Graded Hearts

Chapter 25: Crossed

Gabriella's PoV

I saw him at the exit door. Whether I like it or not, I'll be walking pass him. I don't know if I should at least nod and greet him or just pretend I didn't see him. I'll have to choose the latter instead.

"Good afternoon sir." I nodded without stopping. Thank God I was reminded of the fact that he's my boss. Whether I agree on that or not, I still have to show my respect. Siya pa rin ang may-ari ng hospital na pinagtatrabahuan ko.

Nakalagpas na ako sa kinalalagyan niya, buti nalang, dahil hindi ko alam ang magiging itusra ko kapag magkatinginan kami.

He still affects me. Not in some kind of romantic kind of way. It was more of nervousness. I'm scared that he'll know I am Leighlagh, and I don't want that to happen.

"Doctora Aquino." tawag ng isang pamilyar na boses. I think of the voice for a moment,  when I realized it,  that made me stop from moving, and my heart hammered. I thought it skipped a beat because of how hard it pounded against my rib cage. I suddenly felt my whole system froze while my hands are trembling, but I clenched them into fist.

This is Alekhine Xenon Lim, and he's calling me, like it was the first time.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I have mastered calmness during emergency and surgery, I can't believe I would feel nervous and stupid by just a simple call. This is not Gabriella Aquino's doings, I am certainly invincible. I can definitely do this, no doubt about that.

Uneasy, I slowly turned to face him. "Yes? You were calling me Sir?" Great, I didn't caught off guard, I did not stumble at least. Good job Gabriella. You're doing it absolutely right.

He was looking straight at me as if he was studying  my whole identity. Para bang tinitingnan niya ng mabuti kung ako ba talaga si Gabriella Aquino. Dapat na ba akong kabahan sa lagay na ito?

"Sir?" putol ko sa anumang binabalak niya. Tila bumalik naman siya sa tamang huwsiyo nang marinig ako.

He dismissed his straight look immediately. "Uh...Doctora Gabriella Aquino right?" tanong niya habang nakatingin na naman ng diretso sa akin.

"Y-yes." tila nanuyo ang aking lalamunan. Kailangan kong hindi magpaapekto nang sa  gayon ay makumbinsi ko siya sa aking katauhan at hindi na maghinala pa.

"Have me checked up." he said in full authority. No doubt, I am talking to the owner of the hospital.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Do you have  any problem or health concern sir?" hindi ko mapigilang itanong iyon sa kanya. May sakit kaya ang isang to? Sa tindig at kilos ay mukhang wala naman. Oh well, hindi lang din naman sa mga may sakit ang check up.

"No, I just need a check up." I've seen changes on Alekhine, his looks, his overall appearance, and his way of clothing, the things that didn't change are his cold voice and attitude. Hanggang ngayon, mukhang may galit pa rin sa mundo ang isang to.

"Uh okay sir, please follow me. We'll have the check up and consultation at my office." I moved my feet in a usual walk. I put a fine grip at my right hand as it was trembling involuntarily. Honestly, having him at my back is a lot scarier than having a case presentation or oral recitation during medschool.

He followed me in my office while his eyes are roaming around as if he was studying the whole room. The room I say, was a huge mess. I haven't started cleaning since then. Papers and documents were all over my table and cabinet. Well, he can't probably blame me, I was busy with the patients and surgery.

I noticed him staring at my name plate at the table. Thank God Jefferson was able to bring the thing, or else I'll be needing to pay for one. Besides, I have been using the name plate since I started working so it's kinda sentimental.