December 28 2020
Gabriel barely made it two steps out of AJ's office before Simone's voice cut across the hall.
Simone - Well, well, well. If it isn't Romeo.
He froze. Slowly turned. And of course, Simone was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes narrowed like a cat about to toy with her prey. Beside her, Camilla looked almost... disappointed. Which was somehow worse.
Gabriel - Don't
Gabriel muttered, dragging a hand down his face.
Simone - Oh, I'm gonna
Simone shot back, pushing off the wall.
Simine - Because apparently you thought kissing *Medusa*—our boss, your married boss, in the middle of the hospital—was a genius move.
Camilla groaned, shaking her head.
Camilla - Gabriel. I warned you about the crush thing. I *warned* you. Closure? Seriously? This is what closure looks like?
Gabriel winced- I wasn't—look, I didn't think, okay? It just—
Simone - Yeah, no kidding you didn't think
Simone cut him off, jabbing a finger into his chest.
Simone - If you had, you'd still have a shred of dignity right now instead of walking around like the world's dumbest tragic hero.
Camilla crossed her arms, tone softer but no less sharp.
Camilla - Do you realize how lucky you are? AJ could've reported you. She could've ended your residency *today*. And honestly, she would've been right to.
Gabriel's throat tightened.
Gabriel - I know. I know. She gave me a chance, and I'm not going to screw it up again.
Simone snorted- One chance? You got the miracle of the century. If it were me, I'd have fed you to the interns as a cautionary tale.
Camilla - Simone
Camilla sighed, though the corner of her mouth twitched like she agreed. She turned to Gabriel, eyes searching his face.
Camilla - You need to hear me, Gabi. Whatever fantasy you built in your head? It's over. Let it go. AJ's not just off-limits—she's a fortress. A fortress with a husband who nearly decked you, and a one-year-old who calls her 'mama.' You can't win here.
Gabriel's shoulders slumped, shame pressing him down.
Gabriel - I know. I know that.
Simone tilted her head, studying him. Then, softer than expected, she said,
Simone - Good. Because despite being a total idiot, you're not a bad doctor. You've got something. Don't burn it all for a crush.
Camilla nudged him with her elbow, more like the friend she'd been before all this mess.
Camilla- You're still my guy, Gabriel. But this? Never again. Promise me.
His voice cracked, but he forced the words out.
Gabriel - Never again.
Simone raised a brow, smirking faintly.
Simone - Good. Because if you pull another stunt like that, Dave won't have to hit you. AJ will.
Gabriel groaned, burying his face in his hands as both girls walked off, their voices fading down the hall—half teasing, half protective, but leaving him alone with the weight of what he'd nearly lost.
