As She stepped into the hallway, her attention was momentarily absorbed and. She did not notice Luka, who was hurrying to Donathan's room, balancing medical bags and paperwork in both hands.
The collision was sudden.
"Oh—"
The sound barely left Mrs. Ashford's lips before gravity claimed its moment. The impact knocked the papers loose. The bag slipped from Luka's shoulder, to the floor.
Instinct took over.
Luka's hand shot out, catching her just in time—one arm firm around her waist, the other braced at her back. The world tilted, then stilled when their eyes met, silence stretched longer than it should.
As if there was Something unspoken flickering between them
"Are you all right?" Luka finally said, his voice lower than he intended.
Mrs. Ashford straightened.
"I'm fine," she said, adjusting her jacket and hair. "Thank you." she added she looked down, Papers, her phone and medical instruments scattered across the polished floor, she sighed reaching down to pick them up
"Oh! I'm so sorry," Luka said, scrambling to help pick everything up.
"I should apologize too—I didn't see where I was going," Mrs. Ashford said, after picking up her things she straightened.
"Ah… I—I'm Luka…. Luka Marin" he stuttered, still gawking. He reached out his hand but Mrs. Ashford nodded in acceptance instead "dr. Samantha told me about you" she said then scoffed seeing the way Luka was looking at her
"You know I am older than you right Mr. Marin" she said "um…I," said Luka
"My son might be a bit older or same age as you, so stop staring at me like that," Mrs. Ashford said sharply, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.
"I'm sorry… I didn't—" Luka began.
"You should be, now please excuse me" she interrupted with a pointed glance, then walked on, leaving him blinking in stunned silence.
Luka stood there for a moment longer than necessary; papers clutched in his hand. He let out a slow breath and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Wow," he muttered quietly to himself.
Then, shaking his head, he turned and headed toward Donathan's room
...
A knock echoed softly on the heavy wooden door.
"Dr Sam!" he called.
"Luka, come in," Samantha said. She stepped forward to help him with the luggage.
"It's fine, dr Sam. I don't work out for nothing," he said with a confident grin.
"Of course, Luka. I can see that," Samantha replied, amused.
He glanced around the room, and his eyes froze. Donathan sat at the table, arms tense, eyes dark, the chaos from earlier still evident. The scattered plates and overturned chair and broken glasses of table.
"Mr. Ashford," Luka said cautiously, stepping forward. "I've heard… a lot about you. I'm Luka, your new helper. It's an honor to assist you."
Donathan did not look up. His cold, piercing gaze remained fixed on his phone, silent and unyielding. Luka extended his hand anyway, which was also ignored completely.
Feeling the awkwardness, Luka took a small step back. "Right… well, I'll… get started, then," he muttered, trying to regain composure, He glanced at Samantha and She gave a small smile
Esther knocked softly on the door.
"Come in," Samantha's voice called from inside.
Esther stepped in carefully. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Doctor," she said politely. Her eyes flicked, just for a second, toward Luka before she quickly looked away again. "Mrs. Ashford asked me to show Nurse Luka to his room."
"Oh," Luka said at once, straightening.
Samantha nodded. "That's fine. Luka, settle in first."
"Yes, Dr. Sam," he replied.
Esther turned toward the door, a faint smile touching her lips. "Follow me," she said softly, lifting her hand to tuck an invisible strand of hair behind her ear.
Luka followed her into the corridor on the right.
Esther walked a little ahead of him, then slowed her pace so they were side by side. She stole a glance at him—then another—quickly looking away each time, her cheeks warming.
"So," she said, breaking the silence, "is this your first time working in a private residence?"
"What do you think," asked Luka with a smile. "Ah, sorry that was a stupid question" she said playing with her fingers "its fine and no it's not my first time, I have been to many places" said Luka "but I have to say…this place is impressive," said Luka
"really" said Esther "yes" replied Luka
They stopped in front of a door not far from Donathan's master bedroom. Esther rested her hand on the handle but didn't open it immediately. She turned to face Luka.
"Here it is," she said. "Your room."
Then, after a small pause, she added, "I can show you around if you like—the lounge, the garden wing, even the staff terrace." Her voice softened. "Later, when you're free."
Luka smiled, genuinely touched. He shook his head gently. "That's very kind of you, Esther. Truly. But I'd hate to keep you from your duties."
"It's no trouble," she said quickly "I don't mind at all."
meeting her gaze, his tone warm and sincere. "Another time, maybe. I should get settled first."
For a moment, she hesitated. Then she nodded, hiding her disappointment behind a polite smile. "Of course."
She stepped back slightly. "If you need anything—anything at all—just let me know."
"I will," Luka said as he opened the door. "Thank you for the warm hospitality."
"My pleasure," Esther replied.
She lingered for a second longer than necessary, then turned and walked away down the corridor.
Luka stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her go, before shaking his head with a quiet smile