Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“I’m not, Cal.””Speak properly.””No, Cal, I am speaking normally.””Elspeth!”Elspeth stopped fooling around immediately.”Fine, I’ll stop.”Despite this, she believed it was unjust because Callum was the one who drew Moriah in.”Moriah likes Arthur,”
Callum replied as he saw through Elspeth’s feelings while grinning.”You are not required to explain anything to me. I am aware of that.”
Elspeth snorted and quickly wrapped herself in a quilt.However, Callum yanked her out of the quilt.
“Are you willing to listen to my explanation?””Yes, yes! Ouch! Don’t tug on my clothes.”Callum rolled his eyes and let her go.Why do I think that Callum is becoming more frightening?Elspeth stroked her neck and attempted to decipher his actions.Is he upset?”Callum, are you upset?”Callum did not respond and instead sent a document to his assistant, requesting that he handle some tasks.”Please don’t ignore me. At the very least, tell me why I deserve to be ignored.”He snorted coldly.
“You understand why you’re here.”Oh, he’s still mad at me for concealing my allergies.Elspeth waved as though she didn’t care any longer.
“I understand you may be feeling guilty. Don’t be guilty. I forgave you a long time ago.”When Callum heard that, he got a headache and stopped talking to her.The red marks on Elspeth’s body faded dramatically in the afternoon. So, she wanted to go out to sunbathe.Callum disliked sunbathing since it was too hot for him. Furthermore, it was December. So, one would only feel the frigid breeze even if they sunbathe. The weather this season could cause a cold.However, he couldn’t persuade Elspeth not to go. To avoid incidents, he could only follow her.They made their way to the garden. Elspeth gulped as she watched the wild withering grass.”What’s the big deal about this?”Before Elspeth could respond, a massive sneeze erupted.”I warned you it was cold. You’re the only one who enjoys running about in December.”Elspeth had grown accustomed to Callum’s uncaring tone of voice.
“This is Risedragon Grass!”
she cheerfully remarked as she walked forward to inspect the withering plants in the yard.”What grass?””Risedragon Grass is a therapeutic ingredient that can boost the body if consumed,”
Elspeth said strangely.Callum instantly comprehended everything, according to Elspeth’s look and the name of the grass.”That’s enough. You’ve spent enough time outside. You should return with me.”Callum didn’t want Elspeth to stay outside and continue talking about what she saw or felt, so he grabbed her collar and was going to drag her back inside.They arrived at their ward to find a group squabbling.Moriah was one of them.
Moriah’s neck reddened in anger as she fought with the man.
“Please be reasonable. You should be aware that his illness is not easily cured. Even if you called the best doctor in the world, they can’t heal him magically.”
The man became enraged and yelled at her nose,
“Do you know who he is? Even if you cannot treat him, his condition should not worsen!””The patient’s feelings determine the illness. Perhaps his illness deteriorated because you enraged him.”The man scowled.
“Stop telling lies! His condition deteriorated far too quickly. He could still communicate normally around lunchtime, but in the evening, he experienced facial paralysis. This hospital is awful!”Elspeth clicked her tongue.
“This hospital was also dubbed the greatest in Waterside. However, I’m wondering how much of it is true.”Elspeth believed her thoughts were quiet, but Moriah could hear them. So, Moriah came up with an idea and pointed at Elspeth as she said,
“You don’t like our hospital much, do you? How about you seek treatment from this lady? She is also a medical graduate, and her abilities are not bad.”Elspeth went utterly still. She had no idea how she became embroiled in it.She didn’t want to kick the can down the road. She was about to turn around and walk away since she assumed the family would not accept the ridiculous request. However, the man stopped her.”I’m sure her medical abilities must be superior to yours. I’ll let her give it a shot!”Elspeth thought, am I a bargaining chip to you?When he saw Elspeth, the man rushed over and bowed.
“Greetings, miss. I want to request that you check on the patient. May I ask…””N-No, I can’t do this.”Even if she could heal the illness, she didn’t want to be called in to treat someone on the spur of the moment.”You’ve got this.””I can’t.””You certainly can!””I can’t!”After Elspeth stubbornly refused, the man implored in hushed tones with tears welling in his eyes,
“Miss, please! I have to take care of my parents and the entire family. My wife is sick at home too, miss. I’m the sole breadwinner in the family. Please be gracious and grant my request.”Elspeth commended him for not tripping over his words with his blatant falsehood.”How many people did you dupe with that?”The man embarrassedly touched his nose.
“So far, no one has fallen for it.”Elspeth was mean, so Callum looked at her.
“You are sick. Don’t be concerned about others right now.”However, Elspeth wanted to prove him wrong.”Life is more valuable than anything else. I’ll do it.”So, Elspeth agreed to the request on the spur of the moment.Moriah began to speak sarcastically in the ward.
