the night

Finally, all misunderstandings between them were cleared. They went to the hospital together. As soon as they arrived, Cora went straight to Covey.

Cora looked at him and said, "Tell me, what were you about to say?"

Covey frowned. "What?"

Cora smiled. "Covey, our misunderstandings are finally over. Aaron proposed to me!"

Covey held her hand, examining it closely. "He proposed to you?" His eyes flickered as he asked, "Then where's your ring?"

Cora smirked, lifting her finger to her lips. Covey understood immediately. His lips curled into a bittersweet smile. "That's what you call a proposal?" huh? shaking his head.

Cora chuckled. "For me, this is enough."

Covey sighed and nodded. "Well... congratulations, Cora." With that, he turned away and walked off.

Later, standing alone on the hospital balcony, Covey looked lost in thought. Aaron approached him. "You like her too, don't you?"

Covey let out a breath, his gaze still fixed on the distance. "Does it even matter? As long as she's happy, that's all that counts." Then, turning his sharp eyes to Aaron, he added, "And listen, if you ever make her cry again, I swear I'll take her away from you. You've already hurt her enough."

Aaron smirked lightly. "Hmm… don't worry. I'll keep that in mind."

They both laughed before leaving the balcony together. Cora, noticing them from afar, raised a brow. "Wow, what's with the smiles?"

Both men exchanged a glance before replying in unison, "Nothing, just like that."

Shaking her head, Cora walked away. Each of them returned to their respective duties.

---

Later, in Aaron's office, Cora entered, glancing at a patient's file. "When are we scheduling this patient's surgery?"

Aaron leaned back in his chair. "For now, just give him medication. If he doesn't improve in a few days, we'll operate."

Cora nodded and turned to leave, but before she could reach the door, Aaron grabbed her wrist.

"Aaron!" she hissed. "What are you doing? We're in the hospital. Someone might see us. Let go!"

Aaron smirked. "Let them see. People should know who my girlfriend is."

Cora chuckled. "Hehehe, nice joke."

Aaron raised a brow. "Joke? Are you saying you're not my girlfriend?"

Cora playfully showed him her empty ring finger. Aaron sighed dramatically. "Oh, so that's the issue."

Cora grinned mischievously. "Let's skip the dating part and just get married then."

Aaron leaned closer, smirking. "In a hurry for your first night, are you?"

Cora suddenly flipped the situation, pressing his hands against the wall as she leaned in dangerously close. "Yes, Mr. Aaron, I am in a hurry for my first night. Aren't you?" she whispered, her breath warm against his lips.

Aaron pulled her even closer, his voice deep and teasing. "How about we get married right now? And then tonight... we won't have to wait."

Cora's eyes widened as she quickly pulled back. "Hey! I was just joking."

Aaron chuckled. "I wasn't." Then, brushing his fingers through her hair, he whispered, "Miss Cora, now go back to work."

Cora rolled her eyes and walked away, shaking her head with a small smile. The two resumed their duties.

---

That night, they returned home together.

After freshening up, Cora went to Aaron's apartment. She rang the doorbell, and when he opened the door, his breath hitched.

There she stood in her nightdress, her hair slightly damp, her skin glowing under the soft lights.

Aaron swallowed hard. "A-a... come inside."

Cora stepped forward, her voice dropping into a sultry tone. "What happened, Mr. Aaron?"

Aaron exhaled sharply. "Cora, you're testing my patience again. You know I can't control myself when you do this."

Cora smirked. "Then don't."

Aaron grabbed her by the waist, pulling her flush against him. She leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips, deepening it as he lost himself in her.

Out of breath, he whispered

Cora didn't say a word. She simply nodded.

That was all he needed.

He lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. As she moved backward, he followed, until the bed's edge met her legs.

Aaron hovered over her, searching her eyes one last time. "Can we?" he asked

This time, Cora gave a soft nod, her cheeks flushed.

Aaron kissed her—everywhere. His lips trailed down her body, his breath sending shivers through her skin. As he reached her waist, he tugged at the thin fabric with his teeth, his touch sending a wave of warmth through her.

Their breaths grew heavier, their hearts racing in sync. Aaron pulled off his shirt, his fingers tracing her skin.

And then...

The lights went out.

---

Morning came.

Cora's eyes fluttered open. She stretched lazily, feeling warmth beside her. Turning, she found Aaron already awake, gazing at her with a small smile.

"Had a good sleep?" he asked.

She nodded, her voice still drowsy. "Yeah… but why are you up so early?"

Aaron smirked. "I just felt like watching you sleep."

Cora blushed and pulled the blanket over her head. "Come back to sleep for a bit."

Aaron chuckled as she snuggled closer to him, her arms wrapped around his waist. He pulled her even closer, holding her tight.

And just like that, she fell back asleep in his arms.