Chapter 9 Come To Our Wedding

• “Remember to check the patient in bed number nine several times when you do your rounds tonight.”
• Elena strode along the corridor with her interns as she did her rounds. After coming out of the ward, she read the medical records while questioning the interns.
• “Dr. Truman, the patient in bed number eight suffered from ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and ligation was done to stop her hemorrhage. Why did you tell her family that she suffered from acute appendicitis?”
• Elena tapped at the medical records and pointed at the section stating that the patient was unmarried. She was about to say something when a familiar figure appeared in sight. At once, she narrowed her eyes.
• Raphael had changed out of his hospital gown. His casual clothes did nothing to decrease the intimidating air surrounding him.
• Vanessa was holding his arm as they walked along the corridor.
• “Oh, it's Mr. Gardner, from the VIP ward, and his fiancée. They look like a match made in heaven!” One intern spoke up.
• Pain ripped through Elena's chest when she heard that.
• When she was dating Raphael, only a few knew about their relationship. Vanessa was among those who were in the know.
• “Elena, you and Raphael look like a match made in heaven! Oh, I'm envious.” Vanessa used to tell her that when they were best friends.
• Hearing the same words again, she couldn't help but find the situation ironic and absurd.
• “Dr. Truman,” her intern called out, pulling her out of her reverie.
• “Oh.” She looked away as though nothing had happened. “Pay attention to the patient in bed eight. She has a risk of getting depression. Remember to get her to attend counseling sessions and keep her pregnancy a secret from her family.”
• “Okay, got it.”
• While they spoke, Raphael and Vanessa approached them.
• “Dr. Truman, you're quite busy treating patients and teaching students, huh?”
• Hearing Raphael's mocking voice, Elena was forced to look at him.
• They last met a few days ago, and Raphael looked much better today. He sounds more energetic when he's mocking me today.
• “Elena, Raphael and I are leaving the hospital.” Vanessa broke the awkward silence. Her voice was soft and coy, as though greeting an old friend. However, she seemed to be staking her claim on Raphael as her grip on his arm tightened.
• Elena was unfazed. “Congratulations. Congratulations in advance on your wedding, too. You have my blessing.”
• “Thank you. Elena, you should get back to work. We have to—”
• Before Vanessa could finish, Raphael cut in, “If you're sincere in giving us your blessings, why don't you attend our wedding next month?” His voice was calm but held a hint of force.
• Vanessa lifted her head in shock to stare at Raphael, for she remembered how he refuted her suggestion to invite Elena to the wedding.
• Raphael raised his arm and held Vanessa's hand that was clinging to his arm moments ago. He instantly interlocked his fingers with hers before Elena and her students. “You were the one who introduced me to Vanessa, so you're literally our matchmaker. You need to be there to witness our wedding ceremony.”
• His voice was melodious and charming, but his words were like daggers to her heart.
• Elena felt like all the blood in her body was flowing in reverse. Her mind was buzzing, and she could barely stand on her feet. Me? Their matchmaker?
• Feigning nonchalance, she forced herself to reply, saying, “I'm quite busy at the hospital, so I might not be free to attend your wedding.”
• Raphael stared at her icily. “You're not free? Or do you not want to attend the wedding?”
• Elena was at a loss for words.
• The man sounded aggressive and refused to take no for an answer.
• That was the first time Vanessa had seen him acting that way, even though they had dated for years. It was rare for Raphael to hold her hand in public, but she couldn't even bring herself to be happy about that.