Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41 Unspoken Ripples.

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A whisper of a rumor was making the rounds. “Is it really true?” someone wondered. “Someone of that caliber, taking an interest in our hospital?”

“It’s definitely true,” a colleague confirmed. “I saw him myself this morning. The director was personally showing him around. Unbelievably handsome, and so tall. The nursing staff is going to be a lost cause.”

Scarlett overheard the chatter as she passed by. By the time she’d reached the locker room and slipped on her white coat, a nagging intuition told her they were talking about Nolan. She couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but she felt almost certain it was him.

No sooner had she stepped out than a figure blocked he path, making her jump.

“It’s just me.” A familiar, smooth voice murmured near her ear.

Scarlett’s heart settled. She looked up to find Nolan standing there, already adorned in a crisply new lab coat bearing the insignia of Rivergate Central Hospital.

“You…” she began, staring at him in confusion.

A smile played on his lips. “What’s the verdict? How do look?”

Scarlett remained silent, offering no reply.

Not far off, a small group of nurses and residents were stealing glances in their direction, their hushed exchanges barely concealed.

“Is that the new doctor? Wow, he’s seriously good-looking. So distinguished.”

“He seems to know Dr. Theron. And they look… close.”

“Did you see that? He just smiled at her. Oh my god, tha smile could melt ice.”

Scarlett felt a warmth rise to her cheeks. She met Nolan gaze and managed a quiet, “What’s up?”

His smile didn’t fade. “I was wondering if you’d have lunch with me?”

Before she could form an answer, yes or no, he added, “Consider it my welcome celebration.”

Put that way, refusal seemed impolite. She gave a slight hod. “Okay.”

Nolan’s grin widened in victory. “Great. I’ll come find you after my shift ends.”

“Okay,” Scarlett repeated.

He chuckled softly, then turned and made his way to the elevators, the eyes of the onlookers following his

every move,

The moment he was gone, Scarlett found herself surrounded.

“Okay, out with it. What’s the story between you two?”

“The way he smiled at you… you’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

Scarlett glanced around at their curious faces, keeping er own expression neutral. “Nolan and I were just

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classmates,” she stated simply.

Around noon, Nolan finished up a little early. Before the clock had even struck twelve, he was already waiting outside the pediatric department.

Scarlett had just finished admitting a young boy with severe burns. After completing the necessary paperwork and medical orders, she finally had a moment to wash up and remove her lab coat.

Nolan waited patiently the entire time, occasionally engaging in polite conversation with nurses who mustered the courage to approach him.

It was nearly half past twelve by the time they left the hospital.

Nolan drove them downtown to an upscale restaurant known for its special cuisine. They were seated by the window, offering a panoramic view of Rivergate’s city center.

He seemed to remember her preferences. After they ordered, he poured her a cup of water.

“You seem distracted. What are you looking at?” he asked.

Scarlett drew her gaze back from the window. Instead of answering directly, she said, “You know, our hospital isn’t one of the major players in Rivergate. Frankly, with your qualifications, you’re overqualified for a place like this.”

With Nolan’s skillset, she knew any number of prestigious hospitals would be vying for him. Yet he had chosen hers. Scarlett wasn’t oblivious; she could sense there was more to his decision.

Nolan simply smiled. “That’s precisely why I want to be here-where I’m needed most.”

His answer was diplomatic, leaving no room for argument on the surface.

But Scarlett couldn’t quite let it go. She looked at him intently. “There are plenty of places that need your expertise…”

Before she could finish, Nolan interjected, his gaze open and intense. “But here, at this hospital, the need feels even greater.”

Scarlett met his eyes, and a flicker of unease stirred within her.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, effectively diffusing the tension.

After the waiter departed, Nolan said lightly, “Shall we et?”

The lunch was exquisite, each dish beautifully presented and delicious.

As he served her a portion of steamed fish, Nolan asked asually, “Are you free this weekend? There’s a lecture I’d like you to come to with me.”

Scarlett paused, her fork hovering mid-air. “What lecture?”

“My mentor is giving a talk,” Nolan replied.

Scarlett froze for a second, then offered a wry smile. “A lecture by Dr. Thomas Newman? I don’t think I’m really in that league.”

Nolan laughed softly. “Don’t I count as your ‘plus-one”?”

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Understanding dawned, and a genuine smile touched her lips. “I suppose you do,”

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Thomas was a veritable legend in the medical community, his team responsible for numerous patents and groundbreaking research. He had mentored countless brilliant doctors.

Scarlett had once entertained the idea of applying for his PhD program, but life-specifically, marriage- had pulled her in a different direction. After graduating she hadn’t pursued further studies, a regret that had lingered with her.

Now, at twenty-seven, starting over felt daunting. The path to becoming a surgeon was long; if she embarked on a master’s and PhD now, she’d be nearly forty by the end.

But the chance to simply listen to Thomas speak? That was an opportunity she wouldn’t pass up.

Halfway through their meal, Scarlett’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen; it was a call from her niece, Clara.

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Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer’s Begs