Chapter 1797
After hearing Wilfred’s response, the director could barely contain his excitement. He immediately signed the contract.
As he finished, the director couldn’t help but remark, “Dr. Wilfred, I had a feeling you’d be a great ally for our hospital. And now I see I was absolutely right!”
Wilfred replied in his usual composed tone, “Well, considering you’ve helped me solve a big problem, it’s only fair I return the favor.”
The director froze for a moment. When had he ever helped Wilfred? He had no idea what Wilfred was referring to.
Instinctively, he glanced at Karina, catching the fleeting surprise and uncertainty in her expression. Realization dawned, and he let out a hearty laugh. “Dr. Wilfred, you’re too kind! Honestly, Dr. Norman is so talented. She’s hardly a burden. If anything, we’re the ones benefiting.
The rest of the conversation blurred in Karina’s mind. Her thoughts were stuck on Wilfred’s earlier comment, delivered so casually yet carrying so much weight. Was it really because of her?
The mere possibility sent a surge of warmth through her chest, a sweetness she struggled to suppress. But her rational side cautioned her to temper her emotions.
Karina tried her best to suppress the surge of happiness bubbling inside her. It wasn’t until they left the director’s office that she finally gathered enough courage to ask softly, “Dr. Wilfred, was it because of me?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she quickly corrected herself, “Sorry, I forgot! I shouldn’t call you that you’re not technically my director anymore.”
Wilfred’s gaze softened slightly. “If you want to, you can still call me that. Though, I’d prefer something else. As for your other question-yes, you can think of it that way.”
His cool demeanor hadn’t changed, but there was an almost imperceptible warmth beneath it. That subtle tenderness sent Karina’s heart racing, the fluttering feelings impossible to ignore.
She hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. “But… why?”
Wilfred paused.
Why indeed? Even he hadn’t consciously considered it until she asked. Somewhere along the way, her chaos had intertwined with his, and he hadn’t even noticed.
But where Karina’s emotions threatened to overflow, Wilfred’s remained expertly masked. Even as his heart churned, his calm exterior didn’t falter.
“Because you’re the only apprentice I’ve ever taken under my wing.”
Apprentice?
The word hit her like a cold wave, extinguishing the warm glow in her heart. The spark of hope, the
tentative emotions she hadn’t even dared to name, suddenly felt foolish.
IMS
She blinked, momentarily stunned, before forcing a smile-bright, yet hiding an ache she couldn’t reveal. “I’m honored to be considered your apprentice. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Wilfred studied her forced cheerfulness and frowned slightly but said nothing.
He had learned the hard way, through Nina, that someone like him shouldn’t entertain romantic
notions. He wouldn’t drag Karina
into his world or let her potential be stifled by his shadow.
She was meant to shine, and he wouldn’t be the one to dim her light.
Wilfred looked away, his eyes momentarily darkened, but by the time he spoke again, his voice was steady and unaffected.
Later that afternoon, the lecture began. Karina’s colleague, Yvette Xenos, nudged her. “Want to come with me? Should be interesting.”
Karina shook her head with a smile. “No, I’ve got some work to catch up on. You go ahead. But if you can record it and send me a copy, I’ll treat you to lunch.”
Yvette raised an eyebrow. “Sure, but you know, watching it on your phone won’t compare to being there in person.”
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