Rhett agreed, saying, âYouâre right, Miss Lawrence.
â
As Nicole went to retrieve the congee, she spotted Conor hurrying away, deep in conversation on his phone.
He didnât notice her, Likely preoccupied with a company emergency.
From a safe distance, Nicole overheard the conversation.
âMr.
Schultzâs condition isnât good.
He canât return to work yet.
Youâll need to find more help and not rely on him for everything.
â
Conor entered the elevator, while Nicole remained still for several moments before returning to Rhettâs side.
Upon completing his congee, Rhett addressed Nicole, âMiss Lawrence, you should go home.
The hospital is adequately staffed with doctors and nurses.
Iâll manage on my own.
Please donât inconvenience yourself.
â
Nicole indeed needed to depart, intending to spend the evening with Austin.
Contemplating hiring a caregiver for Rhett proved challenging given his circumstances.
With concerns regarding infection, finding someone willing to take on the responsibility was daunting.
Observing her apprehension, Rhett quipped, âDonât fret, Miss Lawrence.
Surely a hospital of this magnitude wouldnât let me meet my end here.
â
Curious, Nicole inquired, âHave you informed your girlfriend about this?â
âGirlfriend?â Rhett appeared momentarily surprised.
Nicole hastily clarified, âWhile fetching your thermos, your work ID accidentally fell out.
I apologize for the intrusion, but I assumed that was your partner.
â
Rhettâs countenance remained inscrutable, though a touch of nostalgia lingered, in stark contrast to his typical cheerful and supportive demeanor.
But soon, Rhett reverted to his customary comportment and voiced, âYes, she was once my girlfriend, but sheâs no longer with us.
â
Nicole, taken aback, fell silent for a span before expressing, âMy apologies.
I was unaware.
â
âNo need for apologies.
It happened a long time ago,â Rhett replied.
âShe possessed an exquisite charm,â Nicole commented.
Rhettâs lips curved faintly.
âIndeed.
She possessed an infectious smile, a captivating persona, and held a fervent affection for animals.
â
Nicole harbored a profound sorrow for Rhettâs late girlfriend who exuded gentleness and benevolence but met an untimely demise.
After exchanging further discourse, Rhett impelled Nicole to depart.
Nicole, unable to dispute, rose to depart, pledging to visit him the next day and encouraging him to reach out if anything occurred.
Rhett nodded.
Shortly after Nicole departed, Rhettâs phone rang.
A womanâs voice on the opposite end inquired, âGood day, may I speak with Mr.
Bates?â
âCertainly,â Rhett replied.
âMr.
Bates, weâre contacting you from the hospital.
A few days ago, you were bit by a patient suspected of carrying HIV.
Subsequently, you underwent tests at our facility, right?â
âYes, what is it?â Rhett interjected, his tone conveying impatience.