Chapter 24
As they approached. Ellie saw Nancy, Alex’s mom, pacing anxiously outside the ER. She had a pretty good idea who was inside
“Ellie!” Nancy waved her over. Ellie had no choice but to meet her at the door.
Tm so glad you’re here. Alex is injured, but he’s being stubborn and has already chased away two doctors. Please go check him” she explained
Ellie hesitated, glancing at the ER door. “Nancy. I’m just an intern in the plastic surgery department. I can’t t
him,” she said.
treat
Just then, the ER door opened, and Dr. Vance Tate, the chief, emerged with another doctor. “Ellie, don’t worry about the rules. Mr. Warren’s main injury is a cut on his forehead. It’s not too serious. Your saturing skills are excellent. I trust your Vance assured her.
Ellie was still reluctant to see Alex. “Dr. Tate, I’m just an intern,” she protested.
Vance pulled her aside. Ellie, do you want to become a full–time staff member? If you handle this well and Alex recovers. I’ll make sure you get promoted early,” he offered.
The promise of an early promotion caught Ellie’s attention. She felt a spark of motivation and reconsidered her decision.
Ellie was practically dragged into the ER by Nancy and Vance. After quickly sanitizing and changing into scrubs, she stepped into the operating room and bent down to pick up a hemostat that had dropped on the floor.
As she approached, Alex tossed the medical scissors back onto the tray with a casual flick.
“Lie down Ellie got closer and said firmly.
Alex looked at her, and even with her face masked, he could tell she was frowning “Who are you frowning at? If y leave I didn’t ask you to come,” he grumbled
Ignoring his comments, Ellie cord
confidently pressed him down onto the operating rable.
The bright lights overhead made Alex wince and clutch his head. Easy there,” he winced.
you don’t want to treat me, then
Ellie was focused and meticulous as she examined Alex’s injuries. The more he complained, the more she playfully applied a bit more pressure.
Alex yelped, kicking the bed leg and sweating. “Are you even capable?” he demanded.
Ellie stopped what she was doing. “If you’re not satisfied, you can choose another doctor,” she said, turning to leave,
“Come back here,” Alex groaned, grabbing her arm with one hand while holding his head with the other.
Ellie shook off his hand. “You need stitches, so brace yourself, she said.
Alex holed upright at the mention of stitches. “What do you mean brace yourself? Are you not giving me anesthesia?” he exclaimed.
Just a few stitches, no need for anesthesia, Ellie replied nonchalantly
“Even a few stitches need anesthesial” Alex protested.
“Okay, lie down, and I call the anesthetist, Ellie said calmly, standing beside the operating table.
A few minutes later, the ER echoed with Alex’s cries. Elle finished cleaning his wounds, left him on the table, and walked out of the ER alone. “Don’t worry, Nancy, Alex is fine,” Ellic reassured Nancy before approaching Vance. “Dr. Thie, Im beading back to my department now” Hearing the curses behind her, Ellie quickened her pace. She had tricked Alex into thinking an anesthetist was coming, but she hadn’t given him any anesthesia. If not for the tools in her hand, Alex might have jumped up to pinch her.
Dr. Tate stopped Ellie as she was about to leave. “Mr. Warren has been admitted, so you’ll stay in general surgery for now until he’s discharged.”
Ellie frowned, Dr. The, I have other work to do”
“Follow my plan, and apply for your full–time position when you get back, so work hard,” Vance said.
Til go back to my department to grab some things, Ellie reluctantly agreed.
Ellie approached Alex’s hospital room, hearing Nancy scolding him from outside. It seemed Alex had gotten in admirers, leading to a police station visit after taking on a group by himself
Ellie knocked and entered the room.
into a light with one of Haley’s
Nancy’s tone sofiened a bit when she saw Ellie. She pulled Ellie over to Alex’s bedside and said, “If you and Haley are seriou
1:20 PM c c
Chapter 21
Owen family to discuss making it official. You c can’t keep getting into fights like this?
Alex glanced at Ellie casually. “Take Ellie with you. She’s close with Haley, so she’ll help things go smoothly,” he said, emphasizing the last few words.
Ellic looked down. She knew her feelings for Alex would fade, but hearing about his engagement still stung.
She tried to keep her emotions in check and replied softly, “Even though Haley is my friend, it’s not appropriate for me to go. I’m the younger one, and it’s not my place.”
Nancy looked at Ellie with a loving expression, as if she were her own daughter. “Ellie, you have to help with Alex’s wedding. It’s just you two kids in our family. When you get married, I’ll make sure you have a grand wedding.”
“Thank you,” Ellie said, appreciating Nancy’s kindness. She had always treated Ellie like her own daughter, even spoiling her a bit. Ellie was grateful. but she didn’t want to owe the Warrens more than she already did.
“TII step out for a bit, Ellie said, turning to leave. She noticed Alex had picked up the phone she’d left
ום
the nightstand.
As Ellie leaned over to grab the phone, Alex playfully moved it out of reach. She walked around the bed, but he switched hands, keeping it away. Frustrated, Ellie stopped and looked at Alex, who tilted his head back with a defiant look.
“Don’t bully Ellie. Just look at you, Nancy chided, tapping Alex lightly on the head and taking the phone from him. She handed it to Ellie.
Alex winced. “Mom, I just got stitches. Can’t you choose another spot?” He shot a sharp glance at Ellie as he spoke.
Ellie grabbed her phone and turned to leave. As she opened the door, she saw Haley standing in the hallway, fixing her makeup.
E
