Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 517 Raymond Really Cares for Her

Touched, Olivia found herself gazing at Raymond, a belief blooming within her that she still occupied a corner of his heart. "Raymond, you truly do care for me," she murmured.

Raymond, ensconced on the couch, offered no response to her heartfelt declaration.

As Dr. Barnes concluded his examination of her finger, Olivia proffered her other hand just as he was preparing to take his leave.

"Dr. Barnes, this hand feels somewhat peculiar as well," she said.

It was evident, even to the most obtuse observer, that Olivia was contriving reasons to prolong his stay. But to what end?

Dr. Barnes' gaze strayed involuntarily towards Raymond, who appeared lost in thought and failed to return the look. The previous night, Alex had insinuated that Raymond was entangled in a romantic liaison with another. Yet, Raymond's tolerance of Olivia's theatrics suggested a lingering affection for her. Perhaps Alex's tales were mere fabrications. Unperturbed by the additional task, Dr. Barnes meticulously examined her other hand before offering her a smile.

"Miss Stone, may I take my leave now?" he asked.

All things considered, his visit had extended by a good forty minutes. Olivia responded with a slight smile.

"Dinner is prepared, Dr. Barnes. Would you care to join us?"

Dr. Barnes declined her invitation with a shake of his head, casting a glance at his wristwatch.

be on

and no further excuses at her disposal, Olivia allowed him to depart. During his visit, he had received three calls from the Harper family, all imploring him to

lips nearly blanched from anxiety. She repeatedly inquired

given the state of her fingers, promising a full recovery was a daunting proposition. "Miss

holding back her tears, finally succumbed

offer words of solace, but instead heard Selena say, "Shelley, I wish to rest for

Selena's side for

ruminated over the doctor's words of uncertainty, her tears cascading down her cheeks with

more, and in strode Baxter Barnes, his white coat a stark contrast to

hastily brushed away her tears, her

glance at the chart in his hand, verified the bed number before settling down beside her. He reached out, taking her injured hand into his own for a closer examination. "What

barely a whisper, her voice raspy from

her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Would you be able to accept the

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her sobs trapped in her

Baxter Barnes continued his examination, his tone even and calm. "That was merely the worst-case scenario. Allow me to treat this again. The soft tissue is relatively unscathed. If you're careful during the recovery, there shouldn't be

conducted a preliminary examination and applied a temporary treatment. However, as

gave a small nod, leaning back against her pillow and

severe as it could have been. If the skin and soft tissues had been completely damaged, amputation would have been the only option. Your phalanx is still intact, though the skin is tender and the finger misaligned," he explained, his

on Selena's forehead, trickling down her face. Baxter Barnes noted her silence, a flicker of surprise

a full twenty minutes, after which the