Scarred Hearts — A Girls' Love Tale - Chapter 62

The doctor on the other side was clearly stunned, not responding much over the phone. Shadow nervously listened nearby, cautiously testing, just wanting to see how sincere the doctor really was.

At that moment, Shadow had the strange feeling that if she could just find something wrong with the doctor, she’d have a solid reason to stop herself from falling deeper.

“I’m just worried about you,” the doctor said awkwardly. “If you don’t want to go through with this, I’m sorry. I’ll call everyone back. Just be careful outside.”

“Alright,” Shadow said calmly. “I’ll be back soon.”

Shadow had never been in love, but she knew roughly how lovers interacted. Yet when it came to feelings, she was a total blank.

Questioning, blaming, nitpicking… Shadow found plenty of excuses. She kept telling herself she wasn’t falling for the doctor—that she was just using her.

Shadow wore a dark expression as she returned to the Yi residence. The doctor was in the garden, trimming plants, head down, watering carefully. Her hair wasn’t tied up, hanging loosely and naturally.

Shadow stood there, a faint smile creeping onto her face. The doctor looked up and smiled at her, put down the watering can, fixed her hair, and softly asked, “Is work going well?”

Shadow nodded stiffly. “Mm.” Seeing the doctor’s kind expression, the questions on her lips faded. Instead, she said, “It’s almost noon. I’m going to cook.”

The doctor squinted her eyes and smiled brightly. She affectionately grabbed Shadow’s arm and led her to the kitchen. Shadow fought the urge to throw the doctor across the room. She wasn’t used to physical contact—without warning, her first instinct was to twist the other person’s arm and throw them out.

The doctor didn’t notice Shadow’s awkwardness. Instead, she happily guided her along. Shadow’s steps even lightened a bit, influenced by the doctor’s mood.

While washing vegetables, Shadow noticed the doctor lingering nearby, stubbornly trying to help. Shadow doubted the doctor’s skills in the kitchen—her hands were clean and fair, with delicate joints and slender fingers—obviously never used to hard work.

Raising an eyebrow at the doctor’s stubbornness, Shadow didn’t stop her and quietly picked up the knife to cut meat carefully.

Shadow was skilled with a knife. So was the doctor. But one used it to kill, the other to save.

Shadow placed the shredded lettuce on a plate for salad, casually asking, “Why haven’t I seen your parents around?”

The doctor blushed, clumsily chopping the meat even finer. She paused, took a breath, shook her aching arm, and answered, “They’ve been on a business trip lately, doing consultations elsewhere. They left me alone here. If it weren’t for you, I might’ve died.”

Shadow stayed calm and gently took the knife from the doctor. This time, the doctor didn’t resist but let Shadow take over, standing relaxed and watching.

“So your parents already know I’m living here now?” Shadow lowered her head, chopping the meat with steady, rhythmic sounds. Her tone was casual, emotions hidden.

“They found out right after the accident,” the doctor replied lightly. “They told me not to go out until they came back. Since you were badly hurt too, I stayed home to take care of you, so it wouldn’t be boring.”

“Mm,” Shadow responded quietly. She knew well that during her injury, the doctor had cared for her meticulously. No matter how cold-hearted someone was, they couldn’t refuse genuine kindness.

“So…” the doctor suddenly spoke up, patiently watching Shadow almost finish plating the food. “What do you think about… us?”

“Huh?” Shadow froze, not sure what the doctor meant at first. After a while, just before finishing, she hesitated and said, “I haven’t decided yet.”

“You haven’t really thought about it, have you?” The doctor was direct, seeing Shadow’s evasive glance. It was obvious what was going on.

Shadow lifted her head honestly. “I honestly don’t know how to handle this. We’re too different.”

The doctor’s expression hardened. “I just want to ask one question: Do you have feelings for me? Or, have you been moved? Do you want to say yes?”

Shadow nodded with difficulty. “Yes. I really like you.”

The doctor’s expression relaxed into her usual gentle smile. “Then don’t hesitate. I’m not a coward, and you’re not a coward. As long as you don’t give up, I won’t give up. That’s my promise.”

Shadow was shaken by these words. She turned away like running from something, stammering, “Isn’t this… a bit too fast?”

“Xier, don’t run away!” The doctor stepped closer. “I know you like me too.”

“So what if I do?” Shadow struggled as the doctor wrapped her arms around her from behind, panic rising as she tried to escape the tempting embrace.

The doctor held her tighter. Shadow didn’t dare fight too hard and couldn’t break free. “Xier, you already admitted it.”

“That’s true,” Shadow said hoarsely. “I like you. I really like you. When I heard you say you like me, I was so excited and happy, I almost wanted to say yes right away.” She paused, voice trembling as she finished, “But I can’t! I just can’t accept it!” Her despair couldn’t hide the pain in her heart.

“What are you afraid of?” the doctor murmured, pressing her face against Shadow’s back, then turning to kiss her cheek. Shadow shivered all over, strangely excited, feeling electricity buzzing inside her.

“Don’t…” Shadow’s voice was unstable. The doctor gently took her earlobe into her mouth, slowly licking it. Shadow’s ears nearly bled. Her legs went weak, and she had to lean on the table just to stand.

“Don’t reject me, Xier,” the doctor whispered as her hand slid under Shadow’s shirt, palm touching her bare skin, feeling so vivid.

Shadow’s mind blurred, realizing the doctor’s hand was moving higher, nearing a forbidden zone. She snapped awake, pulled free, and ran out alone.