Healing Hearts

Chapter 9: The Reality Check

Emma's alarm buzzed obnoxiously at 6 a.m., and she groaned, rolling over to silence it. After a restless night of tossing and turning, she was less than ready to face the day. The previous evening with Liam had replayed over and over in her mind, making it impossible to shake the confusing mix of emotions bubbling inside her.

Pulling herself out of bed, she went about her morning routine, trying to focus on anything other than the billionaire who had suddenly taken up too much space in her thoughts. Her day was jam-packed with hospital rounds, and she needed to be at her best. But as she tied her hair back and slipped into her scrubs, she couldn't help but wonder: Was she making a mistake by keeping Liam at arm's length?

The question nagged at her, even as she tried to push it aside.

By mid-morning, the hospital was in full swing. Patients were being wheeled in and out, doctors and nurses moved in a well-coordinated dance, and the familiar hum of machines filled the air. Emma's shift was busy, and she was grateful for the distraction.

Yet, no matter how much she tried to immerse herself in her work, thoughts of Liam kept creeping in. His charm, his kindness, the way he had looked at her last night with those piercing eyes—it was all impossible to ignore.

During a brief break, Emma found herself staring at her phone, her finger hovering over Liam's contact. He had sent her a simple text after dropping her off the night before: I had a great time. I hope you did too.

She hadn't replied. It wasn't that she didn't want to. But what could she say that wouldn't make things even more complicated?

"Dr. Carter?"

Emma blinked and looked up to see one of the interns, Sarah, standing nervously by her side. "Yes, Sarah?"

"There's a patient asking for you in room 213. A Mrs. Jenkins. She's getting anxious."

Emma nodded, snapping herself out of her reverie. "I'll be there in a minute."

The day flew by, but Liam remained a constant presence in her thoughts. Every time she tried to focus, her mind would drift back to his smile, the warmth in his eyes, and the easy way he made her laugh. It was infuriating, really. She had told herself over and over that she wasn't ready for a relationship, especially with someone like him. But the more she tried to convince herself, the more drawn to him she felt.

It wasn't until her shift ended, and she was finally heading home, that the weight of the day caught up with her. Exhausted both physically and emotionally, Emma collapsed onto her couch and sighed.

She had barely settled in when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Isabel, her best friend.

Drinks tonight? You need to unwind!

Emma stared at the message for a moment, then typed a quick reply.

Definitely. Meet at our usual spot in an hour?

An hour later, Emma found herself seated at their favourite bar, nursing a glass of wine as Isabel slid into the seat across from her.

"Long day?" Isabel asked with a knowing smile.

"You have no idea," Emma muttered, taking a sip of her drink. "It's been... eventful."

Isabel's eyebrows shot up. "Eventful how? Does this have anything to do with the date you went on last night?"

Emma groaned. She hadn't told Isabel all the details about Liam yet, but she knew her friend wouldn't let it go.

"I don't even know where to start," Emma admitted, swirling her wine glass absentmindedly. "It was amazing, but..."

"But what?"

"But it's complicated," Emma sighed, leaning back in her chair. "He's—he's so different from anyone I've ever been with. He's this incredibly successful, wealthy guy, and I'm just... me. A doctor with student loans and a busy job. It's like we live in two different worlds."

Isabel gave her a sympathetic look. "But he asked you out, didn't he? He's clearly interested."

"I know," Emma said quietly. "But what if this whole thing is just a fantasy? What if we're too different?"

Isabel shrugged. "Look, I get that he's rich and all, but that doesn't mean you should count him out. What matters is how he treats you. If you're happy when you're with him, why not see where it goes?"

Emma nodded, though Isabel's words didn't fully ease her worries. "It's just hard to imagine how this could work in the long run."

"Well, you won't know unless you try," Isabel pointed out. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Emma sighed. That was the real question, wasn't it? What was the worst that could happen? She could fall for him, and it could all end in heartbreak. Or she could push him away and spend the rest of her life wondering what if.

Isabel took a sip of her drink, studying Emma thoughtfully. "Maybe you're overthinking this. You don't have to figure it all out right now. Just take it one step at a time."

Emma nodded, feeling a little better after talking to her friend. Maybe Isabel was right. Maybe she was overcomplicating things.

But as much as she wanted to keep things simple, deep down, she knew there was no easy answer.

Later that night, as Emma lay in bed, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Liam.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Can we talk?

Emma stared at the message, her heart pounding. She wanted to respond, to reach out, but something held her back. She typed a reply, then deleted it. She repeated the process a few times, caught between the desire to let him in and the fear of getting too close.

Finally, she settled on something simple.

I'm not sure this is a good idea, Liam.

She hit send, feeling her chest tighten as she watched the screen.

Seconds later, his reply came.

I think it is. Can we meet?

Emma sighed. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this—for him. But at the same time, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him.

After a long pause, she typed one more message.

Tomorrow night.