Chapter 209

"Moreover." Verena lowered her head again, her gaze fastening on the résumé before her. She went on,"According to your file, your family should be living in Clokron. Tell me-why choose to part ways with your family and step away from such a promising position, only to apply for work here?"

Her eyes never left the papers in her hand, blind to the steady gaze Simon had fixed on her.

Across the desk, Simon's eyes clung to her every movement.

Her head was slightly bowed, sunlight spilling through the window and wrapping her in a warm halo.

The angle revealed her slender neck, smooth and delicate, almost inviting a touch. The soft light painted her earlobes with a gentle pink glow.

A strange warmth stirred in Simon's chest, the seed of obsession quietly blooming. For a heartbeat, he longed to pull her into his very being, as though nothing else would ever be enough.

Yet when Verena lifted her head, the fleeting madness vanished from his expression.

Simon straightened with practiced ease, pushing his glasses up with a calm, natural gesture.

His voice carried a quiet modesty as he replied, "First, thank you for your praise. As for why I chose this hospital-the reason is straightforward. Its reputation is second to none. Around the wold, it stands as a place most medical graduates could only dream of joining. I, too, have long hoped for such a chance. But..."He paused, looking directly at Verena. "There's another reason that matters even more."

5Verena tilted her head ever so slightly, waiting for him to continue.

"Because of you."

Her puzzled gaze met his. Simon's lips curved faintly, though his eyes remained steady and solemn."You are held in the highest regard throughout the medical field. I have admired your accomplishments for years.Your skills are unquestionable, and I hope to learn under you-to refine myself, and ultimately serve more patients."

Verena lowered her gaze slowly, his words stirring her thoughts.

The calm confidence in his tone revealed a man who could weather storms without faltering.

And indeed, his reasons were not unfounded; many doctors had joined because of her reputation.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, producing a faint rhythm as her mind wandered.

Simon's eyes drifted to her hand, noting the elegance of her slender fingers.

The white blouse she wore, with its flowing sleeves, revealed the smooth line of her wrist when she moved.

The loose cuffs fell back just enough for his eyes to travel further, catching a fleeting glimpse of her skin-soft, smooth, almost dangerously tempting.

His gaze lingered, heavy with unspoken desire.

In that instant, time seemed to pause; the quiet room held only her gentle presence and his growing obsession. A sudden wave of possessiveness surged through him, tightening his jaw and stiffening the muscles beneath his sleeves as he fought the urge to reach for her.

After a weighted silence, Verena broke it with a composed voice. "Mr. Moss, your extensive experience and the many medical awards you've earned speak for themselves."

She rose to her feet, extending her hand with a smile. "Mr. Moss, you fully meet our hospital's recruitment criteria. Welcome aboard. I looktforward to seeing what you can contribute."

Simon's eyes fell on her delicate hand, a flicker of madness flashing like lightning across his calm expression.

Yet it had gone unnoticed by Verena.

He stood slowly and reached for her hand, touching it lightly-an elegant brush more than a shake. Outwardly, he was the very picture of a gentleman, poised and dignified.

Yet beneath that facade raged a storm of restless desire.

He lifted the corners of his mouth, offering a warm, assuring smile. "Rest easy. I will prove myself with action, and I will not fail your expectations."

Verena nodded, her eyes soft with approval. "I look forward to your performance."

She withdrew first, letting his hand fall away.

But beneath the table, Simon's fingers brushed against his palm, almost caressing the warmth she had left behind.

That brief contact burned into him, refusing to fade.

He clenched his hand tightly, as though to trap the sensation before it slipped away. His longing deepened,sharp as iron.

He had to have her.

Whatever it cost, he would have her. After the interview, Verena rêturned to Isaac's VIP ward.

She entered just as Julianna finished examining him.

Verena asked softly, "How's his recovery today?".

Handing her the record booklet, Julianna smiled. "Thanks to your care-and your husband's good health to begin with-his recovery looks very promising."

Her phone buzzed several times from her coat pocket.

Turning off the alarm, she said, "Evelyn, I have an operation scheduled. I'll need to go now."

Verena pressed her lips together and nodded. "Alright, go ahead."

Julianna left quietly, her steps light and swift. Verena lowered her gaze, scanning the records carefully. Soon, her expression brightened with relief.

Turning toward Isaac, lying in bed, she said with joy, "Isaac, your wounds are healing beautifully."

She set the booklet aside, moving closer. "If all goes well, you'll be ready for rehabilitation training in a week.Are you excited?"

Isaac still found their recent days difficult to believe.

The happiness before him felt like a fragile dream.

His brows drew together, uncertainty flickering in his voice though hope glimmered underneath. "Verena,can I really make it?"

Could he truly walk again, live again as any other man?

Verena tilted her head, her lips lifting into a quiet smile as she guided his hand to her abdomen.

"Of course. I believe in you. And so does our baby. We both trust you."

Isaac froze, stunned by the unwavering faith in her eyes. In that moment, the shadows of doubt scattered,replaced by a resolve he hadn't known he still carried.

A week flew by like a passing cloud.

Verena had crutches ready, her voice soft with encouragement."Isaac, today we begin your training. Don't be nervous. I believe you can do it."

Though a trace of unease lingered in his eyes, Isaac nodded firmly.

Seeing his determination, Verena supported him carefully as he stood.

Slowly,Isaac lowered his feet to the floor.

But just as hope began to stir, his legs gave way.

He collapsed to his knees with a harsh thud, the sound echoing through the quiet room like glass shattering

Verena caught him in alarm, her brows knitting tightly. "What's happening? Why would this happen now?" She had watched his recovery day after day; this should have been the best stage for progress. How could she have been wrong?

Isaac kept his head lowered, staring at his powerless legs. A crushing wave of defeat and frustration washed over him, draining his spirit.

But when he looked up and met Verena's anxious eyes, he forced a gentle smile. "I was prepared for this from the start. Don't worry. I won't give up."

Though calm on the surface, his voice trembled faintly, betraying the storm within.

Verena pressed her lips into a line, her brows furrowed. "Isaac, don't push yourself. Give me a moment."

She helped him back into bed, and then hurried out to call Julianna for a full examination.

Because of her pregnancy, she could not enter the radiation zone and had to wait outside.

She leaned against the wall, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen. Her brows pinched as she fell deep into thought.

What could have gone wrong? She had almost personally overseen his health checks every day for weeks, and no issue had ever shown itself.

If not a physical setback,then... could it be something rooted in the mind?