Chapter 6 Running Into Averie

All of a sudden, Leanna's fingers stiffened.

Shane?

How had Shane's business card ended up inside her wallet?

Her mind jumped back to the moment she'd collided with him at the restaurant. Had they accidentally picked up each other's wallets then?

Still, it made no sense. She couldn't understand why Shane would be carrying the same wallet she'd once bought on impulse from a street stall.

Deciding not to overthink it, Leanna picked up the wallet, ready to set it on the table when a slip of paper fluttered out.

She bent down and retrieved it.

It was a concert ticket from ten years ago, dated just a few days after she had left Clegend.

She hurriedly shoved the ticket back inside the wallet.

She resolved to return the wallet to Shane at her follow-up appointment the next day.

As for her own wallet, there was nothing in it anyway. She decided to let it go.

Leanna dropped the wallet onto the nightstand. It was only then that she noticed the glass bottle filled with small stones sitting beside the lamp.

Perplexed, she asked, "Grandma, why did you bring this bottle back?"

She lifted her hand, intending to toss it into the trash.

Rhonda rushed over and snatched the bottle away. "You can't throw this out. Your grandfather gave it to me."

Clutching the bottle tightly, Rhonda watched Leanna with guarded eyes.

Leanna wanted to explain everything, but seeing that expression, she swallowed her words and chose silence.

Instead, she spoke gently. "Since Grandpa gave it to you, let's put it in the bookcase for now. That way it'll be safe."

Once it was out of sight, it would be easier. She planned to throw it away later, after Rhonda had forgotten about it.

The next day, when it was her lunch break, Leanna hailed a cab and headed to the hospital for her follow-up appointment, which she had booked for the earliest available slot that afternoon.

She had already checked-Shane wasn't scheduled to be on duty that day.

When she arrived, she found the door to Shane's office wide open. She stepped inside quietly.

After confirming no one was there, she closed the door, walked over to his desk, and placed the black wallet on its surface.

Without warning, the office door creaked open, and a low male voice followed. "What are you doing here?"

Leanna's back went stiff instantly.

She turned around to see Shane standing in the doorway, tall and imposing.

"I didn't send you any notice of a follow-up appointment," he said, scowling as he recognized her.

"I won't be free next week, so I decided to come today," Leanna answered, her head lowered.

Earlier, she had inquired at the front desk about changing doctors. The nurse had explained that Shane was in extremely high demand and that patients under his care generally couldn't be transferred.

In an attempt to avoid him, Leanna had deliberately chosen one of his days off, only to discover that he was still at the hospital.

Glancing at her briefly, Shane said, "Wait behind the curtain."

He reached for the wallet and casually slipped it into the suit jacket hanging on the coat rack.

Noticing that Shane hadn't reacted or shown any sign of suspicion, Leanna finally breathed a little easier.

While she remained seated and Shane stayed outside, she hurriedly raised her shirt and took off her bra.

When Shane returned, he was wearing a mask that concealed most of his face. Still, the instant Leanna met his eyes, a shiver crept down her spine.

She closed her eyes reflexively.

As soon as Shane's hand landed on her chest, she clenched the edge of the chair, her fingers digging so hard into the leather that her nails nearly pierced it.

Shane spoke in a calm, level tone. "There's no one else in the department at noon."

It didn't sound like a casual comment to Leanna. It felt more like an interrogation. Why was she here at a time when no one else was around?

Without realizing it, she tightened her grip further, her thoughts spiraling. "Okay," she blurted. "I won't show up at noon again."

Shane didn't say anything else. He finished the examination efficiently and stepped out. Leanna got dressed as fast as she could and went outside to wait while he completed her medical records.

Just then, Shane's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, set his mouse aside, and answered the call.

A woman's soft, pleasant voice spilled from the receiver. "Shane, are you still busy? Your mom asked us to come over for a family dinner at the Lloyd estate tonight."

The moment Leanna heard the voice, her chest constricted.

It was Averie.

Back then, Leanna used to call Shane again and again-sometimes two or three times-before he would finally answer.

She had blamed herself for it, convinced she was being too desperate, interrupting him while he studied. Eventually, she stopped calling unless it was absolutely necessary.

Shane's voice noticeably softened. "I still have a patient here."

"Had anything to eat yet?" Averie asked gently. "If you haven't, I can pick something up from Maple Street and bring it to you."

Leanna turned her face away.

Maple Street was where she used to take Shane back when they were together.

There were a lot of food stalls there-simple, affordable, and all she could manage at the time. She had always felt like she was shortchanging him.

She never imagined that after so many years, he would still go there.

An unfamiliar, faint ache rose quietly in her chest.

"I'll just eat whatever's available in the cafeteria," Shane replied. "I still have a patient, so I'm hanging up now."

He ended the call and glanced at Leanna. "Try not to wear underwire bras too often."

Leanna's cheeks warmed instantly. She brushed her bangs aside and nodded. "Okay."

"Also," Shane continued calmly, "reduce medications that contain estrogen."

She nodded again. "Alright."

As Shane went on with his medical advice, Averie's voice suddenly sounded from outside the door. "Shane."

Leanna raised her head instinctively and looked toward the doorway.

Averie stood there, looking just as she had a few days ago, except now she was holding a lunchbox, her expression noticeably softer.

Leanna dropped her face, pursing her lips, praying that Averie wouldn't recognize her.

Stepping inside, Averie tilted her head slightly. "Leanna? Is that you?"

Leanna's mind blacked out.