Chapter 3 Time blurred before my consciousness returned . Cold medical instruments pressed against me , my limbs heavy and immobile . Opening my eyes , pure white flooded my vision . I strained to keep my eyelids open , finally recognizing the hospital room . nurse approached to record my stats upon seeing me awake . " Your surgery was very successful . Rest assured , a few more days under observation and you'll move to a regular ward . " I forced a faint smile . " Thank you . " Days in the ICU crawled by . Staring blankly at the ceiling seemed my only pastime . Yet beyond the glass door , a tall silhouette kept appearing . Familiar yet unfamiliar . Fortunately , recovery progressed smoothly , and I soon returned to my original room . My attending physician visited immediately . Patrick followed behind , offering a gentle smile . " Miss Ruth , the surgery went exceptionally well given your condition . " But rejection reactions vary for everyone - we'll monitor as needed . Don't overthink it ; just focus on resting . " " Alright , understood . Thank you , Doctor . " Chapter 3 After a brief examination , the attending physician prepared to leave . He patted Patrick's shoulder . " You stay . I've got other patients . " 1208 Oct I studied them , unease prickling my senses though I couldn't pinpoint why . Only when we were alone did Patrick sit by my bed . " Any discomfort ? " Meeting his gaze , fragmented memories flickered . " Patrick ... have we met before ? " He chuckled softly . " At the hospital once , then outside your home . Why ? " " No , but ... " The memory slipped away , unspoken . " You're still weak post - surgery . Don't dwell on it - rest now . " He rose to change water for the Lisianthus on the balcony . Watching his retreating figure , my heart felt hollow . My hand lifted instinctively toward him . Patrick hurried over , scanning every monitor nearby . " What's wrong ? Heart acting up ? " His look of concern deepened my confusion . I shook my head . " I'm fine . " Only then did he relax , making casual conversation . " No family came for your surgery ? " " None . Abandoned due to my heart condition , I grew up in an orphanage . " 38.34 %% Chapter 3 Patrick showed no surprise , tapping his chest lightly . 1289 Vouchers " See ? We met at the hospital , then lived on the same floor - call it fate . " We're friends now . Anything you need , I'm here daily . " His earnest tone made me nod . " Alright . Same goes - ask if you ever need me . " " Then save my number . Page me anytime here . " He stood as a nurse entered to administer my IV drip . " Rest well . Duty calls . " While adjusting the flow rate , the nurse heard my question . " What's Patrick like ? Is he this attentive with every patient ? " کیف The nurse paused . " Well , not exactly . Maybe it's just ... Fate ? " Hearing this vague answer , I rubbed my fingers and lost myself in thought . 70.00 %