The next morning, Naoaki’s absence from the dining room cast a subtle shadow over breakfast. Naosa seemed momentarily adrift, but soon settled back into her familiar rhythm.
As they prepared to leave, Alex’s observant gaze caught something amiss.
“Nao, where’s your ring?”
Naosa’s laugh was light, almost musical. “I don’t wear it every day—only on special occasions. I’m terrified of scratching it.”
Alex’s expression tightened, his voice edged with quiet intensity.
“No. I want you to wear it always. I want everyone to know how much I love you.”
The weight of his words hung between them. After a beat, Naosa slipped the ring onto her finger, lifting her hand to catch the morning light. Joy bloomed across her face.
“It feels a little overwhelming,” she admitted with a shy smile, “but I understand. I’ll wear it all the time.”
Kacy glanced over and burst into delighted laughter. “It’s like the most elegant dog collar I’ve ever seen!”
“Congratulations!” Lu and Kacy chimed together.
Kazu looked bewildered. “Wait, what exactly are we celebrating?”
Naosa extended her left hand, the diamond catching the light.
Kazu’s face lit up. “Oh wow! Congratulations!”
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The moment they stepped into the lab, Miguel’s keen eyes zeroed in on the ring adorning Naosa’s finger.
“Well, well, Nao. What’s the new addition?” he asked, barely containing his grin.
Jill and Sally materialized beside them as if summoned.
Naosa’s cheeks flushed pink.
Alex moved protectively beside her, answering with unmistakable satisfaction. “We’re engaged.”
“Congratulations!” The chorus of voices filled the lab with warmth.
Naosa gazed up at Alex, her smile radiant.
Miguel chuckled knowingly. “Let me take a wild guess—Alex swept you off your feet with his typical impatience?”
Naosa’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “The wedding is still a long way off, though.”
Sally studied them both with amusement. “Smart move. Plenty of time to reconsider your life choices.”
Alex’s voice cut through the teasing with finality. “There will be no reconsideration.”
He turned to Naosa, his tone softening but staying serious.
“Promise me—no matter what happens, that ring stays on—always.”
Miguel and Jill exchanged a look. “Someone’s developed quite the possessive streak,” Miguel murmured.
Sally laughed. “You’re treating that ring like military ID!”
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The day of the lecture finally arrived, bringing a whirlwind of activity. Jill and Naosa moved with practiced efficiency, managing materials and coordinating schedules—everything meticulously prepared in advance.
At the venue, Alex and his team made their way to the speakers’ prep area, already crowded with presenters.
As Alex and Naosa found a quiet corner to organize their materials, someone pushing an oversized rolling case tried to squeeze past, nearly colliding with her.
Without hesitation, Alex drew her closer, his arm circling her waist as they stood side by side, reviewing the documents in her hands. After their final check, they shared a brief, quiet smile. It was such a natural interaction—nothing extraordinary—yet it captured the complete attention of an unexpected observer.
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Andrew stood frozen, recognition dawning. A former medical school classmate who had once orbited Alex like a satellite, Andrew had always been the understudy—the one who pursued the women Alex inevitably left in his wake. He had always mistaken chaos for charisma, believing loudness and charm were the same thing.
Andrew sidled up to Miguel, curiosity evident. “Who’s the woman? Alex’s new assistant?”
Miguel’s heart sank, immediately recognizing potential trouble. Andrew possessed an uncanny talent for creating complications.
“Andrew, what a surprise. You’re presenting today as well? Yes, she’s Alex’s assistant. I stepped down from that role—she took over,” Miguel replied with careful neutrality.
Andrew’s expression turned calculating. “Interesting… but don’t you think he’s being rather… intimate? I’ve never seen him behave like this.”
His grin turned predatory. “We should catch up later—assistant to assistant,” he announced, already moving toward Alex.
Miguel leaned toward Jill urgently. “He’s not malicious, though perhaps not always a good influence—but I’m worried he’ll stir things up.”
Jill’s expression darkened. “I don’t trust him. Something feels off.”
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“Alex!” Andrew’s voice rang out across the room.
Alex turned, his face brightening with genuine pleasure. “Andrew! What an incredible surprise!” They embraced with the enthusiasm of old friends.
Andrew’s attention slid to Naosa, his gaze lingering with obvious interest.
“And this lovely lady is…?” he asked, all deliberate charm.
Alex’s pride was unmistakable. “This is Nao, my assistant.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Naosa said with a gracious smile.
Andrew felt his breath catch. There was something almost otherworldly about her—an elegant grace that set her apart from anyone he’d seen with Alex. He couldn’t look away.
“You lucky devil,” Andrew said, playfully tapping Alex’s shoulder. From that moment, he began orchestrating chances to speak with Naosa alone.
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Later, while Alex and Miguel were reviewing slides, Andrew made his move.
“Everything going smoothly?” he asked, casual.
Naosa’s smile was warm and genuine. “Yes, perfectly. Thank you for checking.”
“I should mention—I’m an old friend of both Alex and Miguel. Perhaps not always a good influence.” He lowered his voice. “Just… be cautious with Alex. He can be challenging. If you ever need support, I’m around.”
Naosa’s response was gentle but firm. “I appreciate your concern, truly. But I have deep respect for Dr. O’Neill. Everything is fine.”
“I’m being sincere,” Andrew persisted. “You don’t know him the way I do. He’s capable of causing real damage. He might hurt you.”
Her smile didn’t waver. “I understand completely. I’m aware of his history—and I’m still here. The past is behind us.”
Watching from nearby, Jill smoothly intervened under the guise of needing Naosa’s help.
Andrew watched her go, muttering under his breath, “She’s extraordinary… utterly perfect. Damn.”
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As the first day’s sessions concluded, Alex was gathering his materials when Andrew returned—this time with a small cluster of former classmates.
“It’s been far too long,” Andrew declared. “We should celebrate tonight. Like old times.”
Someone muttered, “Andrew, we’re not twenty-five anymore.”
He laughed it off. “Come on, it’ll be fun—just like college!”
Miguel shook his head and murmured, “Andrew’s stuck in the past…”
Several of the group, now family men with responsibilities, looked distinctly uncomfortable.
“Andrew, we’re not medical students anymore,” one protested wearily. “We have homes to get back to.”
Alex collected his belongings, clearly preparing to leave with them.
“Wait—you’re leaving too?” Andrew asked, genuinely bewildered.
Alex nodded matter-of-factly. “Yes. My priorities have changed.”
“What do you mean?” Andrew’s confusion was plain.
Alex straightened, his voice calm and certain.
“I’m engaged now. I won’t do anything that might cause her pain. Those days are over.”
Silence settled over the room like a heavy blanket.
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Andrew stared in disbelief. “You’re not serious. Who on earth would marry you?”
Alex’s gaze found Naosa across the room. She smiled back, luminous with happiness.
“This is unreal! Why do you always get everything?”
“Because I’ve finally discovered the love of my life,” Alex said quietly. “And I refuse to lose her.”
Andrew stood speechless, trying to process the change. At last, he forced a grin that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Well then… we should throw you a proper bachelor party while we still can.”
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