Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 48:

The note lacked a name, and the handwriting was messy, likely written by a worker at the flower shop.

Norah was baffled. Who would give her such a large bouquet of roses? She mulled over recent encounters and

concluded that nobody would be inclined to send her roses. With that thought, Norah disposed of the roses in the

bin, planning to remove them during her lunch break, then swiftly put the matter out of her mind.

Yet, an unexpected continuation unfolded.

Norah and Jolie were having lunch in the hospital cafeteria when a male doctor joined them. “Hi there,” he said.

Jolie glanced up at him.

The man sat beside Jolie, asking, “May | join you?”

Jolie seemed puzzled, saying, “With so many open seats here, why choose to sit with us?”

Indeed, the cafeteria was half-empty, offering plenty of seating options.

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Norah subtly shifted away, pretending not to know Jolie.

The man’s face stiffened as he observed Norah's movement.

Jolie declined the man’s company since she knew Norah's discomfort around new faces. Now, with Norah moving

away, she conversed with the doctor.

The man introduced himself as Aikin Rivera, a doctor from the Neurosurgery Department, expressing a desire to

speak with Norah.

Noticing her lack of interest, he turned his attention to Jolie.

Upon hearing this, Jolie couldn't conceal her embarrassment.

Hastily grabbing sfood, Jolie bid Norah farewell and departed with her plate.

Meanwhile, Norah ate slowly as Aikin seated himself opposite her.

Looking up, Norah met his gaze but remained silent.

“I'm Aikin Rivera from the Neurosurgery Department. | was hoping to get to know you, Dr. Wilson. I'm the one

who sent you those roses. Did you like them?” Aikin asked, visibly uncomfortable, his plate untouched. “I've

collaborated with Gil and spotted you. Your medical expertise is impressive, and I'd like to be friends with you.”

Realizing Aikin was the sender, Norah gave him a closer look. He looked quite decent and spoke in a gentle

voice.

“You're welcto share professional insights, but let's keep it at that,” Norah responded firmly.

Aikin’s disappointment was evident. “Can’t we be friends?”

“I'm sorry, but I'm not much for socializing,” Norah said, preferring to keep her personal space private.

She wasn't sure why he was interested in her, yet she declined his offer without hesitation.

Aikin, feeling awkward, apologized. “I'm sorry for bothering you, Dr. Wilson.”

Then he quickly left with his meal.

The encounter left Norah feeling unsettled, and she lost her appetite. She nibbled on her food and then exited

the cafeteria.

After the firm rejection, Norah thought this issue should be put to rest. Besides, if people with normal mindsets

faced such a rejection, they wouldn't persist any longer.

Today, Norah needed help from Gil with surgery and went to his office to review the patient's details.

Upon entering, Norah found Gil sipping coffee and reviewing documents. He gestured to the files on his desk.

“The details you need are right there. Take a look.”

Norah picked up the file and settled on the sofa to study it.

“Norah?” Gil suddenly asked, “Are you fond of Aikin?”

“Not at all.”

Gil seemed perplexed. “Then why’s he going around claiming you're his girlfriend? It’s quite... odd.”

Knowing that Norah had recently divorced, Gil found it hard to believe she could embark on a new relationship so

quickly.

Norah's curiosity was piqued. “Did you hear it from him?”

“Yeah. A doctor approachedthis morning and shared the news. Later, | overheard him telling others that you

are his girlfriend. | was worried there might be a misunderstanding, so | had to ask you.”

With a hint of frustration, Gil added, “He seemed like a straightforward guy. | wouldn't have guessed he'd

fabricate something like this. Norah, I'll make sure this is set right!”

“Just today, | rejected him. You wouldn't believe it, but he had roses sent to me, which madeget scolded by

Dr. Herrera. After | turned him away at lunch, he started spreading rumors. I'm going to handle it.” Norah

snorted. “I am not afraid of trouble.”

Running his hand through his beard, Gil said, “Knowing how much | respect you, he still chose to spread rumors.

I'll have a word with him once this is settled. To be honest, Aikin seemed foolish. Gossip spreads quickly within

the hospital walls.”

After the surgery, Norah noticed the expressions on Jolie and Baylor's faces.

After a moment of scrutiny, Jolie finally asked, “Norah, are you really Aikin’s girlfriend? At lunch, you... it looked

like you barely knew him.”

Baylor uttered, “He’s not a good guy. Watch out.”

Norah smiled and replied, “Thank you for your concern, but Aikin and I are not involved. He sent those roses this

morning and | rejected him. His ego must be hurt.”

Jolie reacted with outrage, saying, “That's disgusting! He started rumors about you just because you rejected

him? Now he’s telling everyone you're his girlfriend?”

Baylor remained silent, listening to the exchange between them.

While tidying her desk, Norah stated indifferently, “I'm no pushover. Just watch. He'll be apologizing and setting

things straight.”

Seeing Norah's assured demeanor, Jolie concluded that further discussion was unnecessary, given their

professional relationship. “Don’t worry, Norah. We believe in you. Let's see him cforward with an apology.

It'll do him right!”

“Ahem.” Standing behind Jolie, Jamison gently reminded her of his presence.

Jolie, startled and anxious, quickly turned to smile at Jamison. “Dr. Herrera, | was merely asking something from

Dr. Wilson.”

“Alright, back to work,” Jamison dismissed her, then turned to Norah and said, “Please, cto my office.”

Jolie sent Norah a sympathetic look, silently wishing her well.