Not Your Doormat Anymore

I remembered what Samuel had said during that meeting. The other doctors must have heard it too.

I sighed. "Don't believe everything you hear. I just have a little extra money, that's all. It's not like that."

"Woah, Dr. Ranford, are you a rich heir?"

Nora's eyes widened.

I didn't say anything, but she was already excitedly rushing out of the room. Moments later, she came back holding a cup of latte. "This is the first time I've met a real rich heir. I'm kind of excited. Don't take it the wrong way, Dr. Ranford. Here, this is my treat!"

I shook my head helplessly. "Thanks for everything earlier. Let's find a suitable time and I'll treat you to a meal."

"Sure thing! Thanks, Dr. Ranford!" Nora casually agreed.

As it happened, both of us were off the next day, so she suggested lunch. Since it was the weekend, I messaged Kourtney to see if she wanted to join us. She seemed flattered by the invite.

"I probably shouldn't. I still have groceries I haven't finished using up, and if I don't cook them soon, they'll go bad. You have fun, Dr. Ranford."

With that, she quickly ended the call. I turned and saw Nora staring at me curiously. But the moment she noticed I was looking, she quickly looked away and sat up straight.

"Alright, input the address into the navigation system."

Nora giggled and picked a steakhouse.

"This place has a beautiful atmosphere. It's just kind of pricey, so I've never been able to afford it. But since you're treating, I can tag along for a fancy meal. That's okay with you, right, Dr. Ranford? If it's too expensive, we can pick somewhere else."

I glanced at the screen. It turned out I was a regular at the restaurant she chose and even had a gold membership there. Though every time I went before, it had been with Casey. She liked the food there, and I never cared much about the cost. "It's alright. This place is fine."

"You're so generous, Dr. Ranford!" Nora cheered, then snuck a glance at me. "Was that your girlfriend on the phone just now? Can I still ride in the passenger seat?"

Worried she might leave a trace and cause an argument between me and my girlfriend, she sat stiffly upright, not daring to touch anything.

"She's a roommate. I don't have a girlfriend," I added, and Nora finally relaxed.

"Oh, that's good, then. Can I take photos? I mean, can I take photos later? Dr. Ranford, please don't feel pressured. If we get there and you find it too expensive, we can still turn around."

She kept chattering non-stop. She was way more talkative than she ever was at the hospital.

"It's fine."

I couldn't respond to every question, so I just gave her a look. "Don't distract me while I'm driving."

Nora immediately covered her mouth and didn't say another word. At last, I got some peace and quiet.

But it didn't last long. Right as we arrived at the steakhouse, the silence shattered completely.noveldrama

Casey had just stepped out of a car with Andrew, her hand linked with his. We bumped into each other right at the entrance.

Her first reaction was to let go of Andrew and explain herself, "I twisted my ankle just now. That's the only reason Andrew was helping me."

Then, she looked at Nora, and her expression instantly darkened. "Isn't she that nurse who's always following you around? And you two together now? I went out of my way to clear your name, and this is what you do? Sneaking around behind my back with someone else? Jace Ranford, do you even have a conscience?"

She confronted me, sounding aggrieved. Nora was so startled that she didn't even dare speak and just looked at me pleadingly.

I stepped forward and stood in front of her, then turned to face the two of them. "Who I have lunch with has nothing to do with you."