Chapter 187

Jennifer turned her head slightly and caught Donald’s gentle smile , which made her heart race even faster Til do it myself
she said
“ Almost done . Don’t move , or it’ll get messy , Donald said , holding a section of Jennifer’s hair in one hand . He carefully looped the hair tie around it twice , but it felt a bit loose
On the third loop , he hesitated , worried it might be too tight and hurt her
“ I usually tie it three times Jennifer remarked casually
“ Alright , three loops it is . Let me know if it’s too fight , ” he replied , his voice soft and considerate
Donald finally finished tying her hair and exhaled in relief , a small smile tugging at his lips . “ So , how’d I do ? Not too shabby . huh ?
“ I wouldn’t know , I can’t see it , Jennifer replied flatly
“ Here , take a look ” Donald said , already holding up a mirror for her . Jennifer rarely looked at herself in the mirror
She glanced at her reflection briefly and gave a faint nod . “ Not bad ”
Donald smiled faintly , slipping his hands into the pockets of his white coat . Leaning in slightly , he teased , “ Wow , a compliment from you , Dr Nelson ? That’s rare . How about we grab a coffee to celebrate this momentous occasion ? ”
“ Aren’t you going home today ? ” she asked , her tone still distant
“ I’m on duty tonight , so no ,” Donald replied , taking a deep breath . Gathering his courage , he rested his head lightly on Jennifer’s shoulder . “ Just one cup , alright ? Keep me company , won’t you ? ”
Jennifer’s heart raced even faster . Flustered , she quickly pushed his head away , trying to mask her emotions . “ Don’t do that I’ve already told you . We need to keep our distance . ”
Donald felt a pang of hurt . Cheryl had once joked that men who knew how to act playfully always won girls early . So , he had gathered all his courage to try it just now .
No one would’ve thought that one bold attempt would leave him retreating into his shell for good .
“ Jennifer , honestly , I’m not the kind of guy who takes the initiative . Every time you treat me so coldly , it hurts . I’m upset too , you know ,” Donald said .
“ I’ve already told you . I don’t like you , and I’ll never be with you . You keep chasing me , so if you’re hurt , that’s on you . ” Jennifer’s gaze was icy and resolute .
Donald let out a bitter laugh . “ I just want to warm your heart , to treat you well . Maybe Jonathan’s right . Maybe my family owes yours a debt .
“ My family keeps introducing me to other girls , but I just can’t bring myself to care . Even our colleagues know your temperament and tell me to give up . But I can’t . I still like you , no matter what . ”
“ Oh , so you like me ? I’ve already said I don’t like you ,” Jennifer replied sharply , her tone unwavering . Yet , the tips of her ears burned , betraying the emotions she tried to suppress .
“ Jennifer ? ” Donald suddenly hugged her tightly from behind . Before Jennifer could react in anger , he released her and sighed , “ What am I supposed to do with you ? You’re driving me crazy . ”
Jennifer’s anger flared . “ Get out . I have work to do . Stop wasting my time with nonsense . ”
“ You’re going to drive me mad one day ,” Donald muttered as he turned to leave . Before walking out , he pulled out some chocolates and candies from his pocket and placed them on her desk . “ When you’re feeling down , have some
“ And maybe , just maybe , you’ll think of me for a second . ”
He walked out . Jennifer stared at his retreating figure , her heart racing uncontrollably , the sound pounding in her ears .
She snapped out of it , realizing she’d been staring at his back for what felt like an eternity . What is wrong with me ?” she thought , shaking her head .
Her eyes drifted to the desk , where the brightly wrapped candies seemed to mock her resolve . She picked one up . unwrapped it , and popped it into her mouth
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