The Substitute Bride

"He is such a persistent man and has countless things to do. Of course, he knows his body and will take good care of himself. Even though he always pushes himself, he won't compromise his health for the sake of his dream. When he is tired, he will take a break. However, when he feels good, he will work hard on his career and exceed expectations. He will balance work and rest, even if it may take him longer to finish his work. After all, he doesn't have any other choice," Sheryl explained.

When she noticed a sense of hesitancy on Isla's face, she continued, "Most importantly, as long as he is busy at work, he will not think about those unpleasant things. That way, he will be positive and always have a good mood. So, I think it's better for him to leave the hospital than to just lie in the bed idly. Don't you think?"

Isla surveyed the speaker up and down with curious eyes.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Sheryl asked, noticing Isla's stare and feeling rather uneasy.

"Well, I was just wondering when you became a thinker. You made a very good point. I'm quite surprised," Isla remarked in a teasing tone.

Disbelief was written all over her face.

"Isla, why are you making a big deal of this? I'm not dumb, you know? I actually have a brain. Didn't you know that?" Sheryl snapped in a triumphant tone while she proceeded to glare at Isla.

"Oh, now don't be like that. Come on, Sher. Relax... Let's go inside," Isla said with a resigned look on her face. 'What on earth came over her? Is this really my best friend, Sher? It's unlike her to be this opinionated and defensive. Did she have a bad day?' A barrage of questions ran through Isla's mind.

Isla and Sheryl entered the ward. Fixing her eyes on the patient, she offered, "Where are your things? I'll help you collect them." Evidently, Isla was persuaded by Sheryl.

"It's over there. Thank you," Nick replied in a joyous tone as he pointed at his belongings. Nick was oblivious. He didn't hear Sheryl and Isla's conversation outside of his ward. Nevertheless, he knew that Sheryl convinced Isla to change her mind. Above all else, he was grateful and wanted to thank Sheryl.

As he wanted to do so, he shifted his gaze from Isla to Sheryl. Meeting his grateful eyes, Sheryl smiled at him.

Nick nodded at her as a means to s

t was why he hid all of his emotions. Compared to the nurse, he behaved way more reserved. He said flatly, "Oh, okay. Thank you for taking care of me that night. I appreciate it. Bye!"

Without granting himself any chance to change his mind, he turned around and walked towards the car.

He was afraid that he might lose control of himself and expose his true feelings towards her.

"Nick!" the nurse called out.

Nick paused and stood still. It was almost like his shoes were glued to the ground.

"I attended to you the entire night, Nick. Don't you think you should at least know my name?" the nurse continued desperately. She was aware that she would lose contact with him unless she told him something about herself.

"Okay, what's your name?" Nick asked in an indifferent tone without turning around to look at the beautiful girl.

From where Sheryl stood, she could see Nick's unpleasant facial expression. Tears began to form in the corners of his eyes, but he managed to keep them from falling.

The nurse could tell Nick exuding a rather distant and indifferent aura. 'When he got out of the car, he was so nice to me and I could sense that he was indeed pleased to see me.

That's why I mustered up the courage to pursue my feelings for him, ' she thought.

"Give me your phone!" the nurse demanded as she stumbled closer to him, halted in front of him and held out her hand.

"My cellphone is going to die!" Nick refused.

"Give me your cellphone right this second. I won't take no for an answer," the nurse insisted.