Love Redux: Fated to the Handsome Doctor

Lara stared sharply at the doctor who was in front of her at the moment.

A tall, handsome doctor with typical brownish eyes of mixed-race men in general. His black wavy hair was neatly combed like the appearance of a white coat wrapping his body.

Andre.

Lara’s childhood friend who has now become my enemy. “You!” Her anger suddenly flared up-as if she could tear apart the doctor’s body right then and there.

Memories of the relationship between Doctor Andre and Lara in the past suddenly resurfaced and now they hurt her.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Andre and Lara weren’t enemies initially, but a terrible incident left a mark on her mind. That incident later made them archenemies, up until now. Lara even tried to cut off contact, although Andre and his sister often tried to find her, he said. Lara never confirmed that.

Lara indeed a girl full of scars from the past. She hasn’t even felt completely happy, until one day, a fetus suddenly emerged from within her womb. That fetus, Lara’s unborn child, is her only strength. She will fight to heal from the mental pain she endure. She must be strong, for her child.

***

“Mrs. Lara. I will conduct an examination of your condition,” Andre said, trying to be professional, perhaps? Lara still suspicious about him. She knew that now was not the right moment to discuss their conflicts in the past. She would also try to act normal, as an ordinary patient.

“Yes, please,” Lara replied indifferently.

In a routine visit, Doctor Andre seemed to examine her carefully while ensuring there were no further complications from the medical procedures he had performed.

In the treatment room, the doctor began to review Lara’s overall health, assisted by assistants and nurses who recorded every change in her condition.

The light from the room’s lamp illuminated Lara’s bed so brightly with a warm temperature indicating the rising sun. It’s already nine in the morning. The sunlight began to seep through the curtains, bringing a warm atmosphere tempered by the artificial breeze from the room cooler, so that those inside always felt fresh.

Lara’s recovery process was going as expected by the doctor. He did not find any specific side effects to be wary of from her post-surgery healing pattern. This brought good news that Lara was recovering well and without complications.

“Everything looks good,” Dr. Andre said with a smile. But Lara didn’t respond.

Doctor Andre checked Lara’s medical records and the latest test results, ensuring that her recovery was progressing as he had hoped.

A nurse seemed to check Lara’s blood pressure and pulse, then recorded it on a special sheet to monitor the latest developments in her health.

“How are you feeling today, Ma’am.?” the doctor asked gently, trying to break the silence that tortured him.

Lara only weakly answered, half forced. “I feel tired, but thankfully, my baby is safe. Thank you, Doctor. I owe my life to you.”

Doctor Andre just smiled wryly while nodding. He tried not to show excessive emotion about our complicated relationship. I also tried the same but it felt very difficult.

He then examined the surgical incision-the operation scar-he had done yesterday during the rescue procedure.

Lara just realized that there was a scar on her body when the doctor examined it.

“Ah.”

Lara winced in pain as his hand touched the scar. The doctor seemed surprised but then he smiled because there was nothing to worry about.

The wound was healing more and everything was clean and sterile. There was nothing to worry about.

“Everything looks good,” the doctor said with a smile. “You are on a good recovery journey, Ma’am. We will continue to monitor your condition and the fetus carefully.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Lara said gratefully. Especially when hearing news about her unborn child.

Lara, who was initially frowning, now smiled when hearing about her child’s condition. She truly hoped he was okay. Lara felt guilty for putting him in danger.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

Seno seemed to approach the two of them. Doctor Andre’s face, which was originally plain, suddenly tensed up. Lara could feel the change in his attitude.

An intimidating aura emanated strongly from him, as if Andre was protecting his territorial area like a lion.

Seno certainly didn’t realize it, but Lara did. Andre has been like that since forever. He will be cautious towards someone he doesn’t know. She don’t know why, but Lara feel a strange piercing aura from the doctor as if he is disturbed by Seno’s presence.

“Is he your husband?” Doctor Andre asked, trying to confirm the identity of the man who claimed to be Lara’s partner. Doesn’t he know what her husband looks like?

“Yes. He is. What’s the matter, doctor?”

“Ah, nothing.”

Doctor Andre seemed to dodge. The atmosphere in this room felt oppressive. Why do these two men in front of Lara seem to be competing?

Doctor Andre’s jaw seemed to stiffen, his facial muscles protruding. He shouldn’t behave like that. Although their past relationship was not good, he shouldn’t hate Lara’s husband too.

Shouldn’t he just hate Lara?

“Make sure to provide moral support for the patient’s optimal recovery, Sir. Don’t make her sad or hurt!” Doctor Andre advised-but for some reason it felt like he’s threatening Seno.

“A-Alright, Doctor.”

Seno seemed a bit surprised by the doctor’s strange tone of voice. He didn’t feel that the man in front of him was behaving like a medical team assisting Lara’s recovery.

Lara was also surprised by Doctor Andre’s response. It’s really strange.

Seno raised his eyebrows, seeming not to understand the doctor’s odd behavior. However, he didn’t feel the need to know more. Seno wasn’t interested in other people’s affairs that didn’t benefit him.

***

“Lara, I apologize to you…”

Seno’s unexpected apology hung in the air, its sincerity wavering like a flickering flame. Lara gazed at him, searching his face for any hint of deception, but all she found was a glimmer of remorse in his eyes.