To Death Shall Thy Part

Chapter 19 - Intuition

Doctor Helene and the Director fell into silence. Lord Zachary didn't mind the silence. He just waited for their inquiries.

"Truly that the more powerful you are, the more low-key you'll be. Who would have thought... Catherine is full of surprises." Doctor Helene amazingly reacted.

"You should give up on your idea to match-make the two. Let the youngsters be. If they have feelings for each other, they'll get together eventually." Lord Zachary timely reminded Doctor Helene about her plans.

"Fine. I won't interfere." Doctor Helene agreed and sipped her tea.

Hospital Garden Ground

Even after Catherine left, Luke stands alone in the garden pitifully. Catherine's words echoed in his ears. He clutches his hair in distress. Some of the nurses walking by did not dare to approach him due to the menacing aura surrounding him.

"Catherine, one day, I'll win you over." after saying that piece, he left the gardens to pack.

Dorm Room

Catherine went to the bathroom as soon as she arrived at the dorm. Her roommates didn't mind her since they were busy packing up. Catherine did not mind either. She felt that all of her energy has been drained out. She couldn't explain her feelings. She couldn't understand a single thing that happened. From the time she had a mind of her own, up until now, she really never had a relationship. She wasn't an experienced individual in the romantic affairs between a man and a woman, but she knew that love is an important factor. But not all marriages were made out of love. Especially in this society that was based on a class system.

Catherine looked up in the mirror in contemplation. She was a bit sad to reject Luke, but she knew that if she didn't directly tell him her response, she would be hurting him more. Letting him go was the best option, but a part of her heart aches for him.

While in deep thoughts, a knock on the door woke her up from her trance.

"Catherine, Let's go. Everyone is waiting for us downstairs. It's time to go."

"I'll catch up. Go first." Catherine washed up her face. After making sure that she looked alright, she went out of the bathroom, grabbed her packed-up bag from the night before, and went downstairs. When she arrived at the lobby, almost everyone was already there. Even Luke was present. He seemed to be back to his cheerful self which made Catherine sigh in relief.

"Is everyone here accounted for? If so, then let's go, by the time we arrive in Durham, it will be dinner time." Lord Zachary then went to the carriage upfront. He was followed by Doctor Helene and the Hospital Director who insist on sending everyone to the train station.

In reality, when you are avoiding someone, fate finds a way to meet you up together with that person. When Catherine entered the carriage, the only seat left was on Luke's right side. With no choice left, she sat down. Luke just smiled at her as if there wasn't a big issue that just happened between them.

Perhaps, it was because she was tense and overreacting, she only nodded shyly to Luke and did not speak. She focused her attention on the scenery outside to ease her mind and heart. It was not long before they arrived at the train station. Luke went down first and assisted her. Feeling a bit of guilt, she accepted Luke's hand.

"Thank you so much for the warm welcome Director. We had a pleasant stay. It was our honor to be able to help treat your fellow townsmen." Lord Zachary offered a handshake. the Director accepted the handshake and replied.

"No. It was our honor that you came. You have given hope to my people." Facing Catherine, the Director smiled and said. "Lady Catherine, please take care on the road. I hope you have a successful Medical Journey."

Both Lord Zachary and Doctor Helen smiled wryly after seeing this while Catherine, Luke, and the rest of the Doctors were confused. But nonetheless, Catherine smiled. "Thanks for the concern, Director. I will."

"If everyone is finished saying goodbye, then, let us be off. The train will leave in twenty minutes." It was Doctor Helene who cut off the conversation.

The Director just nodded. The rest of the staff help them with the luggage. After boarding the train, the doctors wave their hands to bid a final goodbye to the Director and Hospital Staff and in response, they've taken off their hats and put them on their chest as a sign of goodbye.

The journey was a long one. The train runs along an open field with a view of the sunset. It was currently 4 pm and some of the doctors are also tired, so they decided to sleep. In the cabin shared by four people, two of them, namely Lord Zachary and Doctor Helene excused themselves to sleep. Leaving the two of them awake in the cabin, Luke spoke first. "If you're feeling sleepy, you can take a quick nap. I'll keep guard."

"It's alright. It would be rude to let you guard while we sleep comfortably." Catherine smiled. "It won't be. Don't worry about me. If you'd like, you can rest on my shoulder and use it as a pillow. I won't mind." Luke patted his shoulder while looking at Catherine intently.

"Thank you." Catherine looked at Luke deeply. She wasn't just thanking him for the offer but rather, for making her assured that what happened back at Oakwood did not affect their friendship. Free of worries and at ease, she leaned her head on his shoulder. There was silence in the cabin, but it was not like the previous time where it was awkward. This time, it was peaceful. It did not take long for Catherine to sleep. Maybe it was due to stress and fatigue, but she slept soundly.

Luke just chuckled at the sight and stared at Catherine's sleeping figure. Seeing that some of her hair falls out, he softly caresses her face while tucking her hair behind her ears. As he kept on looking at her, he finds her more beautiful than the last time he stared at her. Can't help up his desire any longer, He then traced her eyebrows while smiling like a psycho.

"Ahem... Ahem..." the sound of coughs was heard within the cabin and this made Luke jolts out of his trance. Lord Zachary was already awake while Doctor Helene slept soundly on his side, seeing that her head was swaying from left and right, he placed her head on his shoulder. After making sure that Doctor Helene was in a comfortable position, he then faced Luke with seriousness on his face.

"Doctor Luke Rosenthal. I do not mind if you have feelings for her. I also wouldn't interfere in both of your affairs. But, What you did just now, do you think it is appropriate?" Lord Zachary asked Luke a question with sarcasm. "I have known Catherine since she was young. So I want what's best for her. If you have pure intentions, I will be glad. But if you don't, I suggest you dropped the idea. You don't know who you're going against. It's a friendly reminder from me since I value your medical ability."

Lord Zachary did not like the way Luke looked at Catherine when she was sleeping. Having been a father figure to her and her brother, Lord Zachary felt like it was his responsibility to keep Catherine safe, especially since she is under her supervision.