Chapter 187

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Raphael had initially planned to resign and come to Achusville to look for a job for Hailey’s sake. With his skills, hospitals everywhere were eager to hire him, so finding a job wouldn’t be an issue. But before he could even submit his resignation, Hailey had already discovered it.

“You’re doing fine at your job there. There’s really no need to come to Achusville for me,” Hailey said, looking up from her task. “Plus, Achusville isn’t far from Hallon City. If we want to meet, we can do so anytime.”

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“But you’re here without any friends or family. If something were to happen, I wouldn’t be able to rush to your side immediately,” Raphael countered, his gaze intense. “I know your health hasn’t been great these last couple of years, and I’m worried about you being alone here.”

Hailey smiled softly, bending down to pack her things. “It’s not as dramatic as you think. I’m sure it was my father who told you that. He loves to exaggerate. I just don’t sleep well, that’s all.”

“That’s exactly why it’s even more important to take care of it,” Raphael insisted, as he began cleaning out her fridge, sorting the vegetables and fruits.

“I’m a doctor. If I can’t even take care of the people close to me, how can I continue being a doctor?” He paused, looking at her seriously. “This is decided. Whether you agree or not, I’m coming to Achusville to look after you.”

Hailey set down what she was doing and looked at him. “Raphael, I’m not a child anymore.”

He turned to face her.

She continued, “You’re too kind to me, and I can only be touched by your care. But you know me–I’m not an emotional person, and I won’t just be with you out of gratitude. Your kindness is only putting more pressure on me.”

Raphael’s lips tightened, and he seemed to breathe a little softer, his expression growing conflicted.

Hailey saw the uncertainty in his eyes and couldn’t help but look away, closing her eyes in pain.

She couldn’t return the feelings Raphael had for her. In her heart, she knew that if she chose to be with him, her life would likely be happy and fulfilling. But she didn’t want that.

a chance at life. She wanted to pursue her own happiness, and if she couldn’t have it, she

She had worked hard to get a

with someone just for the

that, and it wasn’t fair to

love him, and even if she was with him, it wouldn’t change that. Eventually, Raphael would realize

never considered it that

wanted was to be kind to the person he loved, to use all his abilities to make her happy. But he

felt shattered, and he stood there, looking

please stop

cheek, inhaling deeply, before asking in a low voice, “If Owen weren’t in the picture,

like me?”

been the first person I met, I would have

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Chapter 187

were no “if’s” in this

fallen for Owen,

face as he said, “That’s enough, Hailey. I understand. I never expected anything from you.

smiled faintly and continued, “Even if we can’t be lovers, can’t we still be friends? Between friends, there

that, for a moment, Hailey found

and patted her head. “If nothing else, you

his hand away. “Are you taking

chuckled, not replying, and his persistent presence made it clear that

“Fine, do whatever you want.”

it were anyone else, they’d treat me like a backup option. But not you, you keep pushing me away. It’s tough, you know? I’m not exactly ugly, I’m six feet tall, but I can’t even be a

so hard to be a backup?” “Well, let’s see if I meet a girl who excites me more,” Raphael

smiled faintly,

she quickly packed

began taking her suitcase down. Hailey was still inside, finishing up with her cosmetics and

packed everything into a large bag, double–checked it, and then turned to leave.

she turned around, she saw Gracie standing in the doorway, wearing a bright yellow

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