Chapter 1843

Karina sensed the girl’s unfriendly gaze and instinctively moved closer to Wilfred. Without a word, Wilfred casually placed a hand on her shoulder, a subtle but protective gesture.
The girl’s jealousy flared even stronger at the sight. Forcing a strained smile, she turned to Karina and asked, “And who might this be?”
Wilfred answered before Karina could speak. “This is Karina, my… friend.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Karina, a trace of warmth flickering in his gaze, unnoticed by anyone but her.
The girl let out a faint scoff. “A friend, huh? Dr. Wilfred, you’re always so busy with work. It’s rare for you to take time off, yet you didn’t think to invite me? I thought we were close. After all, you took such good care of me when I was your patient.” Her voice was laced with grievance and subtle reproach.
Wilfred frowned slightly. His tone remained polite but distant. “It’s good that you’ve recovered. Taking time off is just for relaxation. I didn’t give it much thought.”
Though Karina felt uncomfortable with the girl’s passive-aggressive remarks, she maintained her composure. Smiling politely, she said, “Hello. Since you were treated by Dr. Wilfred, I trust you’re fully recovered. Wishing you continued good health.”
The girl shot Karina a dismissive look, completely ignoring her kind words, and turned back to Wilfred. “Dr. Wilfred, I’ve been feeling a bit off lately. How about you take another look at me?” She even feigned a weak cough as she spoke.
Wilfred sighed softly, clearly exasperated. “If you’re feeling unwell, you should make an appointment at the hospital and get a thorough checkup. I’m off duty now, so I can’t help you here.”
The girl’s face stiffened at his firm response, but she wasn’t ready to give up. Her eyes landed on the matching bracelets Wilfred and Karina were wearing, and her expression darkened. “Oh, those bracelets are cute. Couple’s bracelets, aren’t they? Dr. Wilfred, I didn’t know you were into these kinds of trinkets.”
Wilfred paused for a moment, then calmly tightened his grip on Karina’s hand. “These are prizes we won after completing an escape room. We’re just wearing them as a keepsake.”
The girl’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “A keepsake? Dr. Wilfred, don’t let yourself be fooled by some people. Who knows if she’s only getting close to you for ulterior motives?”
Hearing this, Karina couldn’t stay silent. She stared directly at the girl, her voice firm. “What exactly are you implying?”
The girl crossed her arms, tilting her
chin up with a defiant glint in her eyes. “Hmph, as if you don’t know. Don’t think I can’t see through your little schemes. You’re into Dr.
Wilfred, aren’t you? Cozying up him, trying to climb the social ladder. Just look at yourself your fox-like charm and underhanded tactics.”
Karina’s face flushed red with anger. Her fists clenched tightly, and her body trembled slightly. “Watch your mouth! respect him for his
l.ne
dedication as a doctor. I won’t stand for your malicious accusations and slander!”
Wilfred’s expression instantly turned icy. In a swift movement, he stepped in front of Karina, shielding her completely.
His cold gaze bore into the girl. “Enough! My patience with you ends here.”
The girl instinctively shrank back under the weight of his commanding presence, her bravado faltering. Her lips quivered as if she wanted to say something, but it was as though an invisible hand clutched her throat, stopping her words.
She wanted to tell him she liked him.
But why couldn’t she get the words out?
Why was it so hard to speak her heart?