Chapter 60: They both kissed several times
At Central Hospital's herb storage, the research staff gathered for a surprise inspection of Nora's knowledge.
Howard, smug as ever, said, "Nora, don't feel embarrassed if you can't remember. We're all human, after all. Honesty is always better than pretending."
"Let's get started."
Without much ado, Nora responded in a measured tone.
"The herb in cabinet number seven."
"Forsythia: bitter, slightly cold. Clears heat, detoxifies, disperses clots, and reduces inflammation."
The doctor in charge of the herb storage glanced at the cabinet and nodded in confirmation.
Howard continued the inspection.
"Cabinet sixteen."
"Indigo naturalis: bitter, salty, very cold. Clears heat, detoxifies, cools the blood."
Again, the herb storage doctor nodded.
"Cabinet seven hundred."
One by one, Nora responded calmly and fluently.
Time ticked by, and everyone present was in awe of Nora's composed and accurate responses.
"Nora's got, what, two hundred herbs down without a single mistake? She's amazing."
"Definitely. And she's rattling them off without hesitation. It's incredible."
The staff whispered among themselves, impressed.
Howard went through hundreds of cabinets, but Nora was unfazed by each challenge.
Instead of accepting the outcome gracefully, he insisted on drawing again until Nora had to remind him that he had already had his turn.
Howard's expression turned sour as he met Nora's composed gaze and ceased his random checks.
Spontaneous applause erupted from the onlookers.
Dr. Luna eyed Nora with a scrutinizing look, "How come you're so familiar with the herbs? Did you know you'd be an assistant, and feared we'd quiz you on the basics, so you crammed in advance?"
Ignoring Dr. Luna's insinuation, Nora turned to Howard and asked, "Dr. Hamilton, are we done?"
Admittedly impressed, Howard managed to keep a stern face.
"You passed, but it doesn't mean much. Dr. Luna mentioned that herb knowledge is fundamental and should be second nature to any Herbalist."
She must have been lucky.
Like stumbling upon the one question in the test she knew the answer to.
Nora didn't bother to argue and asked in a calm tone, "What should I do next?"
"Start with data analysis."
"Okay."
The group departed from the herb storage and made their way to the research office.
Halfway there, Nora felt a slight discomfort in her lower abdomen and excused herself to visit the restroom, where she bumped into Dr. Hall, who was coming out.
"Nora, I'm relieved to see you. A patient is having a minor issue; could you come take a look?" Dr. Hall asked.
The patient in question was Lucas's mother, Eleanor.
"Sure, just give me a moment, please."
After using the restroom, she followed Dr. Hall to Eleanor's private room.
As they reached the door, the sound of an argument leaked out.
"What did you just say to Mom? You don't want a divorce? You still want to be with her? Lucas, how could you be such a jerk!"
"Becky, please, this is a hospital. We can talk about our issues at home."
"Go home for what? Lucas, let's be clear. Mom was almost killed by Nora, and you still want to be with her? That's just wrong!"
"Becky, stop spewing nonsense! I checked with Dr. Hall, if it hadn't been for Nora, Mom might not have made it. Nora saved her!"
"Lucas, stop glorifying her. Is it because she's gotten prettier? Always desiring what you can't have!"
"Get out!"
Outside, Nora gently stopped Dr. Hall from barging in, her brow furrowed in concern.
Their timing couldn't have been worse.
"Dr. Hall, let's come back later."
Dr. Hall looked puzzled but said nothing, turning to leave.
Yet before they even took a few steps, the door of the room swung open.
Lucas dragged Becky out of the room and into the corridor.
Lucas's face lit up at the sight of Nora’s back.
"Nora."
She paused mid-step and turned around to face him.
Lucas let go of Becky, and with a smile strode up to her, "Did you come to see my mom?"
"Nora, you shameless home-wrecker, it's all because of you! Why don't you just drop dead?"
Twisted with fury, Becky lunged at Nora.
Nora frowned, ready to dodge, but Lucas was already there, stepping in front of her and shoving Becky to the ground.
"Becky, this is a hospital, cut out the crazy act!"
Becky sat on the floor, her eyes brimming with tears, "Lucas, you're hitting me for this tramp?"
Lucas, with a stern face, snapped, "Becky, I've had it with you! I'm warning you, drop the drama, or you'll lose everything!"
Becky sat there dazed, aware of the judgmental stares from the hospital staff around her, before running off in tears.
Only after she had gone did Lucas's expression soften.
"Nora, Dr. Hall, did you need me for something?"
"Mr. Gordon, there's been a slight complication with your mother, and I asked Nora to come have a look," said Dr. Hall, throwing a somewhat awkward glance at Nora, trying to gauge her relationship with Lucas.
"Oh, then let's go in right away."
Lucas opened the door to the ward for them.
Nora, with a composed demeanor, followed Dr. Hall inside.
Inside the ward, Eleanor was watching her from the hospital bed.
Without wasting words, Nora checked Eleanor thoroughly.
"Is my mom okay, Nora?" Lucas asked.
"For now, your mother has limited movement in her right hand, a typical postoperative symptom, nothing serious."
Nora said, "I'll prescribe an herbal remedy for her to take for a couple of months, and in the meantime, it'll be good to help her with some hand rehabilitation exercises."
Relieved by her words, Lucas relaxed.
"Okay."
Eleanor watched Nora with a complex look in her eyes.
After a moment, she said to Lucas, "Lucas, be sure to thank her properly for me."
No wonder her son was filled with regret.
The Nora of now was beautiful and talented, a far cry from the Becky who only knew how to shop and preen herself.
"I will."
Lucas promised, then escorted Nora and Dr. Hall out of the ward.
Dr. Hall left first, and Lucas pulled Nora aside, "Nora, I want to thank you on behalf of my mom."
Nora pulled her hand away, her voice cool, "No thanks needed. I'm a doctor. It's my duty to save lives and help the injured."
Lucas gazed at her ethereal beauty, "Nora, I was a fool before, I should've never hurt you like that. I am truly sorry and I'm asking for your forgiveness."
His eyes were earnest, Nora glanced at him, "It seems you do have some conscience."
Lucas said, "Nora, everyone makes mistakes. It's never too late to turn over a new leaf. If you forgive me, can we perhaps start over?"
His question made Nora's expression fade slightly.
"Lucas, there is no starting over for us. Let's set a time to finalize the divorce."
She had initially intended to witness his drama with Becky unfold.
But now, it seemed unnecessary.
It was time for her to draw the line with her past.
"I don't want a divorce, Nora." Lucas said, a firm resolve on his face.
Nora looked at him, her brows furrowed.
She delayed the divorce to enjoy the show, not to have him change his mind!
At the research office.
Howard, clutching his files, was about to head to office.
Passing by the nurses' station, he overheard some medical staff whispering.
"Did you get the latest scoop? That Nora who just joined the research team this morning – a patient's relative got into a brawl over her with his own wife."
"Yeah, I know, a neurology nurse shared the video with me."
" I couldn't believe it when I heard that Nora is actually the man's wife, and the one who got hit? She's the mistress."
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