Brushstrokes Of The Heart: A Love In Healing

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Sofia

˚₊‧ა 🎨🖌️ ໒ ‧₊˚.

One minute I'm dreaming that I'm in a cotton candy field and the next I'm shaken awake.

As Ivan woke me up, I gazed sleepily at the hospital clock on the wall. "6:00 AM? You're waking me up at the crack of dawn? I must have done something terrible in a past life to deserve this."

Ivan smiled and handed me a cup of coffee. "Good morning, beautiful. I promise it'll be worth it. We'll get you moving and feeling better in no time."

I took the coffee and smiled slightly, my grumpiness softening. "You're awfully chipper for this hour. Did you have an extra shot of espresso or something?"

Ivan chuckled. "Just my usual morning enthusiasm. Plus, I get to spend time with my favorite patient."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Favorite patient, huh? I'm not sure if I should be flattered or concerned about your professionalism."

Ivan's smile turned gentle. "A little bit of both, maybe. Now, shall we get started?"

I nodded, taking another sip of my coffee, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the caffeine.

I glared at him, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're a cruel, cruel man, Ivan."

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's what makes me the best, Sofia. Now, let's get started!"

I reluctantly threw off the covers, my body creaking in protest. Maybe this day wouldn't be a total loss after all.

As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, Ivan said, "I'll be right back, I need to grab some files." He headed out of the room, whistling a jaunty tune.

I took a sip of my coffee and began to slowly stand up, testing my balance. That's when I saw Ivan through the open door, chatting with the nurses at the station. He was laughing and joking with them, his eyes crinkling at the corners. One of the nurses, a petite blonde, playfully hit him on the arm, and he pretended to be hurt, clutching his heart. Another nurse, a curvy brunette, giggled and touched his shoulder, her hand lingering a bit too long.

I felt a pang of surprise, followed by a twinge of jealousy. Who were these women, and why were they flirting with my doctor?

Just then, Ivan caught my eye and winked at me. I quickly looked away, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. Why was I reacting like this? I had no claim on Ivan, after all.

When Ivan returned to the room, he was all business, putting me through my paces with a series of exercises. But I couldn't help sneaking glances at him, wondering if he was always this charming with everyone, or if it was just me. Definitely not just you.

At one point, while I was struggling to lift my leg, Ivan encouraged me with a ridiculous dance move, waving his arms like a flamingo. I burst out laughing, my leg momentarily forgotten.

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Ivan grinned, triumphant.

I playfully rolled my eyes. "You're a miracle worker, Ivan. But don't think this means I'm going to start enjoying these early morning sessions."

Ivan chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "I wouldn't dream of it, Sofia. Now, let's get back to work. We've got a long day ahead of us."

As we worked, I couldn't help but notice the way Ivan's eyes sparkled when he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. And I couldn't help but wonder if he was flirting with me too, or if I was just reading too much into it.