Life at the lab fell back into its familiar rhythm.
The team laughed during breaks, worked hard through the day, and bantered as always.
Only Naosa—quiet and composed—seemed to savor each moment deliberately, clinging to the normalcy as if it might vanish at any second.
Alex noticed—the way her radiant smile sometimes faltered, the moments when her eyes grew distant when she thought no one was looking.
Each time, his chest tightened with helpless longing.
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Since the envelope had arrived from Wexley, Lu had been acting as Naosa’s legal representative. She read through the documents, understood the gravity of it, and immediately called in someone important—Dr. Henry Ashford.
Dr. Ashford wasn’t just any physician. He had been Naosa’s doctor since she was three years old. He had treated her through her most critical stages, guided her recovery, and become family in all but name. More than that, he was an old friend of Samuel Ellis, Saint Clarion’s chief administrator.
In fact, it was Dr. Ashford who had quietly arranged for Naosa to join Saint Clarion after the Wexley scandal. He understood exactly the kind of place she needed to begin again.
As the testimony date approached, Lu arranged for Naosa to meet with Dr. Ashford once more—not just as her doctor, but as someone who could guide her, support her… maybe even stand as a witness.
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The last Saturday of the month marked Saint Clarion’s annual community festival, a beloved event hosted by the hospital. The beach would be lined with colorful tents, food stalls, and lively games, and the night would close with a spectacular fireworks display.
One afternoon, Jill cheerfully suggested volunteering together. Everyone naturally assumed Naosa would join.
But she hesitated.
By then, I might not even be here.
Jill blinked. “Nao? Aren’t you coming with us?”
Naosa froze, caught off guard.
Alex jumped in casually. “If Nao’s going, I’m going too.”
Kevin grinned. “Same here!”
Sally chimed in, “Count me in!”
Miguel shrugged with a smile. “Guess I’m in too. It’ll be nice to see the fireworks from the beach.”
Alex leaned closer to Naosa, whispering with a smile, “I’m really glad I’ll get to see you there.”
Naosa smiled back—warm, bright as always—but inside, her heart clenched tight with dread.
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A few days later, she submitted a request for personal leave.
Alex noticed the paperwork. “Something special?”
Naosa smiled lightly. “Just something I need to take care of.” She didn’t elaborate.
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The truth was, those were the days she’d been summoned to testify at Wexley.
That Friday evening, Alex returned from a meeting to find Naosa’s desk already cleared. The others were still packing up for the weekend, chatting near the door.
As he passed, he overheard Ashley and Millie.
“Did you see Nao’s dress today? So cute!”
“Right? And she left in such a hurry… you think it’s a date?”
Alex stopped cold.
A date? The thought hit him like ice water. With who?
His heart pounded. After everyone left, he sat at his desk, staring blankly, unease curling through him like smoke.
On impulse, he called Kazu.
“Hi, Dr. O’Neill!” the boy answered brightly.
“Is Nao home?” Alex asked, forcing casualness into his voice.
“She said she’d be home late tonight. She had something important to do.”
Alex’s jaw tightened. “I see.” He ended the call—then, minutes later, called again.
“Do you know where she went?”
Kazu hesitated. Muffled voices in the background. Then—“She’s at the Rosewood Étoile Hotel near the airport, I think. Is something wrong?”
But Alex had already hung up.
Helmet in hand, he sprinted from the building.
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The Rosewood Étoile was famous worldwide for its luxury. Every detail gleamed with refined elegance. Alex parked carelessly and rushed inside. The ambient lighting bathed everything in soft gold. Patrons in tailored suits and glittering gowns sipped wine and spoke in hushed tones.
In his rumpled, casual clothes, Alex stood out immediately. People turned. Eyes followed him.
He didn’t care.
He scanned the restaurant—and then he saw her. Naosa, seated by the window, head bowed, shoulders tense.
Across from her sat an older man—distinguished, calm—reaching across the table to gently take her hand.
Something inside Alex shattered completely.
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He stormed forward, ignoring the waiters who tried to stop him, and halted at their table.
“Nao.”
Naosa looked up, startled. Her eyes were already glassy with tears.
Alex turned to the man. “Who are you? What are you doing with her?”
Naosa’s voice trembled. “It’s none of your business. Please… just go.”
Hotel staff started forward, but the man raised a hand calmly. “It’s all right. He’s with me.”
They backed away.
The man’s tone stayed even. “We’re not quite who you think we are.” He offered a business card.
Dr. Henry Ashford — Silverwood General Hospital
“I’m her doctor,” he said gently. “Since she was three. She’s like a daughter to me.”
Alex stared, speechless. Then he bowed slightly. “I’m terribly sorry. I’m Alex O’Neill. I work with her at Saint Clarion.”
Dr. Ashford’s face softened. “Ah, Dr. O’Neill. I’ve heard excellent things.”
But Naosa wouldn’t look at Alex. Her shoulders were rigid, her jaw clenched.
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“I once recommended Wexley to her,” Dr. Ashford added quietly. “And I’ll be meeting with Mrs. Lu next week. If I can help in any way… I will.”
Naosa turned to Alex, fury burning in her eyes. “That’s all you need to know. Now go.”
Alex stood frozen.
Dr. Ashford smiled kindly. “No need to torment him, Nao.”
But the damage was already done.
Outside, Naosa walked quickly, barely holding herself together. Alex followed in silence until he couldn’t anymore.
“Nao, I’m sorry. I just… I panicked. When I heard you were meeting someone—”
She whirled on him, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Stop caring about me!” she cried. “You believed what the rumors said. That’s enough. Don’t believe in me anymore—just leave me alone!”
Alex reached out instinctively, but she slapped his hand away.
“I’ll never be your girlfriend!” she shouted, her voice breaking. “Never! Do you hear me? Never!”
He stood frozen as she ran into the dark.
And for the first time since they met, he had no idea how to reach her.
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