Another busy week had begun at Saint Clarion.
Miguel leaned against Alex’s desk, coffee in hand.
“So, how’s the Brightmore project coming along? They’re arriving next week, right?”
Alex nodded, his tone confident.
“Everyone’s doing great. Nao’s been gathering a ton of research material—it’s been a huge help. I think they’ll be impressed.”
Miguel chuckled, though a flicker of unease passed through his smile.
“Kim’s coming again, huh? Let’s hope she behaves herself this time.”
Kim—brilliant, outspoken, and sharp—had been Alex and Miguel’s classmate at university.
She was also Alex’s ex. Even years later, she still dropped teasing remarks about their past—always enough to make Alex uncomfortable.
Miguel gave a half-hearted shrug. “Blaming it on alcohol or ‘college mistakes’ only gets you so far.”
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The following week, the research team from Brightmore University Hospital arrived.
Sure enough, Kim was among them—just as dazzling and direct as ever. She greeted Alex and Miguel with excessive familiarity before settling into the conference room with the others.
The two teams presented their findings and exchanged updates. Brightmore’s lead manager smiled.
“Once again, I’m reminded how exceptional your staff are. Even your younger members are impressively thorough.”
The Saint Clarion team exchanged relieved glances.
Joint lab sessions were scheduled for the rest of the week.
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One afternoon, Naosa struggled with a chemical container that refused to open.
Without a word, Alex walked over, took it gently from her hands, opened it, and handed it back.
Their eyes met.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
Alex smiled. “Anytime.”
Later, when supplies started running low, Naosa offered to go to the chemical storage room.
“I’ll go with you,” Alex said at once, already standing. “Some of those containers are heavy.”
They left together, chatting softly.
From across the lab, Kim’s eyes narrowed.
She leaned toward Miguel. “What’s this? Since when does Alex help anyone?”
Miguel gave a polite shrug. “People grow up.”
But Kim wasn’t done.
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During a group discussion later that day, Kim casually slipped her arm through Alex’s and turned to Naosa with a bright smile.
“We dated in college,” she announced brightly. “Don’t you think we looked good together?”
Both Alex and Miguel froze.
Naosa, calm as ever, returned a soft smile.
“Yes. You do seem well-suited.”
Alex immediately tried to pull his arm free, but she tightened her grip.
“You’re still single, right?” she teased. “Maybe we should give it another try.”
Naosa turned away, joining Jill and the others without another word.
Alex pressed a hand to his forehead, visibly frustrated.
For the rest of the day, Kim hovered around him—standing too close, touching his arm, sliding into every conversation between him and Naosa.
“I wish they’d just leave already,” Alex muttered to Miguel.
Miguel nodded. “I just hope nothing worse happens before they do.”
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Naosa remained cheerful in front of the Brightmore team—laughing, helping, connecting.
But Jill noticed the cracks: the moments when Naosa seemed far too tired for someone who was only pretending to smile.
Later, she pulled Alex aside.
“Nao seems… worn down. Maybe it’s the pressure of hosting guests. Just… be a little more aware of how she’s doing.”
Sally was less subtle.
“Seriously? Yesterday you were all, ‘I’ll never let go of your hand,’ and today you’re flirting with your ex—at work?”
She groaned. “I’m exhausted just watching you.”
Alex sat down, burying his face in his hands.
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On the final day of Brightmore’s visit, Naosa and Kim crossed paths in the ladies’ room.
Kim didn’t waste time.
“Are you and Alex dating?”
Naosa smiled politely and shook her head.
“I respect Dr. O’Neill deeply, but we’re not in a relationship.”
Kim’s expression hardened slightly.
“Even if you won’t admit it, he clearly loves you. And if you’re not serious, you should make that clear.”
She stepped closer, her tone firm but not unkind.
“You’re still young, so maybe you don’t get it yet—but when you’re in your thirties, love isn’t a game. People are thinking about marriage, careers, families. If you don’t love him, don’t waste his time.”
Without waiting for a reply, Kim turned and left.
Naosa stood frozen. Her breath caught in her throat.
The letter from Wexley had already haunted her for days. Kim’s words felt like the final push toward a decision she didn’t want to make.
Maybe I should leave Saint Clarion.
I don’t want to cause any more complications. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
Alex’s smile flashed through her mind.
He has such a bright future… I can’t be the one who holds him back.
Tears welled in her eyes.
She splashed cold water on her face and patted it dry.
When she returned to the office, she wore her usual bright smile—
as if she hadn’t been crying at all.
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