Not Your Doormat Anymore novel Chapter 9

I stayed in the hospital until Kourtney woke up. She looked up at me with parted lips, but she couldn't utter a word as her throat was parched.

I dipped a cotton swab in some water and gently moistened her lips. I softly said, "Your body is still very weak. It's not a good time to talk now—you need to get some rest. But don't worry, there won't be any lasting effects on you."

Kourtney's eyes were bright and clear, especially when the sunlight hit them, casting a glow that was impossible to look away from.

As she couldn't speak, she only managed to nod.

I nodded in return before calling a nurse over. I then went over a long list of instructions with Nora Whitley.

She couldn't hold it back anymore and teased, "You've been instructing me the same things since yesterday, Dr. Ranford. My ears are about to bleed. You don't have to be so anxious, I know what to do. It feels like she's your wife with the way you're fussing over her."

I looked at Nora seriously. "Don't make jokes like that. It's not good for Ms. Gomez's reputation."

She immediately stopped talking.

I then glanced over at Kourtney. "Get some rest. I'll take my leave for now."

As I was leaving, I heard Nora whispering to her, "Dr. Ranford stayed by your side for the entire night."

I turned around at the same time Kourtney happened to look at me. Our gazes met, and she flashed me a bright smile.

I was momentarily left in a daze. But the next minute, a sharp, angry voice sounded. "So, this is why you refused to marry me, Jace!"

I frowned, turning toward the newcomer. "What are you doing here?"

Hadn't I made things clear enough with Casey previously? Yet, she actually stormed into the hospital and even into Kourtney's ward.