Sasha's operation.

Sasha saw a silver sports car slowly pull over by the cabin. After calming herself by taking deep breaths she walked towards his car slowly.

Ryan got out of the car when he saw her walking towards him, opening the door for her. She slid inside the back of the car, and Ryan followed her to sit next to her.

The man in the car leaned against the seat with his eyes closed. He had a rather wide forehead and a straight nose; although his deep, narrow eyes were shut, it did not hide his handsome features. His physique and facial features made him look like a foreigner, which radiated an aura of elegance in every movement of his.

"Please, start the car," Sasha spoke curtly.

Upon hearing Sasha's words, Ryan opened his eyes and he slightly nodded without even shooting her a glance.

The car was soon driven to the sea beach.

"Director..."

"I like you and I'm serious," Ryan said in a serious tone when he noticed the uneasy look on her face.

Ryan sighed when he saw the struggle in her eyes.

"Sorry, I couldn't reciprocate your feelings. I am very grateful to you but....sorry." When she finished speaking, she paused for a moment, but there was no reaction from him.

Sasha with a bitter smile said, "Take care, I will take a....."

"I know, but I will never give up. I will make you fall in love with me," Ryan interrupted her. "I am very persistent when I want something. I will fight until I get what I want. I will do anything to have you," Ryan said confidently.

"Please don't..." Sasha eyed him.

"That's not for you to decide." He replied.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the car seemed tense.

Just as Sasha thought the awkward atmosphere was about to be prolonged, Ryan suddenly said, "I am hungry."

Sasha with a confused look asked Ryan when he started the engine.

"Where are we going?"

"To eat."

"But I've eaten just now. I…"

"But I haven't!" He managed to silence her with his domineering reply. "Just keep me company," he said seriously in a deep voice.

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It was already dark. About ten minutes later, the sports car pulled up before a tastefully decorated restaurant.

He sat himself down at a table and beckoned for the waiter. "Two plates of pasta, please."

Throughout the meal, Sasha remained silent. As for Ryan, he seemed to be enjoying himself, savouring his food elegantly. Occasionally, he would answer some calls to talk about business-related matters. One could imagine how busy this man was.

Soon, the two were done with their meals. Sasha was happy on the way home, thinking she was finally free but she realized something wasn't right. Her stomach was hurting badly.

When Ryan saw Sasha's pale face and the sweat beaded on her forehead, the former was shocked.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine."

Sasha immediately squatted down, trying to ease the pain in her stomach.

------

Hospital...

Ryan remained rooted to the spot, his eyes locked on the petite body lying helplessly on the bed with an infusion line attached to her hand. He took slow and steady steps towards the bed and stood by her side. He felt a pang in his chest when he noticed how pale and frail she looked while she slept. He gently used his finger to remove the hair on her face and carefully brushed them backwards, his movements were gentle so he wouldn't disturb her.

Sasha woke up and realized she was given a drip in a hospital.

"Don't move!"

Sasha looked at the man that was standing by her side, as she tried to calm herself down.

"Are you feeling alright?" While her head was still spinning, the man extended his arm and touched her forehead to check her temperature.

"Don't worry. It was just a minor appendicitis surgery. You need to be hospitalized for two to three days."

"Wait let me call the doctor to check on you," Ryan told her, before turning to leave, while her eyes followed him.

The VIP ward Ryan arranged for Sasha was a suite equipped with a bathroom and a kitchen.

When it was half past two and Sasha noticed that Ryan hadn't left. She raised her head to look at him and said, "Ryan, you may go. I don't need anyone to take care of me. It was just a minor surgery. Besides, I can already get out of bed and walk."

"Sleep! I don't mind sleeping on the couch for one night." Ryan covered her with a blanket and lay down on the couch. He wasn't planning to leave at all.

"Ryan?"

"What's wrong? Should I call the doctor again?" Sasha remained silent.

Sasha had never shared a room with another man. Although it was a ward instead of a room, she still felt awkward about it.

The ward was quiet, and only the alternating sound of their breathing could be heard. A long while passed and Sasha fell asleep in a daze.