Doctor Love

Chapter 21

KATE’S POV

I hadn't seen David in days.

And that was... strange. Unsettling. Almost like someone muted a part of the world I didn’t even realize I was listening to.

Not that I cared. I mean, why should I? He’s arrogant, moody, and infuriating, but I missed him.

There, I said it. To myself, at least.

I shoved the clipboard back onto the nurse’s station and sighed. Morning rounds were done. Charts updated. Patients reviewed. My head should’ve been clear, but it wasn’t. It was filled with one person’s absence.

Where the hell was he?

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I mumbled under my breath. “He’s probably just hiding from you.”

Still… the itch to reach him refused to go away. But I wasn’t about to waltz into Dr. Bennet’s office and beg for David’s number like some high school crush story gone wrong.

So, I did the next best thing. I figured I could get his number from the twin sisters at the reception. When I got to the reception, Joana and Jennifer weren’t there. Instead, Rita was behind the counter. Leaning back like she ran the whole hospital, twirling a pen between her fingers, like her manicure was more important than a pulse.

I approached cautiously. “Hey, Rita.”

Her eyes slid to me without moving her head. “Doctor Stanley.”

“Could I get David’s number?” I asked politely.

She scanned me from top to bottom like I was something expired in the staff fridge. No response. Just that icy, pageant-contestant stare.

“Did you… hear me?” I asked again.

She clicked her tongue. “Why do you need it?”

I blinked. “Sorry?”

“You heard me.” She finally sat up. “Why do you need David’s number?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Because I need to talk to him.”

Her expression changed. Not softer — colder. “Stay away from him.”

I laughed. Not loudly. Just one of those awkward, confused, what-the-hell-just-happened kinds of laughs.

“Me and David?” I repeated. “What are you talking about?”

She stood slowly, placing both palms flat on the desk like she was delivering a verdict. “He’s mine.”

Now I really laughed. “Oh. Okay.”

I stepped back, hands in surrender. “Then he’s all yours. Trust me.”

She looked like she wanted to throw her clipboard at me. I didn’t give her the satisfaction. My phone rang at the perfect moment.

I checked the screen to see it was Dr. Bennet.

“Yes, sir?” I answered.

“Come to my office. Now.”

My stomach dropped. “Okay. I’m on my way.”

I walked back down the hallway, past the elevators and the vending machine to Dr. Bennet’s office door, which was ajar. I pushed it open gently.

There was someone already seated, back turned.

“Good morning,” I said.

Dr. Bennet looked up. “Kate. Come in.”

I stepped fully inside and the man turned. My breath caught in my throat.

“Dad?” I said, my voice cracking.

He smiled at me. “Hey, sweetheart.”

What was he doing here? Why was he in this office?

I moved closer, cautiously, and took the seat beside him.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, darting a glance at Dr. Bennet.

He exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “Your father asked to meet with me. He had some… questions.”

I already knew where this was going. I bit my lower lip and looked down.

Dad cleared his throat. “I know you told me there’s no cure, Katie. But I needed to hear it from the doctor himself.”

I closed my eyes.

Dr. Bennet responded gently, “We’re doing everything we can. There are multiple labs running simulations, trials, and experiments around the world. As of now… there’s no definitive cure.”

“But what about experimental therapies?” Dad insisted. “Off-label treatments? Anything. We’re not going to just… wait.”

I reached for his hand. “Dad. We’ve talked about this.”

His grip tightened. “You’re my only child. You’re all I have. I won’t just sit back and do nothing.”

“I know,” I whispered. “But I don’t want you spending the rest of your life chasing miracles either. I’ve made peace with this.”

“Then I haven’t,” he snapped.

Dr. Bennet’s voice was low and solemn. “We’re all hoping for a breakthrough. But as of this moment, we’re still in the research phase. I’m sorry.”

Dad dropped his face into his hands.

The silence stretched, and just as I opened my mouth to say something, the door flew open.

“I can help,” someone said.

We all turned, and I gasped when I saw him. He stood in the doorway, slightly out of breath, like he’d run through the halls to get here. His eyes were locked on mine.

“David?” I breathed.