The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 583

Was I imagining things? Or was Ferris being incredibly manipulative right now?

What did he mean I was unwilling to buy him dinner?

Was he saying he wouldn't eat unless I was the one paying?

If he didn't want to go, fine. Why did he have to phrase it like he had generously offered to spend time with me, only for me to ruthlessly reject him?

"She's willing! Selena really wants to treat you, Dr. Sterling. She was just worried you'd turn her down!" Silas panicked, practically latching onto Ferris's sleeve while shooting me frantic glares. "Selena, say something!"

His glare was a mix of desperate urging and sheer frustration.

"Right. I really want to take you out to dinner, Dr. Sterling. I've wanted to for a long time, but I was afraid you'd say no. Please don't reject me. Say yes just this once," I took a deep breath, forcing the agonizing words past my lips.

If I didn't play along with Silas's script, his temper would flare, and we'd never get him discharged today.

But saying those words felt so utterly humiliating. Once again, I was acting entirely against my own wishes.

A smile bloomed on Ferris's face. He curled his lips into a soft, highly amused grin. "Since Dr. Hayes is extending such a passionate invitation, it would be rude of me to decline. I accept."

I pinched my fingers together, forcing down the suffocating frustration in my chest. "Thank you for gracing me with your presence, Dr. Sterling."

"See? That's more like it!" Silas beamed, his face glowing with satisfaction.

Just then, Lucille walked in with a water pitcher. Seeing Ferris, she smiled. "Dr. Sterling, are you checking on Silas again?"

Desperate to escape any room containing Ferris, I grabbed Silas's ID and darted out to the lobby to process his discharge paperwork.