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

the sake of being with

it wasn’t fair to Raphael either.

love him, and even if she was with him, it wouldn’t change

had never considered it

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

heart felt shattered, and he stood there, looking

stop worrying about me. Don’t contact me again. I’m not the one for

at her pale cheek, inhaling deeply, before asking in a low voice, “If Owen weren’t in

like me?”

his gaze. “If you had been the first person I met, I would have fallen

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Fri, 11

Chapter 187

“if’s” in

Owen, and

understood now. He raised his hand, gently brushing her face as he said, “That’s enough, Hailey. I understand. I never expected anything from you. Maybe I did once, but after all these years, all I want is for

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

and sincere that, for a moment, Hailey found herself unable to

hand and patted her head. “If

away. “Are you

not replying, and his persistent presence made it clear that

sighed in defeat. “Fine,

look so down. With me here, you get free labor. You don’t like that? If 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

so hard to be a backup?” “Well, let’s

faintly, helpless.

she quickly packed everything

a cab to wait outside, and he began taking her suitcase

double–checked it, and then

saw Gracie standing in the doorway, wearing a bright

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