Love Redux: Fated to the Handsome Doctor

“Doctor Ricky?” Andre was surprised to see his colleague coming to the safe house where Lara was staying.

“Doctor Andre!” The doctor was equally surprised.

The sun had started to rise. The glare of light dazzled from the front window. An ambulance was parked there, along with the arrival of Doctor Ricky and his entourage.

They entered the safe house orderly, lining up one by one, while carrying quite complete medical equipment. Nurses immediately took out infusion fluids, tubes, and also moved the support stand near Lara’s bed. The treatment process would begin shortly.

However, something strange happened. Doctor Ricky’s face looked pale, as if there was something he wanted to convey.

“Why do you look like that, Bro? Is there a problem?” Andre asked curiously.

“Oh, nothing. I’ll tell you later. Hello, Mrs. Lara. I’m Doctor Ricky. I’m here to take care of you for the next few days,” the doctor greeted warmly.

Lara nodded. “Nice to meet you, Doctor Ricky. I’m Lara.”

“I know.”

Lara and Andre exchanged glances. However, Doctor Ricky immediately cleared his throat to break the tension between them. “I mean, I know you. We met briefly at the hospital.”

“Ah. That’s it,” Lara brushed her hair aside. Doctor Ricky began to measure Lara’s blood pressure and also checked her vital signs, assisted by some nurses who came with him.

“Now, can you tell me where you feel pain or discomfort?” Doctor Ricky asked while instructing one of the nurses to treat the open wounds on Lara’s face and hands.

“I feel pain in my arms and legs. I also have bruises on my face and some scratches on my body.”

“Alright, I will check that. First, I will see if there are any broken bones or more serious damage. Please lie down and let me see those wounds.”

The doctor then carefully examined the wounds on Lara’s body. There were several bruises on her ribs and also on her arms and legs.

With a deep sigh, Doctor Ricky finally commented, “From my initial examination, it seems you have some bruises and scratches in various non-fatal parts. I will clean and treat these wounds to prevent infection and accelerate healing.”

Lara nodded and let the doctor and nurses do their job. “Ouch!” Lara flinched as the cold alcohol wipe began to glide on her skin. But she tried to remain brave.

“I will also order some additional tests to ensure there are no more serious injuries, such as broken bones. Are you comfortable if I proceed with the treatment now?”

“Yes, it’s okay. Thank you, Doctor.”

“I know this can be uncomfortable, Mrs. Lara. But, it’s important to prevent infection,” Doctor Ricky added with an enthusiastic smile.

Meanwhile, Andre sat by Lara’s bedside, watching with concern the treatment process being carried out by Doctor Ricky and his nurse. He felt relieved to see Lara receiving proper medical treatment after her terrifying experience.

“How do you feel, Ra?” Andre asked gently as Doctor Ricky and his nurse were still busy with the treatment.

Lara sighed and tried to smile despite still feeling pain. “A little relieved, although still uncomfortable. But, I’ll be okay,” she replied with determination.

“You will be okay, Ra. I’m here with you,” Andre said confidently, trying to provide support to Lara.

After cleaning the wounds and applying the necessary medical treatment, Doctor Ricky instructed his nurse to bandage the wounds carefully. He also arranged for Lara to undergo some additional tests to ensure there were no more serious injuries.

“Alright, Mrs. Lara. You will remain under our observation for the next few days to ensure optimal recovery. If you feel any discomfort or there are any worrying symptoms, don’t hesitate to let us know,” Doctor Ricky said firmly yet compassionately.

Lara nodded in understanding. “I’m grateful to be treated by you, Doctor.”

“No problem. This is our duty. Now, please take this medicine to help relieve the pain and also so you can sleep soundly,” the doctor said as he handed the pills to Lara.

“Let me help,” a nurse approached with a glass of water and also some light snacks to be eaten before taking the medicine.

While Lara was still being treated by the attending nurse, Doctor Ricky appeared to approach Andre. With a nod of his head, Andre followed him to move away from Lara for a while. They then talked in a corner of the room, quite far from Lara’s room.

“What’s up, Bro?” Andre asked curiously. Ricky’s demeanor was not usual. It seemed like there was something important he wanted to convey.

“Bro, the hospital is in trouble! What’s wrong with your phone?” Ricky asked curiously.

Andre frowned. He reached for the phone in his pocket. Turns out, the phone was dead. Andre wanted to turn it on but couldn’t. “Looks like the battery is dead, Bro. Anyway, what’s the news?”

“Ugh… there’s a commotion there, Bro! Miriam suddenly disappeared. It’s like she vanished into thin air. No one knows where she is.”

“What?” This time, Andre was truly surprised. “How is that possible? The CEO, how is he? Any news from him?”

“It seems Miriam’s disappearance is related to a police investigation. The hospital’s CCTV suddenly stopped working and, you know, right? Who could have intentionally turned it off?” Ricky tried to give a hint. Andre began to think.

“It’s impossible!”

“Everyone thinks so. But, seeing you, Lara, and Miriam, everything is connected. So, wild rumors about your love triangle emerged, Bro! Strangely, Miriam disappeared.”

“And then?”

“Well, I don’t know.” Ricky couldn’t continue his sentence because he didn’t know the fate of Andre’s colleague and fiancee. “Aren’t you still engaged?” He dared to ask, although it wasn’t something that needed explanation to the public.

“No, Bro. Our engagement is off. I love Lara.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“She’s a widow, Bro! Miriam is the daughter of the company’s owner!”

“What’s the difference, Bro? It doesn’t matter to me. Lara is my first love and… I hope she’ll be my last love,” Andre said seriously. Ricky just shook his head.

“Such a model human exists,” he murmured amidst the heart-wrenching concerns.

“Well, I don’t know, Bro. It’s about feelings. It can’t be forced.”

Ricky nodded in understanding. Shortly after, another piece of news surprised him. The hospital’s mailing list announced that Doctor Miriam had been transferred abroad and could not return to practice in Indonesia.

“Looks like there’s something going on, Bro,” Ricky concluded. Andre borrowed Ricky’s phone for a moment and carefully read the announcement. It seemed Ricky’s suspicion was correct.

“I have to see the CEO!”