“Do you want me to show you the case list, Elspeth? I believe you should not make matters worse for the patient.”Elspeth rolled her eyes.
“So, why are you still talking? Send me the list!”Moriah was surprised and uneasy as if she had trodden on manure, but she listened to Elspeth and delivered the case list.Elspeth scanned the list before turning to face the unconscious guy on the bed. Then, she clicked her tongue.
“I’m surprised you couldn’t treat him with such a minor illness. It’s been more than a month! The longer he stays here, the worse his condition becomes. Yet, you blame it all on the patient.”
Moriah clenched her fists.
“We take our patients seriously. Therefore, it can’t be our fault if we’ve done our best. Not to add the fact that it is not a common illness. You’re far too arrogant. If you can, cure him!”She wanted to see what Elspeth could do.Elspeth examined his face, and the mocking sneer vanished.
“Where is the air conditioner’s remote control in the ward?”The man growled,
“The hospital took away the remote control, saying that they need to unify the temperature and will not allow us to intervene.”Elspeth had never considered such foolishness.
“The air conditioner in the ward is what paralyzes his face. Too much air is being blown into the patient’s face. Is such a big hospital unaware even of this general knowledge?”Suddenly, the man became enraged.
“I knew it was strange for him to experience sudden facial paralysis!”Moriah felt guilty, but she insisted on saying,
“You’ve come to heal him, not make excuses. You talk too much!”Elspeth rolled her eyes at Moriah before pulling a set of silver needles from her pocket.Sonny had recently given Elspeth a new set of silver needles, each of which was etched with the letter S. She felt it was lovely and always took the set with her.She examined the patient’s face for acupuncture points and brought out a few silver needles to poke him.The patient’s mouth corner moved slightly after a while. It was a sign of awakening.Moriah scowled,
“Is that it? I thought you could entirely heal him.”However, Elspeth was not in a hurry.
“Don’t worry. I’m not done yet.”As she said, she brought out a couple more needles and stuck a few on the patient.Elspeth waited quietly after she had finished everything. Everyone in the ward held their breath, afraid to disturb them.After a long time, the patient in the bed began to stir.The patient gave out light coughs and spoke hoarsely with his dry throat because he was not used to being able to speak suddenly.
“Can you tell me what happened?”Elspeth poured a glass of water and inserted a straw to allow him to take a few sips.”Thank you so much, missy. You are…”The man was overjoyed before Elspeth could even introduce herself.
“She’s your savior, Dad! Her name is… Is…”He turned to gaze at Elspeth, for he did not ask for her name previously.
“What’s your name, missy?”She was speechless.
“My name is Elspeth Lynwood.””That’s correct! Elspeth.”As tears flowed down his cheeks, the man gazed at the patient.
“Do you realize how untrustworthy the doctors in this hospital are? It’s all thanks to the excellent doctor that your facial paralysis has been remedied.”Elspeth…The man pursed his lips as if he was thinking about something. Then, he remembered and said,
“You’re the well-known Elspeth.””I’m not. I’m just a little famous.”
Elspeth smiled faintly.The old man’s voice was robust and full of brilliance now that his facial paralysis was cured.
“You’re not. I saw your live stream before, and I sent you a hundred thousand Universes.”Elspeth was taken aback when she heard that.A Universe costs five hundred. So, a hundred thousand Universes would cost fifty million dollars!Elspeth looked at the patient. She had no idea he was her top gifter.She made the right choice saving him.”Then, I must cure your illness. The one hundred thousand Universes shall be your medical expenses.”Moriah reacted with jealousy after hearing that.
“What a scam. Fifty million for medical expenses.””You are free to treat him.”Moriah instantly fell silent.
Elspeth learned more about the patient’s symptoms and spoke with him briefly. After they exchanged a few words, the patient was identified as Joseph Canfield, the wealthiest man in the city of Waterside!That was why he was so kind as to give her a hundred thousand Universes all at once.Elspeth was knowledgeable and generous, making Moriah appear less attractive in comparison.Although Elspeth was dressed in a hospital gown, she outperformed Moriah.Moriah was becoming envious. Even though she knew that Joseph was Waterside’s wealthiest man, she believed he was dying and that pleasing him was futile. As a result, she had been treating his case coldly.She never expected him to be cured. What was more, she indirectly gave Elspeth the chance to connect with him.Moriah couldn’t take it any longer and took a step forward with a flattering look.
