Chapter 3
"I'm fine. The hospital keeps spare umbrellas," Damon pressed the umbrella into her hands, his tone leaving no room for argument.
He said, "Go on up. Get some rest. You've got work tomorrow."
Mona glanced at the umbrella in her hand, then at Damon. Her heart warmed, and her eyes stung with emotion. "Thank you, Damon," she said softly, gratitude clear in her voice.
"Alright, get upstairs," Damon nodded.
Mona pushed open the car door, popped the umbrella open, and hurried into the apartment building.
At the elevator, she paused and looked back. The black sedan was still parked outside. Only when she stepped into the elevator did it finally drive away.
Back home, Mona set the umbrella by the door, towel-dried her hair, and changed into fresh clothes.
She settled onto the couch. Thinking about Damon made her lips curl into a smile.
She realized that behind his usual cold, genius-doctor vibe, Damon actually had a gentle side. He just didn't know how to show it.
After that, things between them started to feel more natural.
Damon remembered that Mona hated cilantro, so whenever they ate together, which was rare, he'd always tell the waiter to leave it out.
He'd keep track of her shifts. If she came home late, he'd leave a light on and warm up a glass of milk for her.
When she ran into trouble with her resident physician training, he'd patiently walk her through the cases and help her analyze them.
Mona remembered Damon's habits, too. He hated noise, so she'd keep things quiet around the house.
He loved strong coffee, so every morning she'd make him a cup.
When he came home exhausted from a long surgery, she'd quietly set out some hot water for him, so he could unwind properly.
One night, after a tough surgery, Damon came home late. He looked pale, his eyes red and tired. Mona didn't disturb him.
She prepared some hot water and cooked a bowl of spaghetti, setting it on the table. Then she quietly retreated to her room, leaving him the privacy he needed.
When Damon walked into the living room and saw the spaghetti and warm water waiting for him. He felt a warmth spread through his chest.
He sat down and ate slowly, the gentle broth soothing his tired body and melting away the coldness inside him.
He knew Mona had done this. This lively, cheerful girl was like a ray of sunshine, lighting up his cold, lonely world without even trying, giving him a warmth he'd never felt before.
After finishing the spaghetti, Damon tidied up the dishes and walked to the guest room door. He knocked softly, but there was no response.
He guessed Mona was already asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, he softly said, "Thank you," then headed back to his own room.
But Mona wasn't asleep. She was leaning against the headboard. She heard his knock and that gentle "thank you."
Her heart felt warm and sweet, and she couldn't help but smile.
She could feel their relationship quietly shifting. That once cold, distant arrangement between them was gradually growing warmer, softened by the comfort of sharing everyday moments.
It felt like spring was around the corner.
After the New Year, the weather in Akands gradually warmed up. Fresh green buds began to appear on the winter branches lining the streets, hinting that spring was around the corner.
Mona and Damon's interactions grew more natural and harmonious.
The awkward distance that once separated them had quietly vanished, replaced by a subtle sense of mutual understanding and gentle warmth.
Mona's resident physician training at the hospital was going smoothly, and her supervisor often praised her for her progress.
One of her fellow resident physicians, Conrad Parsons, was gentle and friendly, always willing to lend a hand. They quickly became good friends.
Conrad knew Mona was still in training, so he'd often bring her breakfast. Whenever she ran into tough cases, he'd discuss them with her and help her figure out solutions.
Sometimes, after their shifts, they'd head to the street near the hospital, grab some snacks, and chat about work and life.
Mona didn't give it much thought. She saw Conrad as a good friend with whom she could work and grow. But in Damon's eyes, it was a whole different story.
One day, after finishing a surgery, Damon walked past the nurse's station and spotted Mona and Conrad together, laughing and chatting.
Mona's smile was dazzling, her eyes bright, and she was chatting easily with Conrad.
Conrad looked at her with a soft, attentive gaze. His admiration for her was obvious.