Chapter 2 When I opened my eyes again , daylight flooded the room . I scrambled out of bed , washed up quickly , and hauled my things downstairs to wait for a cab . About ten minutes later , a car abruptly stopped before me . Clearly not my taxi . I instinctively stepped back as the window rolled down , revealing a man's face . " Thanks for yesterday . Heading to People's Hospital . Need a ride ? " I studied him carefully before recognizing the man I'd bumped into at the hospital . This book had been added on your bookshelf . " No need , I've already called a cab . Thanks though . " I politely declined . He persisted , loading my luggage into his car anyway . " Get in . Consider it thanks for last night . " Though suspicious , my gut told me he meant no harm . Settled in the passenger seat , I asked , " Did we meet last night ? " His expression froze momentarily before smoothing over . " I live next door . Borrowed tools from you . " Realization dawned on me . " Oh , sorry . Didn't notice you then . " He waved it off . " No worries . Name's Patrick . Remember that . " Chapter 2 I nodded awkwardly . Strange guy . " Where are you headed ? " 288 Vouchers " People's Hospital . " Patrick watched me through the rearview mirror . " I work in cardiology there . Heart trouble ? Saw your transplant notice last time . " Surprise flickered through me . What were the odds ? Then I recalled bumping into him outside cardiology . Made sense . " Yeah , congenital heart defect . Found a match recently . Here for the surgery . " Patrick nodded thoughtfully . " I see . Don't worry . Medical tech's advanced now . Surgery'll go smoothly . " I mirrored his nod , turning toward the window . He insisted on carrying my things upstairs until only my small shoulder bag remained , After settling in , I quietly awaited pre - op tests in my room . Oddly , they'd assigned me a private suite . I'd saved enough , but this felt excessive . When a nurse entered , I asked , " Am I staying here ? This is private , right ? A shared room's fine . " She paused briefly before smiling . " All other rooms are full . This one was free . Same price , no extra charge . " I stopped questioning it , settling on the bed with a book . 70.059 18:46 0 Chapter 2 288 Wouchers All test results came back optimal , yet my anxiety grew as surgery neared . Patrick suddenly pushed the door open , cradling a bouquet of Lisianthus . He arranged them carefully on the windowsill . I frowned . Never told him these were my favorite . " Why flowers ? " " To thank you for the tools , apologize for bumping into you , and as neighbors ... wishing you successful surgery . " I pressed my lips together . " Thanks . But how did you know I like Lisianthus ? " Patrick turned around , his expression utterly calm . " Is that so ? " What a coincidence . I just thought Lisianthus flowers carry good symbolism - representing health and blessings - perfect for patients . " His frankness dissolved all my lingering doubts . A nurse pushed the door open , spotting him before turning to me . " Dr. Patrick , you're here too . Miss Ruth , it's time for the operating room . " I nodded , settling back onto the bed and waving at Patrick " Thanks for the flowers , I love them . Wish me a successful surgery . " The overhead lights glared unusually bright as anesthesia took effect , my consciousness growing hazy . In that dazed moment , I overheard doctors and nurses murmuring nearby . " Is Dr. Patrick really not coming in ? He looks rather pale . " 5807 % Chapter 2 288 Vouchera " Didn't he say he'd lead the surgery earlier ? Why the sudden cold feet ? " " Better for him to stay away in such situations . Avoids distractions ... or losing control . " Their voices kept droning , but the beeping machines drowned them out . Finally , my eyelids closed heavily .