Chapter 3

Charlotte had braced herself, but by the time she reached the rehab room, she was soaked through, and she had to head straight for the changing room. Just as she finished changing, she noticed a group of young nurses pressed against the window, chattering excitedly. Their eyes sparkled with admiration. "Look, look! Dr. Lundberg just got out of Dr. Johannson's car. He personally drove her in the rain. Look at the way he's tilting the umbrella for her!" "Wow, wow! Dr. Lundberg is even holding Dr. Johannson's arm!" Charlotte froze, unable to stop herself from glancing out the window. Below, Sean and Kylie walked side by side into the building. They paused briefly at the entrance. Sean put away the umbrella, and Kylie laughed, tiptoeing to brush water off his shoulders. Sean didn't resist and leaned slightly toward her gesture, eyes soft enough to melt anyone. Passersby stared, and the nurses above were practically bouncing with excitement. "They're totally a thing! I knew there was something going on." "Not surprised. A top-notch surgeon and a beautiful scholar. They're a perfect match." Charlotte shivered, unable to hide her reaction. She tried to act indifferent, but her body betrayed her, a chill creeping through her bones like icy water. The gossip continued outside. One nurse sighed, "Even if they are a match, Dr. Johannson already has a girlfriend. That crippled girl is just using her leg to manipulate him." "Seriously, in this era? Does she really expect Dr. Johannson to repay her with his devotion? She's uneducated, has no job, and can't even be in the same league as him," another whined. "Exactly, all that clinging and pestering will only hold back Dr. Johannson." Charlotte staggered backward and almost collapsed. The impact rattled the partition, and the nurses went silent, eyes wide like they had seen a ghost. They shrunk back as Charlotte finally emerged. Charlotte lowered her head and left in silence, fully aware that no one had ever believed in their relationship. She was the only one blind, and such mockery felt deserved. The physical therapist was already waiting. Charlotte closed her eyes, steadying her ragged breaths. Recovering her leg and returning to the ring was her only clear path forward. With that purpose, rehab became bearable. Sweat soaked her clothes, and the pain in her calves was reduced by half. A low voice called from outside, and Charlotte realized Sean had been hovering nearby. "Charlotte, don't listen to what my colleagues say. I picked up Dr. Lundberg this morning because she had some crucial documents." His tone was urgent, flustered. He raised his right hand quickly. "See, I found the ring." Charlotte smiled and said softly, "I believe you." Sean relaxed and reached out to help her. "I already got the day off. I'll take you home first." Before Charlotte could respond, a gentle voice called from behind him, "Sean?" They turned to see Kylie holding a stack of documents, her expression slightly strained. Sean's arms froze mid-air, and he stepped back awkwardly, creating space. Charlotte caught him discreetly slipping the ring back into his pocket. Kylie smiled, bending her eyes into crescents. "Sean, I can't be sure about this diagnostic data. Are you free now?" "Of course!" Sean responded quickly, taking the files and only then realizing, with a pang of guilt, to glance apologetically at Charlotte. This scene had played out countless times before. Charlotte clenched her fists until her nails bit into her palms, as if only the pain there could counter the ache in her chest. Was it because he didn't care enough that he always used the same clumsy excuse?