The Irregular Heartbeat

Chapter 07

Chapter 07: Unspoken Words

     Libertia stared blankly at the same sentence, her eyes glazing over as her mind wandered. She read the words repeatedly, but they refused to register, like grains of sand slipping through her fingers. With a heavy, audible sigh, she let the book fall to her lap and leaned back into Wade's ergonomic sofa. The firm support pressed into her tired muscles.

     'What is wrong with me? Why do I care so much about what he said? What's wrong with being sick, being a patient?'

     A sharp sigh brought Libertia back to the present. She glanced over to see Wade massaging his temples. When their eyes met, Wade removed his glasses and set them aside. He stood up, crossed his arms over his chest, and leaned against his desk, studying her with an intense gaze.

     Libertia raised an eyebrow, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "What?"

     "You finally noticed me," Wade said, calm but probing.

     "W-What do you mean?" Libertia's heart skipped a beat. She tried to maintain her composure, but his scrutinizing stare made her feel exposed.

     "I called you twice. You didn't respond. I doubt it's because you were too engrossed in your book," he said, his eyes narrowing. "What's really on your mind?"

     Libertia blinked, avoiding his eyes. "T-The story was just fascinating. It made me forget reality." She laughed nervously, feeling her lips tremble.

     Wade let out a deep, soulful sigh that resonated through the room. "Something's bothering you, Tiana. You're avoiding my gaze. Spill it."

     She closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and looked back at Wade. "I-I was just thinking. No need to worry about it, Reeve," she said, forcing a weak smile.

     Wade hissed, clearly not convinced. "What do you mean, I shouldn't worry? You are—"

     "A patient. I know, Reeve. I'm very aware," she interrupted, her voice laced with bitterness.

     The label weighed on her like a shackle, cold and heavy, binding her to a reality she detested. It was more than just a word—it was a constant reminder of her frailty, her limitations. Every time someone called her a patient, she felt a piece of her independence slip away. She saw the pity in their eyes, the cautious tone in their voices. She knew they meant well, but it only magnified her helplessness.

     She should be used to it by now, but she's still having a hard accepting it. She feels trapped, like a bird in a cage, even though she's in her twenties. She can't spread her wings and live her life to the fullest because the risks are always there, lurking, threatening to pull her back into this prison.

     Wade moved closer, kneeling beside her, his eyes level with hers. He sighed and his hand reached out, gently taking hers. "You're my patient, you say? What do you know, Tiana?" he murmured, his voice filled with emotion.

     Libertia's eyes widened, her body stiffening. Her heart pounded violently, each beat echoing in her ears. She struggled to form words, her throat dry. Her breath hitched, and she could feel the cold sweat forming on her palms. The room seemed to close in around her, Wade's presence overwhelming her senses. His grip on her hand was firm, grounding her at the moment.

     "Cat got your tongue?" Wade asked, his grip tightening, his gaze piercing as if he could see right through her. The intensity of his eyes made her feel like he was unravelling her every thought, every hidden fear.

     She swallowed hard, lowering her gaze.

     Wade's free hand moved to her cheek, his touch gentle but firm. He brought his face closer. His breath brushed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.