“Are you in good health, Mr. Canfield?””I’m much better thanks to the hospital’s treatment,”
Joseph replied coldly, remembering the woman who caused him trouble when he was sick.It was obvious that what he said was sarcasm. Elspeth giggled and covered her mouth while Moriah’s face became thunderous, which did not look good on her.”So, Moriah, if you have nothing better to do, you should check on the other rooms. Isn’t it your job to make rounds?”With a gentle face, Elspeth showed Moriah a way out.Moriah snorted and turned to leave, knowing she couldn’t gain anything from Joseph.”Moriah is too proud and arrogant. No wonder she has been just a ward-round doctor for so long.”Even Joseph couldn’t take it any longer and uttered hurtful words.Elspeth was overjoyed to hear this and wished Moriah could hear that before leaving.
“Everything is fine. If you leave all of your medical care to me, you don’t have to worry about anything.”He liked her even more.
“What a sweetie you are. This is my business card. Please get in touch with me if you are available. By the way, do you have a boyfriend?”Elspeth laughed as she looked at Callum.
“I do have a boyfriend.”Only then did Joseph notice Callum off to the side. Joseph smiled awkwardly.
“I assumed you were single and wanted to introduce you to my proud grandson. That’s all right. You young people should lead your own lives.”Callum, who had always been quiet, stood up with a hostile tone.
“If it’s alright, I’ll take Elspeth back to her ward. She is still recuperating.”Joseph knew Callum was upset, so he nodded quickly.
“Sure. You may leave now.”Callum took Elspeth’s hand and exited.In the corridor, she could feel his anger and dared not to speak for a long time.”Elspeth.”Elspeth shuddered and froze when she heard her name called.
“Yes?””When can I marry you?””I said we’d think about getting married after we found my mom, right?”
she said as she chuckled.Callum was disappointed with the response.
“We should get engaged now. After we find your mother, we will marry.””Why are you suddenly in such a hurry? You made a promise to me.”Elspeth was picked up and pressed against the wall as soon as she said that.”I don’t want other men to covet you. Everyone should know that you are mine.”She was stunned. Do I give him too little security?”Do you want to get engaged to me?”
Under the dim light, Elspeth couldn’t see Callum’s face clearly, but she could see the gleam in his eyes.”Yes.””Let’s get back and get engaged.””Okay.””Before Christmas.””Alright.”As he relaxed, she smiled and kissed the corner of his mouth.Moriah looked at Arthur who was sitting across from her in the restaurant, and all her complaints in the afternoon vanished. As a result, her mood significantly improved.”How are you doing, Moriah?”Moriah lowered her head, shyly saying,
“I’m doing well. I’ve been promoted to chief of staff at the hospital. I’ll be able to catch up with you soon.”I’m very close to joining you and becoming as great as you are!”I’m not a doctor anymore.”Arthur sighed and looked disappointed after saying that.”What?”
Moriah couldn’t believe the guy she’d loved for so long would give up his passion for becoming a doctor.”Callum and Elspeth have always despised me. To avoid them, I had to sell the hospital and work for someone else.”In a few words, he portrayed himself as an innocent guy whom his brother and future sister-in-law abused.However, Moriah bought it. She was distressed and enraged as she looked at Arthur’s handsome face.
“Don’t give it much thought. Someone will help you get even for what you have suffered!”He smiled and nodded as he realized his trick was working.
“Everything is fine. It’s nothing new to me. Not to mention that I have come to terms with this reality.””Why should you bow to them? Cal seemed nice, but I didn’t expect him to bully you together with Elspeth!”The more she talked, the angrier she became. Arthur could feel a strong resentment from her.It was exactly what he was looking for.”Are you familiar with Elspeth?”Moriah immediately angrily complained about Elspeth,
“I was the one who found Sonny first while I was studying abroad, but he chose Elspeth as his apprentice instead! He claimed that meeting Elspeth was fate. Bullsh*t. It must be her bribing him to be her mentor! I despise her so much!”After venting, Moriah let out a long sigh.”That’s great…”
Arthur murmured softly.She didn’t hear him and asked in confusion,
“Sorry?”Arthur regained his composure and clarified,
“Nothing. Let’s call it a day here. Moriah, please let me know if you’re being bullied. Don’t bear it on your own.”Moriah felt better after hearing those words. Then she added,
“Don’t worry. I will never let anyone bully me, and I will never allow others to bully you too!”Arthur didn’t want to say much after achieving his goal. He gave her a small smile, just enough to fascinate her.Moriah quietly clenched her fists. Anyone who bullies Archie and me will never be forgiven!She was unexpectedly summoned to the director’s office the next day.”I have a question for you, Moriah,”
the director asked with a deep voice.Moriah recognized it as a sign of rage.
“What’s the matter?””What happened between you and the patient in Room 360? He sent us two pennants today!”Moriah leaped for joy.
“Is it a compliment?””Just look at it for yourself!”
