Brushstrokes Of The Heart: A Love In Healing

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 Ivan

˚₊‧ა 🥼🩺 ໒ ‧₊˚.

I clenched my jaw as Dr. Patel examined my hand. "So...What did you do this time, Ivan?" he asked, shaking his head.

I didn't answer. I couldn't. The memory of Anthony's lips on Sofia's knuckles still seared my mind. I never wanted to kill someone, until he showed up. I want to dig my scalp so deep into his-

"Ivan, you need to calm down," Dr. Patel said, his voice firm but concerned. "You can't keep hurting yourself every time you get...overprotective."

I glared at him, but he wasn't intimidated. Julian Patel, my trusted friend and colleague.

I've known Julian since our residency days, and he's been there for me. Drunken nights as my designated driver, sliding me the answers for tests I didn't study for (aka all of them). He's been my rock during the hardest years of my life. As my hospital's head of emergency medicine, he's saved countless lives alongside me.

Physically, Julian's lean build and sharp features make him look more like a model than a doctor. His dark hair's always perfectly styled, and his bright smile can calm even the most anxious patients.

But it's his sharp mind and quick wit that makes him an exceptional doctor. Julian's always thinking two steps ahead, anticipating complications and finding innovative solutions.

What I admire most about Julian, though, is his unwavering compassion. He genuinely cares for every patient, no matter their background or circumstances.

As a friend, Julian's my go-to sounding board. He knows me better than anyone, and his blunt honesty often keeps me in check. Our banter's legendary, with him constantly teasing me about my "dictatorial" bedside manner.

Despite our jokes, Julian's got my back. He's one of the few people who can see past my tough exterior and understand what drives me.

In the chaos of our hospital, Julian's a steady presence - a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way forward.

"Anthony Garcia is trouble," I growled, wincing as Dr. Patel cleaned my cut.

Note to self: Ban him from my fucking hospital and chop every single one of his fingers off.

Dr. Patel raised an eyebrow. "You're worried about Sofia, huh?"

I nodded, feeling a surge of defensiveness. "She's my patient. I don't want to see her get hurt."

I wish I could believe that she was just my patient. She's altered every fiber of my being and I pray it ends. She isn't the first girl I couldn't crack on the first try, but she is the first I've acted like... this over. One quick fuck is all I need to get her out of my head.

Dr. Patel's expression turned thoughtful. "Ivan, you're an excellent doctor, but sometimes I think you care too much."

I frowned. "That's not possible."

Dr. Patel chuckled. "Maybe not, but...just be careful, okay?"

I nodded, still seething with anger toward Anthony.

As Dr. Patel stitched my hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd reacted impulsively. But why?

I walked into Sofia's hospital room, the hole in her door taunting me, my bandaged hand prompting a raised eyebrow from her.

"Ah, Dr. Ivan's infamous temper strikes again," Sofia teased.

I chuckled, feeling a bit sheepish. "Hey, it's just a minor scratch."