Zoey heaved a frustrated sigh before knocking on the door of the person she never wanted to seeâat least not today, since she wasn't in the mood.
"Come in," a voice called from inside the room. Zoey twisted the knob and stepped into the familiar office. Harriet raised an eyebrow at her entrance. "What are you doing here?"
Zoey narrowed her eyes. "Your mother told me to come with you to your check-up. Hello? Are you really that oblivious?"
Harriet removed her glasses and leaned back in her chair, feigning indifference. "I'm busy. I can't make it to my scheduled appointment," she said, pretending to type on her computer.
"No, sorry, that won't do. I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. Since it was your mother's orders, I have to do it. So stand up, Doctor Harriet Pierce," Zoey said, leaning her hands on Harriet's desk and staring her down.
Harriet looked up and smirked, rising to her feet, forcing Zoey to look up at her instead. She playfully lifted Zoey's chin as she leaned in. "Oh yeah? As if you couldâ"
Zoey suddenly flicked Harriet's forehead. "What the heck?" Harriet exclaimed, rubbing the spot where Zoey had struck her.
"You shouldn't lean in so close like that," Zoey replied, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, if you refuse to go to your check-up, I'll just tell Ms. Maggie."
Abruptly, Harriet reached out and snatched Zoey's phone from her hand. "Fine, I'll go with you," she said, frustration bubbling up as she succumbed to her mother's persistent secretary.
"See? You'll end up going to your check-up after all, even though you tried to be so hard-headed," Zoey teased, smiling as she patted Harriet's head. "Good girl."
Harriet stole a glance at Zoey, Harriet had suggested they grab lunch together after her follow-up check-up.
"Doc, I know I'm beautiful, but you can stop taking secret glances now," Zoey said, catching Harriet's eye.
Harriet chuckled softly, rolling up her long-sleeved polo. "So full of yourself, Ms. Zoey Foster," she replied, calling for the waiter.
Zoey laughed but didn't respond. She observed Harriet, who looked more like a celebrity than a heart surgeon. With her striking features and strong physique, Harriet could easily pass for a famous model.
Clearing her throat, Harriet smirked. "Done checking me out? Now, what would you like to order?" She handed Zoey the menu.
Zoey lifted the corner of her lips in a mock grimace at Harriet's words. She glanced at the menu, muttering under her breath, "What kind of food costs this much?"
Harriet shot her a quick look, then set her menu down. "You can order whatever you like; I'm not charging you for the food."
Zoey sighed as she closed the menu. "No, I don't think I can accept your offer," she said, standing up. Harriet, confused, followed suit.
"Come on, I know a great place to eat," Zoey said, grabbing Harriet's wrist as they left the restaurant.
"W-wait, where are you taking me?" Harriet asked, jogging to keep up with Zoey.
Zoey laughed. "Just quit your tantrums, Doc; as if I'm taking you far away!"
They walked for about five minutes until they reached a bustling street market, filled with workers buying food. "Ta-dah! Here we are!" Zoey exclaimed, as if presenting the street market to Harriet.
"You let me walk for five minutes just to eat at this place?" Harriet asked, pointing incredulously at her surroundings.
Zoey furrowed her brows, looking at Harriet. "Well, compared to the restaurant we just left, this suits my taste better," she replied with a shrug.
"What kind of food do they serve here? Processed stuff?" Harriet's voice sounded frustrated.
"A quality meal, but cheap," Zoey responded, grabbing Harriet's wrist again as they made their way to her favorite food stall, which offered grilled beef skewers, raclette, bratwurst, cervelat, and more. The stall was surrounded by the delicious aroma of food, making Harriet lean closer to the glass display.
"See? You can have good food without breaking the bank," Zoey said, scanning the menu options. Harriet stole a glance at Zoey and smiled, shrugging in agreement.
"Well, if it's good food, they better sell me their bestseller," she said, pulling out her wallet to retrieve some cash. "Here, pay for your order under mine as well."
Zoey ordered their food and walked alongside Harriet, scanning the area for a place to eat. Just as she pointed to a spot, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Zoey, is that you?"
Zoey froze, reluctant to turn around. Noticing the sudden stiffness in Zoey's posture, Harriet glanced back, only to find a stranger approaching. She looked at Zoey, who was clutching the paper bag tightly.
"Zoey!" the voice called out again.
With a resigned sigh, Zoey turned to face the speaker. "Hey!" she replied, forcing a cheerful laugh despite her reluctance.
"Good God! I finally see you again! I hope you're not mad about what happened since, you know, I'm getting married toâ" The woman finally noticed Harriet's presence. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were with someone. I'm used to seeing you alone," she said, a sarcastic smile creeping onto her face.
Zoey smiled tightly and cleared her throat. "Right, Harriet, this is my older sister, Ellie. Ellie, this is Harriet," she introduced them.
"Oh," Ellie said, nodding playfully as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hi, I'm Ellie. Nice to meet you, Harriet." She extended her hand.
Harriet looked down at Ellie's hand but didn't accept it. Instead, she nodded slightly. "Likewise, Ellie," she replied coolly.
Zoey sensed the tension and tried to ease the atmosphere. "You can wait for me at that spot I pointed out. I'll just talk to Ellie. And here, eat your lunch." She gently pushed Harriet away.
Once Harriet was out of earshot, Zoey turned to her sister, forcing a smile. "What do you need from me, Ellie?"
Ellie chuckled and wrapped her arm around Zoey's shoulder. Zoey gently removed her sister's hand. "I need to borrow some money. I want to buy a designer bag, but my funds aren't enough."
Zoey raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "You came all the way here just to ask me for money? No, I can't just give you cash for your wants."
"Hey!" Ellie protested, drawing the attention of passersby. "I'm still your sister, Zoey! Besides, you're making enough money at that multinational company. You must be earning millions."
Zoey scoffed, disbelief flooding her expression. "Look, Ellie, the money I earn isn't meant for you. I worked hard for it. And why don't you just ask your soon-to-be husband to buy you that bag?"
Ellie's brow furrowed. "Oh! So now you're talking. Are you still bitter about me getting with your ex-fiancé, Zoey?"