As Marcus turned and stalked off, his face etched with anger and embarrassment, you caught a glimpse of the old jealousy flaring up.
But Emmanuel, seeming to ignore it, leaned in, a subtle smirk on his lips.
"That got under his skin," he said, not bothering to hide the satisfaction in his voice.
Hours went by, your mind still on Marcus. You wondered what he was doing, how he was feeling. The thought weighed on you more than you cared to admit.
Emmanuel texted an update about his day—something about a new client, how he missed your lunch together. You smiled at his message, but it didn't quell the unease within.
At the clinic, your heart skipped a beat as the door chimed. You turned, half hoping, half afraid of who might step in.
The door swung open.
A nurse stepped in, holding a file. "Dr. Reed? Your 3 PM is here."
You exhaled—quietly, subtly.
But then *he* walked in behind her.
Not Marcus.
Emmanuel.
Grinning like he owned the place, hands in his pockets. "Surprise," he said softly. "Brought you coffee. And… I may have lied about the client meeting."
Your heart did a slow, traitorous flip.
And somewhere deep inside?
You stopped wondering who would walk through that door next.Emmanuel leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee, as he proposed something unexpected.
"Tonight," he said, "I want you to come over to my place."
The casual invitation took you aback.
"Tonight?" You repeated, trying to keep your voice even.Emmanuel's eyes gleamed with a hint of something undisclosed.
"A surprise," he confirmed, "For you."
The word echoed in the air, curiosity and trepidation mingling. You knew he was up to something.
And despite your better judgement... a part of you was intrigued.