Observing her apprehension, Rhett quipped, "Don't fret, Miss Lawrence. Surely a hospital of this magnitude wouldn't let me meet my end here."

Curious, Nicole inquired, “Have you informed your girlfriend about this?"

“Girlfriend?” Rhett appeared momentarily surprised.

Nicole hastily clarified, "While fetching your thermos, your work ID accidentally fell out. I apologize for the intrusion, but I assumed that was your partner."

Rhett's countenance remained inscrutable, though a touch of nostalgia lingered, in stark contrast to his typical cheerful and supportive demeanor.

But soon, Rhett reverted to his customary comportment and voiced, "Yes, she was once my girlfriend, but she's no longer with us.”

Nicole, taken aback, fell silent for a span before expressing, “My apologies. I was unaware."

“No need for apologies. It happened a long time ago," Rhett replied.

“She possessed an exquisite charm," Nicole commented.

Rhett's lips curved faintly. “Indeed. She possessed an infectious smile, a captivating persona, and held a fervent affection for animals."

Nicole harbored a profound sorrow for Rhett's late girlfriend who exuded gentleness and benevolence but met an untimely demise.

After exchanging further discourse, Rhett impelled Nicole to depart.

Nicole, unable to dispute, rose to depart, pledging to visit him the next day and encouraging him to reach out if anything occurred.

Rhett nodded.

Shortly after Nicole departed, Rhett's phone rang. A woman's voice on the opposite end inquired, “Good day, may I speak with Mr. Bates?"

"Certainly," Rhett replied.

"Mr. Bates, we're contacting you from the hospital. A few days ago, you were bit by a patient suspected of carrying HIV. Subsequently, you underwent tests at our facility, right?"

"Yes, what is it?" Rhett interjected, his tone conveying impatience.

The nurse explained, "We have reevaluated the findings. The patient does not exhibit signs of infectious disease. The initial test yielded inaccuracies. We extend our apologies for the inconvenience."

"Is that so?" Rhett's response exuded nonchalance, his demeanor undisturbed.