"Upon awakening, he inquired about your well-being. As a physician, it was within my purview to apprise your family of every facet concerning your health, including your gravid state. Nevertheless, heeding your entreaty, I deviated from the norm."

“I'm sorry I made you break the rules." Ariana confessed, her countenance riddled with guilt. It was not the doctor's duty to hide her pregnancy, especially when her husband lay so close by!

Seeing Ariana’s despondency, Mitchel suddenly said, "Perhaps you could make amends by treating me to a meal?"

Ariana's body stiffened, and she blurted out, "What? Were doctors now so blunt?"

Mitchel maintained his composure and spoke in a clear, steady voice.

"Is something wrong? Typically, when someone wants to show gratitude or apology, they treat the other person to a meal."

He was right, but Ariana sensed that something was amiss. Was it normal for him to ask her so bluntly to invite him to dinner? He didn't seem pushy. In fact, his serious demeanor and businesslike tone suggested otherwise.

Could he possibly have feelings for her? That seemed impossible. They had just met, and he was young and incredibly handsome. Undoubtedly, he must be quite popular at the hospital. There couldn't be any romantic interest from him towards a married, pregnant woman like her.

Moreover, it wasn't unreasonable for him to ask her to treat him to dinner. After all, he had helped her against his own conscience, and she felt the need to repay him somehow. Instead of racking her brain to come up with a way to repay him, she might as well take him up on his offer and treat him to dinner.

“Of course. When are you available?" Ariana responded with generosity.

Mitchel cast his gaze downward and spoke devoid of emotion.

"I'm busy. I don't have the time."

Ariana was caught of guard by his response.

“And besides, there's a rule in the hospital that doctors cannot accept any benefits from patients."

As she looked at his righteous face, Ariana was at a loss for words.

"Do you still feel uncomfortable?" Mitchel shifted the conversation to something important, picking up the medical record and flipping through its pages. His hands were exquisite, with slender fingers that showcased neatly manicured and impeccably clean nails.

Ariana stretched her shoulders and hands, cautiously assessing the sensations.

"No, I'm just feeling dizzy."

“How about your belly? Are you still experiencing any pain?" Mitchel set aside the medical record and looked at her intently.

“I don't feel any pain," Ariana replied.