There was absolutely no possibility.
As an internal medicine doctor, when checking a patient's vital signs I'd have to place my fingers on their wrist, palpate, and examine closely. If President Anderson ever found out I was touching another man like that, he might truly explode with anger and that thought alone was terrifying.
"Does he really not like it?"
My brows knitted together tightly.
Ronan shook his head, not giving me the slightest room for hope.
"Then what about President Anderson's previous women? Did none of them work anywhere?" I asked, unable to suppress my curiosity. I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I felt curious about Captian's past relationships.
At that question, Ronan's smile carried an unreadable meaning.
"None of them had jobs."
How could they?
Those so-called women were either spies someone sent in, or assassins sent to kill him. The grass growing over their graves was probably taller than me by now. How could they have time for jobs unless it was in the afterlife?
I frowned slightly. Something about Ronan's expression felt off.
He quickly continued, smiling as he said,
"So sister-in-law shouldn't think about this anymore. Just study, walk the dog, shop for clothes wouldn't that be better?"
The corner of my lips twitched.
Why did his words sound like I was being raised… not cared for?
Like a pet?
Or a silkworm?
Or… a child?
Just the thought made my entire body jolt. My expression must've been indescribable.
I didn't agree nor disagree, it felt more like reluctant resignation.
Seeing that I was no longer arguing, Ronan let out a relieved breath.
If I insisted, and President Anderson got angry later, the villa would not be peaceful.
I propped my chin on my hand. Outwardly I looked resigned, but inside my thoughts were spinning.
The idea of temporarily replacing the hospital's internal-medicine specialist was extremely attractive. Back in my hometown, I had followed my elderly mentor in treating countless patients, but I had never stepped into a modern hospital as part of the staff. If I could, I would get to see rare illnesses, unusual symptoms, and learn from other doctors.
Even though modern medicine and traditional techniques differed, many underlying principles overlapped, and combining them often produced better results.
Quietly, I curled my small hands into fists, determination brightening my eyes.
I really loved studying medicine. Deeply.
Seeing that I didn't bring up the hospital again, Ronan finally relaxed.
"Sister-in-law, I'll head out first. If you need me to buy anything, just tell me."
I nodded.
Honestly, the clothes in my wardrobe were enough for several years, no need to buy more.
Right now the most important thing was figuring out how to persuade Captian.
His mind was deep and unpredictable; normal methods absolutely wouldn't work.
But I didn't have much time left. An empty specialist position meant the hospital was losing money every day. I couldn't keep Hezze waiting too long. At most, I had today and tomorrow to give her an answer.
If I wanted to convince Captian, I had to show him the value of medical work.
Last time, when he was stabbed, he seemed satisfied with my emergency treatment. If I put in extra effort now, maybe he'd agree.
I changed into my casual clothes and hurried downstairs, thump thump thump.
A soft pink outfit with a bunny chewing a carrot printed on the front, and a fluffy collar that brushed against my cheeks turning me into a little rabbit.
I crossed my arms and hopped into the kitchen.
"Nanny Alley, will President Anderson come home for dinner tonight?"
She paused before replying,
"I'm not sure. Normally he stays at the company. He's only been spending more time at home because of you."
My fingers trembled.
That… that couldn't be right.
Captian came home because he wanted to not because of me. Right?
"Even you don't know if he's coming home?"
A small pang of disappointment hit me.
If he didn't come home, then the little plan I had in mind would fail.
Seeing my expression, Nanny Alley thought I had something important to handle.
"You can call him, or send a message."
My eyes lit up immediately then froze.
I didn't even have his phone number.
We lived together this long and I didn't even know it.
How pathetic was that?
My cheeks warmed.
"Nanny Alley… do you know President Anderson's phone number?"
She blinked, then quickly composed herself.
"I don't. Ask Ronan. He always contacts President Anderson; he definitely knows."
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and prepared to find Ronan. Before leaving, I called out:
"Nanny Alley, don't cook yet. I'll make some dishes later."
She stared blankly.
The Bailey family's eldest daughter… could cook?
Outside the villa, Ronan leaned against the wall smoking. The smoke curled upward in thin rings before being swept away by the wind, but the smell was still thick and unpleasant.
I covered my nose with disgust.
"Ronan, I want to ask you something."
He immediately stubbed out the cigarette, rubbed his hands together, and grinned.
"Ask away, sister-in-law. If I know it, I won't hide anything."
My face heated again. I twisted my fingers nervously before mustering up the courage:
"Do you… know President Anderson's phone number?"
He blinked—surprised for a moment—then grinned even wider.
"Of course. Give me your phone."
I handed it to him without hesitation.
He typed the number quickly.
When I took the phone back and looked at the screen, my cheeks burned even hotter. Hugging my phone tightly, I stammered:
"Th-thank you."
Then I bolted like a frightened rabbit.
Back in the hallway, I finally exhaled.
But seeing that long string of numbers again made my head swim.
Should I call?
Or text?
If I heard his voice, I knew my mind would go blank.
So I chose to text.
I typed:
[President Anderson, will you be coming home for dinner tonight? It's Rosy. ^_^]
I added a cute emoji, hoping it looked friendly.
After sending it, anxiety wrapped around me.
Would he reply?
Ignore me?
About five minutes later, my phone chimed.
My heart pounded as I opened it and instantly collapsed.
[Not coming.]