Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 23

Just as Stephanie got into the taxi, a wave of nausea hit her.

The driver noticed her face turning pale. "Are you not feeling well, miss?"

Stephanie nodded, leaning against the seat and clutching her stomach. A burning sensation intensified until she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out.

"Could you please take me to a hospital first?"

"You got it!"

The driver acted quickly, turning the car around and getting her to the hospital entrance in just five minutes.

As soon as she got out of the car, she felt a choking sensation in her throat and leaned over a trash can to vomit.

A moment later, a tissue was held out in front of her. "Ms. Jackson, why is it that every time I see you, you're in such a sorry state?"

The voice made Stephanie freeze. She turned her head.

Jonathan was dressed in a black suit, the top buttons of his shirt undone and his tie loose, as if he'd just come from some social engagement. He had the faint, not unpleasant, scent of alcohol on him.

He looked at her, his eyes holding a hint of amusement, his voice cool. "Why are you staring at me like that? Have you forgotten who I am?"

Stephanie hadn't expected to run into Jonathan here.

Their last encounter had not been pleasant; she had even slapped him before she left.

At the memory, her guard went up instantly. She instinctively covered her mouth. "What do you want now?"

Seeing her reaction, Jonathan held up his hands as if finding the situation amusing. "I haven't done anything to you."

He took a step closer, the smile in his eyes deepening. "Or... is there something you want me to do to you?"

Stephanie was in too much pain to joke around with him.

She wiped her mouth and started walking toward the hospital.

Soon, Stephanie saw a doctor and was put on an IV drip.

After inserting the needle, the nurse saw how weak she was and offered some kind advice. "You have a sensitive stomach. You can't have raw seafood with ice-cold beer; it's too much for your system to handle."

Stephanie nodded. The doctor had said it was acute gastritis, and she knew she'd been careless.

The nurse glanced at Jonathan, whose handsome face made her blush involuntarily. "Just rest up after the drip finishes. The doctor will do their rounds in the morning to check on you. By the way, you and your boyfriend make a lovely couple…"

"He's not my boyfriend," Stephanie quickly clarified, not wanting any misunderstandings.

The nurse was taken aback. That didn't seem right. She clearly remembered him carrying her in, and they looked so perfect together…

Jonathan adjusted his collar and explained to the nurse, "You're right, I'm not her boyfriend. I'm her future husband."

Stephanie was speechless. She wanted to say something, but the pain in her stomach was too intense, so she let it go.

The nurse walked away, blushing. Damn it, forced to watch a public display of affection even on the night shift.