Chapter 2 the community

Chapter 2

"What are we going to talk about? Are you ready to be my girlfriend?" Travis asked.

I raised an eyebrow and rolled my eyes. "I've never thought of that."

He chuckled softly, his eyes showing amusement. "So, what is it then? What does the great Dr. Cecilia want to discuss with me?"

"Let's go somewhere else to talk," I suggested.

It would be awkward to discuss his investment in our hospital here in my office. He's here as my patient today.

"No, I prefer here. Now, let's talk about it," he insisted, his tone firm yet gentle.

I took a deep breath.

"I've been thinking about how your support could make a significant difference to our hospital," I started. Travis's expression turned serious upon hearing my words.

"Our hospital has been serving the community for years, providing quality healthcare to those in need. With your investment, we can expand our services, improve patient care, and make a real difference in the lives of many."

"I see the value in supporting healthcare services, but why should I invest in this particular hospital?" he asked, his playful smile returning.

"Our hospital is dedicated to innovation and excellence in patient care. By investing, you're not just supporting a facility; you're investing in the well-being of our community. Your contribution can help us enhance our facilities, introduce new technologies, and ultimately save lives."

Travis nodded thoughtfully.

"Moreover, investing in healthcare is not just about financial returns; it's about making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Your support can help us reach more patients, improve healthcare outcomes, and build a healthier community together."

"I appreciate your passion and vision for the hospital," Travis said.

"Thank you for saying that."

He raised his hand to his chin, as if thinking. "I'll agree to invest, but I have one condition," he said.

I took a deep breath. "What is it?"

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

"Marry me, Cecilia."

As we were greeted by the waiter upon entering the restaurant, we were escorted to a table. "What are your orders, ma'am, sir?" the waiter asked.

"What's your order, babe?" Travis asked with a smile.

"I'm not picky with food, so you can order anything you want," I said, letting him decide what we'd eat. The waiter nodded and left.

We were at a restaurant for a date. After our conversation earlier, we decided to go out.

"Marry me, Cecilia."

"Sorry? What did you say again?" I asked, though I clearly heard him say "Marry me."

"Just kidding, babe," he said, laughing.

"I know you'd kick me out if I insisted on that condition," he added, still laughing.

I let out a sigh of relief.

I thought he was serious about his marriage proposal. If he were, I wouldn't speak to him again.

"So, what's your real condition?" I asked.

He stopped laughing and looked at me. "Be my girlfriend."

I raised an eyebrow. I wanted to complain, but I was the one offering him an investment in our hospital. I didn't like this condition.

"For just a day," he said.

I thought about it. Being his girlfriend for a day? That's better than marrying him or, worse, being pressured by the first man who proposed, Nolan.

"I'm not really comfortable with this," I started.

"For half a day?"

I guess this is better than submitting to Mr. Vasquez. Although I don't like it, I have to do this. I'll consider it a sacrifice for the hospital.

"Four hours?" I looked at Travis.

"This is very unprofessional of you, Travis. Do you know that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He just smiled and leaned back in his chair.

"I can have everything, babe. But you are different, so I'm taking this little opportunity."

Such audacity. I don't have much of a choice. We both have interests at stake.

"Okay, I agree."

So here we are at the restaurant, starting the clock on our relationship.

Travis leaned in, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me, baby, what do you do for fun outside of work and hospital responsibilities?"

I almost choked at the way he addressed me. I could tolerate "babe," but "baby"? Still, I didn't let Travis see my discomfort. I needed to stick to our agreement.

"Well, I don't have one," I answered simply.

I couldn't think of anything I do outside of work. "Do you dance?"

I frowned. "Dance? The last time I remember dancing was at my college prom."

"You attended a dance class?"

I stopped.

I didn't attend dance classes because, well, I wasn't allowed to leave the house. Nolan wouldn't even hire a dance tutor because touching the opposite gender was prohibited. So Nolan taught me himself, despite his lack of time.

It's true; when I was in college, Nolan took a liking to me and kept me locked in his mansion. Crazy, right?

"Let's go to a waltz dancing class after this meal? I actually wanted to try this with you. Deal?"

Before I could answer, I saw a man enter the restaurant. My heart raced as his gaze landed on me, icy cold.

