Later that evening, Liam and Maya arrived at the exclusive Golden Lotus restaurant for their date. A soft piano melody played as Liam pulled out Maya's chair. She smiled as she sat, her lips curving gently.

"You didn't have to pick such a fancy place," Maya said, glancing around the elegant room. Her cheeks flushed as she noticed the sparkling chandelier above.

"I wanted to," Liam replied simply, taking his seat. "You deserve only the best."

Maya's heart fluttered, but she hid it by reaching for her menu. She skimmed the dishes, unable to focus; Liam's gaze was too captivating. "What will you have?" he asked softly.

"I'm still deciding," she said, biting her lip. "Everything looks so good."

Liam chuckled. "Let me make it easy. The truffle pasta is amazing, and the crispy prawn is a close second. Trust me."

Maya nodded, closing her menu. "Pasta then. You seem to know this place well," she observed, wondering about his previous visits and companions.

Liam chuckled. "Colleagues told me about it. I saw a picture of a couple celebrating their anniversary here; I ordered their meal twice and visited once to confirm it was suitable for my darling girlfriend," he admitted with a wink, leaning back. Maya grinned.

"You're such a sweet talker," she said, relaxing.

"That's because I have a sweet girlfriend," Liam replied, making her giggle.

Liam's expression turned serious. "I'm sorry we haven't spent much time together lately. I've been so busy." She waved it off.

"I'm busy with school, too. Your job is important, I understand," she assured him.

"Are you sure?" Liam asked. She nodded, sensing his worry about his previous relationship failing due to his busy schedule. "Of course," she said, just as a waiter approached.

The waiter took their orders and poured sparkling water before departing.

Maya sipped her water as Liam recounted his day, sharing amusing anecdotes. She, in turn, shared stories about school. Their conversation continued after their food arrived. Midway through the meal, Liam set down his fork, leaning forward with a more serious expression.

"I spoke with your gynecologist today," he said gently, watching her closely. (He had previously transferred her care to a colleague at Maya's request.)

Maya's heart skipped a beat. She set down her fork, her curiosity piqued. "What did he say?"

Liam smiled. "Good news. We reviewed your test results. Your condition isn't as serious as we thought. The cysts are shrinking, so surgery won't be necessary."

Maya froze, absorbing his words. Relief flooded her, and she gasped. "Wait… are you serious?"

Liam nodded, his smile widening. "Completely. I told you it wasn't necessarily critical. Now we know for sure."

Maya exhaled, relaxing. "I've been so worried," she admitted. "It felt like it came out of nowhere, just when everything was finally falling into place. I thought… I thought it would ruin everything."

"It didn't," Liam said softly, taking her hand across the table. His touch was warm and comforting. "You don't have to worry anymore."

A small smile touched Maya's lips as she looked at their joined hands. "I'm so relieved," she whispered.

Liam's eyes sparkled. "What if this all happened for a reason? What if you ended up in the hospital so we could meet and become friends?" Maya laughed lightly, her cheeks pink. "You think the universe was pulling strings?"

"Maybe," Liam shrugged. "It makes sense, doesn't it?"

"Maybe it does," she agreed, smiling. "Because, let's be honest, if I hadn't been in that hospital, we probably wouldn't be this close."

"Exactly," Liam said, grinning.

Maya hesitated, then looked at him mischievously. "Actually, I have a confession."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"

"I've always had a crush on you," she admitted shyly.

His eyes widened. He was silent for a moment.

"No way. That's not true."

"It is," she laughed at his expression.

"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked, leaning forward in disbelief.

Maya raised an eyebrow playfully. "How was I, a mere nanny, supposed to say anything to my employer's very successful doctor friend? It wasn't like you ever really looked my way."

Liam winced, guilt flickering across his face. "Okay, fair enough. I get it. But I did say hello every time I visited, but you never said more than a word or two."

She smiled, the memory bringing amusement and nostalgia. "I guess I was too shy."

Liam laughed, shaking his head. "Well, that explains it. But you weren't so shy at the hospital."

Maya shrugged. "I guess I was too surprised to see you there."

Liam smiled. "I'm glad you told me. And I'm even more glad you kissed me. It brought me to my senses." Maya tilted her head, teasing him. "And what exactly was in front of you?"

"The most amazing woman in the world," Liam said instantly.

"Stop flattering me," she laughed, blushing.

"I mean it," he continued. "You're incredible, Maya. I'm so proud of you for chasing your dreams. And I want you to know I'll wait as long as it takes for us to settle down together."

Maya's heart swelled, and she looked at him with shining eyes. "Thank you, Liam. I'd love that," she said warmly.