Exactly. If you’re gonna do it, make it count–with someone you


    really like and who’s exceptional.”


    “He is exceptional. It’d be a shame to let it pass by. You should just tell him how you feel. Who


    knows? It might actually work out, I encouraged her.


    Lena pressed her lips together. “It’s impossible between us. If I confess, there are only two possible


    oues.”


    “What are they?”


    Lena hesitated. “One, we start a rtionship and fall deeply in love. Two, I confess and lose him


    completely, not even as a friend.”


    I let out a smallugh. “That’s such an obvious statement. Isn’t it like that for any couple?”


    She shook her head, her smile tinged with a bit of self–mockery. “For us, it would definitely be the


    latter. So I’d rather say nothing and still have him as a friend”


    Seeing her like this made me realize just how deep her feelings for Nate went. They ran so deep


    they could shape her future rtionships and even her choice of a partner.


    I wanted to tell her to take a leap, but everyone had their own reasons, and it was not my ce to


    push.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    So, I kept quiet and nced toward the spot where Nate had been standing earlier. To my surprise,


    he was gone.


    “Where’s your Nate? Let’s go find him!” I said, pulling on Lena’s arm.


    She turned around, and there was Nate, standing right behind us in his white coat.


    Both Lena and I froze. We had no idea how long he’d been there or how much he’d heard of our


    conversation.


    Lena was clearly nervous, maybe even embarrassed. She started fidgeting, tucking her hair behind


    her ear -her telltale habit whenever she felt awkward or self–conscious. She was so flustered she


    even forgot to say hello.


    My social instincts kicked in. I stepped forward and extended my hand to Nate. “Professor


    Neumann, hi! I’m Lena’s friend, Keira. Your lecture was absolutely amazing.”


    Nate shook my hand lightly, then let go, his eyes immediately shifting back to Lena.


    I nudged her with my elbow, signaling her to say something.