Chapter 771

“Are you planning on playing matchmaker?” Brock asked, easily deciphering his mother’s intent.
Mrs. Palmer nodded.
“And who do you plan on introducing her to?” he pressed.
She smiled. “To you, of course.” Mrs. Palmer made no effort to hide her admiration for Caitlin. A girl as wonderful as her should be kept in the family.
“Me?” Brock pointed to himself.
“Yes,” Mrs. Palmer continued. “Miss Gonzales isn’t just a brilliant doctor; she’s beautiful and has an impeccable character. She’s the perfect choice to be the future matriarch of the Palmer family.” She sighed, a hint of worry in her voice. “I just don’t know if she’d be interested in you.”
A girl like Caitlin would have no shortage of suitors. While Brock was a fine catch, he would likely be just average among her many admirers.
Brock gave a weary smile. “Mom, please don’t try to force things. I’m not looking to get married right now.” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on
Though he was in his thirties, marriage wasn’t on his immediate agenda. His life plan was to start dating at thirty-two, allow for a three-year relationship to develop, and then consider marriage at thirty-five. Rushing into something out of a sense of obligation would only lead to regret. He had always been a rational man, not one to be swayed by emotion.
Mrs. Palmer’s brow furrowed. “Don’t forget, she saved your life. Are you planning to be ungrateful?”
“I’m incredibly grateful that she saved me, and we can show our gratitude in other ways,” Brock countered. “But I’d much rather a relationship develop naturally than be forced together out of obligation.”
Hearing the firmness in his tone, Mrs. Palmer relented with a sigh. “Fine, I won’t meddle in your affairs, then.”
***
At the hotel, Celeste Hayes and Caitlin had made plans the night before to visit the Colosseum. At seven a m., Caitlin was already up and in the gym. The private fitness center was mostly
Caitlin often empty, with
having the place to
herself. With her headphones on, she ran on the treadmill, lost in her music.

When she returned to the room, Celeste was still bundled up in bed.
“March, we’re supposed to go to the Colosseum today,” Caitlin said while picking
out a change of clothes. “You should get up and get ready so we can grab some breakfast.”
“Just a little longer, Catie.”
“Alright,” Caitlin nodded. “I’m going to take a shower then.”
Twenty minutes later, Caitlin emerged from the bathroom to find Celeste sitting up in bed, hugging the comforter with only her head peeking out. “Catie, can.we skip the Colosseum today? I just want
think
to rest.”

Caitlin immediately noticed how pale Celeste looked. She walked over and felt her forehead. “March, are you not feeling well?”
Celeste nodded, clutching the blanket tighter. “Yeah, I got my period, and the cramps are really bad. It must be the travel; it’s a full ten days early this month!” It
had caught her completely off guard.
“Is it always this painful?” Caitlin asked.
“Always,” Celeste confirmed with a nod. “But this time is especially bad.” The agony of period cramps was something only those who
vel
experienced it could truly understand. For some, it wasa
minor inconvenience, for others, it was debilitating.