Chapter 32 Can People Really Change?
<Chapter>Chapter 32 Can People Really Change? </Chapter>
This time, they were greeted by a bespectacled male doctor, a kind-looking man in his fifties or sixties.
Noticing Hayden's frantic demeanor, the doctor spoke with a familiar tone, "Easy, son. What's the rush?"
Hayden cracked a smile, "Extraordinary circumstances call for special treatment."
The doctor glanced behind him, "A new date?"
Ashley opened her mouth to clarify, but Hayden interjected, “Let’s not bother with that, Gregory. Treating patients is our priority.”
Saying so, he guided Ashley to a seat and stood behind her, "She has a fever, 102 degrees."
Gregory glanced at the woman whose cheeks had turned red. She was undoubtedly Hayden's typical type, which explains why he had brought her in. Comparing this to his prior dates, this one was far more remarkable.
After rechecking her temperature, which was now 103.1 degrees, examining her tongue and eyelids, and measuring her heart rate and pulse, the doctor decided on an IV drip, "An IV will bring the fever down quickly, sparing you some misery."
Ashley felt disoriented, "Is it that serious?"
Gregory responded firmly, “Don't underestimate a fever. Many patients have complications because they don't treat it promptly. We'll start with an IV, I will write you a prescription.”
With no room to negotiate, Ashley followed the doctor’s instructions.
Hayden, supporting her arm, thanked Gregory, "I'll take her upstairs; it's too crowded and noisy here."
Gregory waved them off.
Instead of the general infusion room, Ashley was taken straight to a private ward to lie down.
The nurse, while setting up her IV, couldn't have been more nosy if she tried, her gaze full of gossip about Ashley and Hayden.
Once the nurse had left, Ashley asked, "Why bring me to a private room for just an IV? Wouldn’t the regular ward be enough?"
Hayden, tucking her in and pouring her water, sat down next to her and said, "Those places are chaotic. Do you even know what illnesses others may be having? Aren't you worried about cross-infection? Besides, it's not only you who’d be concerned; they'd worry about you, too."
As Ashley watched the slow drip of the IV fluid, she realized it would be at least an hour before she could leave, "Why didn't you clarify things to your colleagues? You just let them jump to the wrong conclusions about us."
Hayden, nearly exasperated, confessed, “Hey! What's there to explain? I wish they'd get it wrong! My senior colleagues are expecting to set me up with someone. They’re relentless. The moment you showed up, Ashley, you've spared me the headache. Let’s keep it our little secret; consider it a life you've saved.”
Ashley lay there gazing at the ceiling, the private room festooned with ornate decor. The walls were painted a soothing shade of pale green, a healthy choice said to ease the strain on one’s eyes, “You should drop this insane plan of yours,” she advised, “What if your narrow-minded buddy finds out? You think you’d still have a shot at living?”
“You mean Damian? You guys are divorced, aren’t you?” the voice was casual, trying to mask a careful observation of Ashley’s reaction. If she had any lingering feelings for Damian, it might show in her expressions or tone.
Ashley traced the outline of a crystal chandelier with her gaze, still fixed on the ceiling, “We avoid each other like the plague. Change the subject. Even if I leaped off a skyscraper today, he wouldn't bat an eyelid, believe it or not. But you’re different. Won’t things be awkward between you two best buds?”
What did she mean, ‘he wouldn't bat an eyelid’? He was the one who had pulled her out of that raging fire.
Hayden shifted the conversation, “Have you been practicing law abroad over the last three years? It's a different ball game outside the U.S., isn’t it? How are you coping?”
Ashley’s tone retained an everyday quality, and although not secretive, she was selective with her words, “I did some work while continuing my studies, got myself a JSD,” she mentioned.
A mix of shock and admiration washed over Hayden, looking at Ashley with newfound respect as her cheeks flushed, “A total brainiac, and no one knew! During your marriage to Damian, you were pursuing your master's at the University of Rochester. You could've settled for the high life in the wealthy life, but there was no stopping your thirst for knowledge. I always knew you weren't ordinary, Ashley, but I didn't expect you to dive back into learning overseas. If there’s anyone I'd call a legend, it’s you!”
Ashley saw the earnest thumbs-up but didn’t bother to sift the truth from exaggeration.
In the past, Ashley would have trodden on air on such praise, believing every word. She’d later come to realize that Damian’s buddies were all seasoned actors, saying whatever the situation demanded, full of charm, deceit, and smooth talk, never a sincere word.
Not that she blamed them. It must have been the nature of their surroundings. With a lack of genuineness around them, everyone wore masks, playing games of deceit.
“Stop with the flattery, it feels a bit insincere,” Ashley cut in.
Hayden grinned widely, “That’s the beauty of old friends, right? The comfort and closeness; you can almost guess what’s coming next. Anyway, Ashley, you go on with your IV. If you need anything, just give me a ring. I’ve got to check out the duty room.”
“Those patients that came in the ambulance, weren’t you going to operate on them? Don’t tell me you stayed just for me?”
“No, not at all. I keep work and personal matters separate. I’m clear-headed about serious stuff. Already did three surgeries today; didn’t want to push my luck and make a mistake.”
The doctor was busy, so Ashley didn’t want to hold him up any longer. With a wave, she sent him on his way.
Hayden strode out onto the large balcony of the building, his eyes taking in the brilliantly lit night panorama of Rochester, his spirits high, “My dear Mr. Hearst, you busy?"
…
At a mansion, Damian was lying in his bedroom, eyes shut, resting. Jessica sat by the bed, fully focused on hypnotizing him.
Only a floor lamp was on, its warm glow painting his sharp facial features. His long, thick eyelashes lay against his cheeks, his lips set firm and thin, hands resting on his abdomen. The black silk of his pajamas almost revealed the tight contours of his physique. Jessica had seen this scene countless times, yet her heart still raced with a fluster of nerves.
Working as a psychologist over the years, what made her happiest was being Damian's private hypnotherapist. In these moments, all the hardships of her exams seemed worth it.
"Relax your head, relax your brows... Feel how light your body is..." Her soft voice surrounded him, lightly brushing his auditory nerves like a feather.
Yet Damian's mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, unable to calm down or sort itself out.
Halfway through the hypnosis, Damian suddenly opened his eyes. Jessica's eyes were filled with deep affection as they met his, but she quickly looked away when their gazes collided, “What's wrong, Damian? Don’t you feel well?"
Damian was silent for a few seconds, “I want to ask you something that might be unrelated to your expertise."
Was he referring to something personal? Jessica had interacted with Damian for over two years, rarely straying beyond their doctor-patient relationship, never even touching on personal lives.
"Sure. What do you want to know, Damian?"
Damian frowned, showing some irritation, “Can people really change?"
