"You heard me. I mean what I said," Olivier declared, his fervent eyes pinning her in place, his deep voice intensely sultry. Gwenda was completely stunned; she'd never expected such directness from him. Her heart pounded, her cheeks burning crimson.

"Mr. Petit, you—"

"Or you know what? Just marry me!" Olivier interrupted, a slight quirk to his lips, though his resolute expression left no doubt he was serious.

Gwenda froze. Had she made a terrible mistake in life? The famed Young Master Olivier proposing to her?

He reached out, caressing her head, his eyes filled with affection and indulgence. "You don't need to answer now. Think about it. Marrying me isn't a bad thing, and many women would jump at the chance."

"Are you bragging?" Gwenda blurted out.

Olivier chuckled, tilting his head. His hand gently brushed her hair and cheek as he murmured charmingly, "I'm recommending myself."

The places he touched felt strangely warm. Gwenda felt her heart might leap from her chest.

"Why?" she asked, confused. "We just met, and you don't know me. Isn't this too hasty?"

"I trust my judgment," Olivier said confidently.

Gwenda was speechless. While Olivier was undeniably a perfect match on paper, his directness was overwhelming. She was at a loss for how to react. What should she do?

Seeing her dilemma, Olivier didn't press further. He withdrew his hand. "As I said, you have time. Think carefully. But you can't avoid me during this time, understand?"

"Um okay."

Gwenda knew there was nothing more she could say. This was Olivier Petit, after all. She couldn't afford to offend him.

"I'll arrange for someone to help with your discharge this afternoon, then send you home," he said attentively, picking up her phone. "Your password."

Gwenda, unsure of his intentions, unlocked her phone and watched him tap the screen. A ringtone sounded from his pocket a moment later.

"Got your number. Call me if you need anything—or even if you don't!" he smiled.

"Okay."

"Then I'm off." He gave her one last look before leaving.

Gazing at his retreating figure, Gwenda touched her still-warm face. "My God, he's too good at flirting!" she thought numbly. How could she possibly refuse him?

Otto, seeing his boss leave the ward, followed dumbly, staring blankly.

"Something wrong?" Olivier asked, noticing Otto's gaze.

"Boss, are you okay?"

"Do I look unwell?"

"Yes!" Otto nodded seriously. "Many women have been interested in you over the years, but you've never shown interest. What's different today? Do you really like her?"

"Can't I?" Olivier shot him a look.

Otto was even more surprised. "Is it really because she saved you? Love at first sight? Oh my God! That's a soap opera plot! I'm going to tell your mum" He pulled out his phone.

Olivier shook his head wordlessly and quickened his pace, escaping his over-reactive assistant. Out of sight, out of mind.