Not Your Doormat Anymore

Not long after Casey left, Nora and Kourtney arrived.

Nora poked her head through the doorway before entering. When she didn't see Casey, she let out a breath of relief.

"She's gone. Come in."

Kourtney stepped inside as told. Her face was still swollen, but after applying some ointment, the swelling should go down soon.

"Today was an accident. I'll speak with the security downstairs to make sure she doesn't get in again." I looked at Kourtney, feeling guilty.

I hadn't hit her myself, but it had happened because of me. The responsibility was mine to carry.

"I'll leave you two to talk. Excuse me." Nora, understanding the situation, quietly left.

Kourtney gently shook her head. "I'm sorry. I caused you trouble again by coming over today."

She looked at me apologetically, making me sigh. "How did you cause me trouble? You're the one who got hurt."

She was great in every way, except that she was too soft-hearted. Even after being wronged, she didn't know how to fight back.

"I'm fine. It doesn't hurt anymore. I just don't want to delay your work." Kourtney shook her head. Her voice was small, and she kept her head low.

"You're just too kind." I reached out and patted her head. "The next time you see her, avoid her. Don't let her bully you again. If anything happens, call me. I'll handle it."noveldrama

Kourtney's eyes shimmered with tears. "I... Can I really?"

I nodded.

The next second, she threw herself into my arms. I froze as I felt a damp warmth spread across my chest. Her shoulders trembled as she sobbed quietly. I wanted to push her away but couldn't bring myself to do it, so I just gently patted her back. "It's okay now. You're fine."

Her crying grew louder until her face was red. Her cheek was still swollen, and now, her eyes were all puffy too.

All I could do was hand her something to ease the swelling and let her tend to it herself. I turned back to my work-reviewing charts and writing prescriptions for patients. When I finished the last one and was ready to take a break, I noticed a medical file on the floor.

I picked it up and saw it was the chart for the patient in Room 505. I clearly remembered leaving that file on my desk before I left. Who knocked it to the floor?

"Did Casey say anything when she came?" I looked at Kourtney.

I didn't touch it, and if Kourtney didn't either, then there was only one possibility. Kourtney shook her head.

"Tell me exactly what happened. The more details, the better."

If Casey didn't just come over to make peace but had something else in mind, I wasn't going to let her off easily.

The more I listened to Kourtney's stammering account, the more certain I became. Casey must have seen the file on my desk. What was she trying to do? Start more rumors like last time or something else?

The more I thought about it, the stranger it felt. I quickly checked the orders I had sent on my computer, only to discover that the file and prescription for the patient in Room 505 had already been submitted. But the medication listed wasn't even what I had prescribed.

Remembering that moment just now sent a chill through me. If I hadn't caught it in time and the patient in Room 505 took that medication tomorrow, they could have died.

I immediately submitted a withdrawal request and issued a new prescription. Even after that, I wasn't at ease. I called Nora over and gave her a few instructions.

Kourtney sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on me.

After I finished handling everything, I looked at her. "Did you get off work early today?"

Kourtney lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Dr. Ranford. I actually took the day off. I just hadn't seen you in so long, and I..."