Chapter 277

“It’s nothing; I just thought we could grab dinner,” Nate said, completely straightforward.

Lena looked stunned and didn’t immediately reply.

Just when I thought she'd falter, perhaps out of politeness, she surprised me with a simple, “Okay.”

Yes!

She wasn’t entirely clueless. At least, she wasn’t about to reject a great guy like Nate.

I mentally high-fived Lena, already envisioning her amazing night with her longtime crush. But then Retta interjected, “It’s been ages since we all hung out after graduation. We should definitely have a reunion.”

Wait, what?! An overly enthusiastic third wheel. I’d seen this before; Retta clearly wanted to prevent Lena and Nate from having any alone time.

Lena was finally being brave, and now this uninvited guest was trying to intrude. Even if Lena wanted to participate, I wouldn't let it happen.

I was about to intervene when Lena beat me to it. “Retta, Nate and I have something else to discuss.” Boom. Direct and to the point.

Go, Lena! She wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away.

But Retta didn't flinch. Instead, she smiled coolly. “I know it’s about the surgery for your friend’s family member. You may not realize it, but I’m also part of this project. I’ll be assisting Nate in the operation.”

Oh, she was determined to join them. And since she was playing the “I’m part of the surgery team” card, it would be difficult for Lena to refuse.

Lena’s lips parted as if to speak, but before she could, Nate said, “I’m talking to Lena about personal matters.”

My eyes widened. One word: KO.

Nothing could have been a better shutdown than Nate's statement.

Retta’s smile froze, momentarily appearing more pained than composed. She shoved her hands into her coat pockets, forcing a wry smile. “If it’s personal, then I won’t intrude.” Then, turning to Nate, she added, “But we really should get going. It’s not good to keep Dr. Warren waiting.” Nate nodded at us, but his gaze lingered on Lena as they left.

Chapter 277 (Continued)

In that moment, I was certain Nate had feelings for her.

Leaving aside his dismissal of his supposed partner, the way he looked at Lena wasn’t how any random guy looks at a girl.

I was internally screaming with excitement for her.

As soon as Nate and Retta were out of sight, I hugged Lena, whispering, “Nate made the first move! You two are definitely headed for something real.”

“No way,” Lena muttered, still blushing and looking uncertain.

“He turned down Retta for you, and you’re still not convinced?” I retorted.

Lena bit her lip. “Honestly, I want something serious, a lifelong commitment. And I’m not good at socializing or handling drama, so…”

I understood; she didn't want to fight Retta for a guy.

“So, you’re just going to let the guy who’s practically falling into your lap slip away? Lena, if you do that, I swear, I’ll lose all respect for you.”

She sighed. “That kind of love, where you’re constantly worried someone’s going to steal him away, sounds exhausting. I’m scared I won’t be able to handle it.”

“Dr. Lane,” I said, teasingly tapping her head, “did you forget what you told me? ‘Don’t stress over things that haven’t even happened yet.’ How do you know that if Nate truly wants to be with you, he won’t set boundaries with Retta and prevent you from feeling exactly what you’re worried about?”

People are often clueless about their own situations, and wow, was that true right now.

Lena dodged my finger, shaking her head. “Maybe we’re imagining things too perfectly. What if Nate asked me out, not because he likes me, but because he overheard us talking and wants to prevent me from developing feelings for him?”

Chapter 278