“Well, I’ll see you twoter. I still have two hours of my shift left,” Rondains, stifling a yawn.


    “You have fun, and I think I’m going to head home. I’ll sleep well today.” I say. Oh and, I’ve filled out the


    paperwork for patient in room 2, bed C. Please make sure she’s checked up on every hour. The


    infection is pretty bad.”


    “Understood.”


    Not bad for a first day of work. Most of the staff was friendly and easy to talk to, and Cassian was pretty


    sweet. Not to mention all the single women and a few of the not–so–single ones seemed to crush on


    him.


    Removing my doctor’s coat, I pull on my jacket before I leave the hospital.


    I’m getting into my car, making sure to check the back seats and the surrounding area, when I hear the


    wailing of an ambnce siren before I see the shing lights as the ambnce zooms past to the


    emergency entrance.


    I wonder what that’s about


    Strapping my belt on, I drive out, ready to just get home and sleep. I’m almost home when my stomach


    rumbles and I realise I haven’t eaten.


    I didn’t eat because we were so busy. There was no time and I’m not in the mood. to get out and grab


    something to eat at this time.


    Food prepping isn’t my thing either… I do have some frozen ready meals. I’ll heat up one of those.


    Reaching the apartmentplex, I look around, spotting the regr few middle- aged women standing


    by the door to one of the bottom–floor apartments, gossiping away about their men.


    “Miss!”


    I nce at them, and they’re looking right at me.


    “Hello.” I smile politely as I lock my car doors.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    “How are you finding it here? Have you settled in well?”


    I nod, “Yes, thank you.” I nce up at my apartment balcony, wondering how much they can see from


    down here. Is this about Zade?


    “Be careful, there was a break–in the other night, did you hear?”


    “Oh?” I ask, my stomach plummeting and I’m sure I’ve turned pale.


    “Oh, don’t worry darling, it was just a break in, but no one was caught and no one reported anything.


    Just make sure you lock your doors and stay safe. Remember, we’re all amunity here, so don’t


    ever think you can’t give us a shout.”


    “Thank you,” I say before I head inside, passing the night watchman.


    Break in… how did people even realise if Zade had dealt with him? What if they somehow find out what


    we did?


    My stomach churns and I feel nauseous. I take the lift up to my floor and get to my apartment quickly.


    Unlocking the door, I scan the halls before I step inside and lock the door behind me. I take a moment


    to scan the apartment, focusing on my senses. There’s no lingering scent, nothing that makes me


    uneasy, yet I still check every possible ce someone could be hidden before I rx.


    I need another coffee. Massaging my neck, I remove my jacket, tossing it onto the sofa and head to the


    kitchen area, stopping when I see the paper bag on the


    counter.


    My heart races, but without even needing any confirmation, I know he put it there. I slowly reach for the


    bag, turning it around to see the small post–it note that’s stuck to the front. The writing is nted and


    sharp.


    “Someone once said you shouldn’t deprive your body of the nutrients it needs. Try not to be a


    hypocrite?”


    My stomach flutters, but I close my eyes, trying to remind myself we argued the other night. How dare


    he pretend we’re ok. And yes, I am going to be a hypocrite. and pretend that I didn’t think of him for the


    last few days.


    I rip off the sticky note off only to see a message on the back.


    “And this is a one–time thing since it’s your first day of work. Don’t get used to it


    – Z”


    One–time thing? We’ll see. He owes me. I had to give him a shot countless times.