Nolan Vasquez. Why is he here?

I averted my gaze from him. I couldn't help but shiver with fear and irritation. Years had passed, but I still got frustrated with myself because it felt like I had reverted to how I was when we first met-the cold Nolan I feared and now, the one I found annoying.

I shouldn't be afraid. I can fight this time, unlike before when I was so weak.

I saw him sit at the table right next to ours, behind Travis.

"Hey, are you alright?" Travis asked, looking concerned.

"I'm alright," I replied simply.

"So, are we going to the waltz dancing class after this meal?" he asked again.

I nodded. "Sure."

Our order arrived, and we started eating. Travis talked about his adventures, like climbing Mount Everest. Since he couldn't handle it, he said he took his private chopper.

He continued talking, but I couldn't focus because of the way Nolan was staring at me from behind Travis. He hardly looked away, even when our gazes met.

Travis noticed my discomfort, so we planned to head to the dance class.

I finally felt some relief.

When we entered the room where the class was to be held, we were greeted by a spacious room with only a few people, each with their own partner.

We waited for the class to start while Travis chatted with me. I listened and occasionally shared my own stories.

Suddenly, someone called Travis, so he left. At the same time, a man entered the room.

My grip on my skirt tightened.

It was Nolan again.

"Alright, let's get started!" announced the dance instructor.

Everyone stood up with their partners, but Travis hadn't arrived yet, so I remained seated. The dance instructor approached me.

"Darling, is there a problem?" she asked with a smile.

I stood up. "My partner isn't here yet."

"That's okay. There are also some without partners here. You can partner up with them for now." As she finished speaking, Nolan approached me.

I was about to say no, but the instructor left us, and the steps were being explained.

"May I have this dance, my dear lovely fiancée?" Nolan asked with a charming smile, extending his hand.

"I don't remember agreeing to your marriage proposal, Mr. Vasquez," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Don't joke around, my beloved. I know you will definitely agree with my marriage proposal," he said with a playful smile, confidence evident in his tone.

The music started, and everyone began to dance.

"You can dance alone. I'm waiting for my partner," I said, crossing my arms.

"I'm afraid he won't be able to dance with you." I stopped at his words. Maybe he had done something bad to Travis again.

Before I could scold him, the dance instructor called us. "You two in the back, if you don't want to learn, you can leave so you don't disturb others."

I gave the instructor an apologetic look and said sorry. I was about to leave to wait for Travis outside, but I was surprised when Nolan pulled me.

I gasped at his sudden pull. I found myself in his arms. When I looked up, his smiling face greeted me.

Slowly, he began to move, his steps careful and elegant. His hands wrapped around me, holding me tightly in a warm embrace as we swayed to the music.

At that moment, I stared into his eyes. Nolan was undeniably handsome, a face I couldn't forget. His strong features, striking eyes, and confident demeanor made him stand out in the crowd.

But suddenly, I felt a wave of sadness. The memories I had tried to forget for seven years seemed to resurface. My emotions felt heavy, making it hard to breathe.

I turned away and removed his hands from my waist, then exited the room. I didn't want to stay with Nolan any longer because I felt I might do something inappropriate.

"Hey..." I stopped as someone pulled my hand.

Turning around, I saw Nolan's puzzled face. "Where are you going? The dance hasn't finished yet."

"Shut up, Nolan," I said, my voice trembling.

I removed his hand and started walking away, but I could still hear his footsteps approaching me.

He grabbed my hand again and turned me to face him, this time holding my elbows.

"Tell me. What's wrong?" he asked in a serious tone.

I stared at him, biting my lip. I wanted to shout and slap him in response to his question, but I held myself back.

"Just... let go, Nolan," I said, frustrated.

He was about to speak again when we heard a familiar voice. "What's going on here?"

We both looked at Travis, who had just arrived. I forcibly removed Nolan's hands from my elbows.

"Are you alright?" Travis asked, concerned, approaching me. He held my shoulder and then turned his attention to Nolan.

"Can you explain what's going on here? What's your relationship with my girlfriend?" he asked Nolan.

I saw Nolan smirk. I felt my heart race, fearing that what he was about to say might be bad.

"Your girlfriend is my fiancée," Nolan said, hands in his pockets.

To Be Continued...