Burning Passion

CHAPTER TEN: BROTHERLY LOVE

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Nikki entered the clinic and greeted Doctor Ben's secretary, Tracy. "Hi, Tracy..."

"Nikki? What are you doing here? Doctor Ryan was in the Surgery Room to observe intern doctors." She quickly informed Nikki.

"Ah, yes, Miss Anna told me already." She smiled, trying to be friendly with her. "I just came to make an appointment with Doctor Ben tomorrow morning."

Tracy's forehead wrinkled and looked suspiciously at her. "Doctor Ryan constantly does his rounds to your mother. Can't you speak with him, then?" she suggested.

"Oh, right... But it is something important I needed to talk with him about. I wished to speak in private. That's the reason."

Tracy looks annoyed by her reasons. Now she visibly displays she doesn't like her. "Tell me, Nikki. Do you like Doctor Ryan?" she asked straightway.

Surprised, Nikki laughs to scorn her. "What? Of course not. How could you say that?" she now glares coldly at Tracy. "My mother's condition is not simply a joke that I would flirt around. I consult Doctor Ryan about anything that would be best for her."

She tried to defend herself, which she does not need to explain anything to this woman. But it does irritate her.

"I just want to clarify something." Tracy retorted annoyingly. "Piece of advice, Nikki? Many women keep coming every day to have an appointment with Doctor Ryan, and so stop dreaming of falling in line if you desire to obtain his attention."

"No, I am not. I knew Doctor Ryan even before he became a doctor, and I wasn't looking at him that way," she stated emphatically.

Anger surges her chest. Now Tracy began to infuriate her for real.

What the hell is this secretary thinking? Clearly, she is the one who likes Doctor Ryan and is jealous of those rich girls trying to seduce the doctor. Honestly, they pretended sick to get to talk to him, and she is aware of that.

"Nikki?"

She made an immediate turn upon hearing the famous doctor's voice. Doctor Ryan is now striding toward her, who's standing in the middle of his clinic lounge. She's praying that he doesn't hear any of their heated conversations.

"Doctor Ben, good afternoon," she greets him politely, trying to calm herself.

"Hi! What's wrong? Did something happen?" Doctor Ben asks when he sees that Nikki looks troubled.

"Oh, I was just dropping by to make an appointment to talk with you tomorrow."

"Hmm..." he glances at his wristwatch and seems to contemplate something. "If you are not in a hurry, how about now? I am available," he stated while tearing his lips with a smile.

Tracy dropped her mouth. She can't believe this! The doctor has a necessary appointment today, but he would delay it just for this girl.

Doctor Ben walked toward his office, and Nikki followed quietly. She could feel that Tracy was frowning at her. Why would she interfere with her boss' affair? Well, she does not care at all. She was just a secretary. She shouldn't cross the line, both of the doctor's work and private life.

It seems Tracy likes the doctor. In which she has no care. Doctor Ryan is their family doctor. She need not be skeptical of her or to anyone.

"Please, take a seat, Nikki." He offered the seat in front of his table.

"Thank you, Doctor Ryan," she said.

"Now, what can I do for you?"

"Um... I actually, this is something crucial at the same time, I was embarrassed to even bring up to you," she said with blushing cheeks.

Ben smiled warmly. He would always show a light mood around him. "Go ahead. I am all ears."

Playing her fingers resting on her lap, Nikki heaves a long breath. "Honestly, Doctor Ben... I have a huge problem with our funds by now. I'm afraid I can't pay for the surgery and Mama's treatment. I—" Nikki gasped some air. She was embarrassed, shy to discuss this with Doctor Ben, but she has no other choice.

"I see... you worry too much, don't you?" It sounded like teasing her instead.

"Doctor Ben, I want to request a consideration regarding Mama's surgery. Can I mortgage my grandfather's land until I found a perfect buyer? I know this is stupid!" she was desperate. She admits that. "But, I want to be careful who I sell that land to."

"I will leave the land title to you, and then I will prepare an agreement if my request is granted. I want Mama's surgery once I found someone who will give their blood willingly," she added.

Doctor Ryan smiled softly. He rose from his chair and walked around his table to sit at the vacant chair across Nikki. It startled her. She blushed when Doctor Ben patted her head.

"Like what I said a while ago, you worry too much," he phrases while chuckling sexily.

Nikki did not anticipate Doctor Ben's gesture. But then it killed the mood when the door opened, and a tall, handsome man entered the office. Registered to his face a great shock in the next three seconds, then he withdraws his gaze from her.

Ignoring what he saw but speaks his reason for barging in. "Ben, Jeremy needs you, now," he said in a hurry firm tone, then promptly let go of the door, left without another word.

Nikki felt confused, staring at the door slowly closing on its own. What was that about?

"Nikki, I have to go. Let's talk again tomorrow or the next day after. I will think about what you propose, okay?" Ben holds both of Nikki's faces. "Don't worry about the bills. We need more blood for your mother."

Doctor Ryan sat up from the chair and walked out of his office while Nikki left in a daze. Her face is flustering red and even in awe.

Did Doctor Ryan pat her head and then hold her in the face? Nikki even pointed her head and face like an idiot.

No, no, no... that was no meaning at all! It was just a brotherly gesture. She told herself. Yes, she encourages herself to believe this. There is no way that Doctor Ben likes her.

But that guy. Is it Theo Shang? He mentions a name, Jeremy. Who was that? Maybe also a patient here. She answered her questions. She was like an idiot talking to herself.

Nikki left Doctor Ryan's office with a light-head. She doesn't want to put meaning, but if all the girls who desire Doctor Ben know this, they would be in a fury.

Oh, well.... she only thinks of Doctor Ben as a wonderful friend, a brotherly love because he gives her that kind of feeling.