, Susie was adamant about not letting Ernest stay over, but leaving her alone didn't sit right with me either., I had no choice but to seek Fanny's help, even though she was on the night shift at the hospital.,

"Mrs. Collins, I'm here to work, not to moonlight as a babysitter for your sister-in-law,

" Fanny playfully chided me.,

"It's not about babysitting. Everyone's asleep at this hour anyway. Just pop by if you get a chance, make sure she's sleeping alright, nothing more,

" I cajoled, laying it on thick., Fanny snorted, “After all these years, I feel like I'm nothing compared to how you dote on your sister-in-law.

",

"Don't be jealous. You know you're irreplaceable in my heart. Even Ernest can't compete,

" I joked, giving her a thumbs-up.,

"I'm not Ernest. You don't need to sweet-talk me,

" Fanny said, examining the ring on my finger.,

"It's vintage, not worth much, but it means everything because Ernest gave it to me. That's more than I can say for Conrad,

" Fanny brought him up., I was indifferent about that past affair, even joining in on the banter,

"Maybe I just wasn't good enough for Conrad in his eyes.

",

"It's not about not being good enough,

" Fanny sighed,

"It's about him thinking you couldn't live without him, which is why he never prioritized your feelings.

", I gave a mocking laugh.

"It doesn't matter anymore. That's all history now, and he's long gone anyway.

",

"Gone where?

" Fanny cleverly segued.,

"Who knows? He's playing a game of hide and seek,

" I shared the bit about Jacqueline and Haley searching for Conrad., Fanny looked thoughtful, then mentioned,

"I saw Conrad around the hospital a lot recently. I wonder if something's up with him?

", Remembering seeing Conrad at the hospital after my car accident, I scoffed,

"He's probably here for Haley, now that she's pregnant.

"

"That's possible, but I saw him alone most times,

" Fanny had barely finished when the office door sounded from outside.

"Come in!

" Fanny straightened up., The door swung open, revealing a delivery guy in uniform.

"Dr. Willis?

",

"That's me!

",

"I have your delivery here, and these flowers,

" the man said, holding up a bag and cradling a bouquet of flowers., I sensed a story and turned to Fanny, who calmly replied,

"You've got the wrong person. I didn't order anything.

",

"It was ordered for you by a Mr. Love F,

" the delivery guy clarified, checking his phone., I couldn't help but laugh softly, whispering,

"A secret admirer?

",

"A patient's relative!

", I was taken aback,

"A married man?

",

"No, the patient's brother,

" Fanny clarified.,

"Dr. Willis, I need to make my next delivery. I'll just leave the food and flowers here. If you decide to refuse them, you ca can contact the, In, gentleman,

" the delivery guy said, setting down the items before departing. , I approached, curious about the note attached to the order,

"There's a message too.

",

"What does it say?

" Fanny's disinterest was obvious, revealing her feelings on the matter.,

"It's a long night ahead, and while can't be there with you, let my love keep you company. Yours... forever wandering,

" I read, barely containing my laughter. , After reading, I looked at Fanny,

"Forever wandering,' how cheesy.

", Knock! Knock!, At the sound of knocking, I turned to see Yates standing there., The delivery guy hadn't closed the door, so there was no telling how long Yates had been there. But he was staring at the flowers and the food.,

"Yates,

" I greeted., He nodded briefly then turned to Fanny,

"I've spoken to the patient's family about the surgery.

",

"You've been a great help, Yates,

" Fanny responded with a politeness that belied her usual demeanor, very much the junior in his presence.,

"I've gone to these lengths for someone, you know who,

" Yates said, changing the atmosphere with his words., Instinctively, I straightened up, and, Fanny, caught off guard by his sudden declaration, scrambled to explain,

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Yates. It won't happen againol didn't mean to...

" , Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.