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.

I must be on

squandered 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 make haste. Upon leaving the Stone residence, he

in a state of distress, perspiration dotting her forehead, her lips nearly blanched from anxiety. She

questioning whether a negative response would cause her to unravel completely. However, given the state of her fingers, promising a full

holding back

words of solace, but instead heard Selena say, "Shelley, I wish

speechless, opting to remain by Selena's side

Selena ruminated over the doctor's words of uncertainty, her

hospital room door swung open once more, and in strode Baxter Barnes, his white coat a stark contrast

hastily brushed away her tears,

settling down beside her. He reached out, taking her injured hand

was barely a whisper, her voice raspy from

Barnes met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Would you be able

words, her other hand clenching the bedsheets tightly. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her sobs trapped in her

calm. "That was merely the worst-case scenario. Allow me to treat this again. The

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

small nod, leaning back against her pillow and slowly closing her

injury wasn't as 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,

Barnes noted her

full twenty minutes, after which the