Mirabelle stares blankly at Derek who's eyes almost seem to have gotten better at looking others in the eyes despite him being unable to.
the intense stare and the longing hidden behind the green orbs that seem to have their own light emitting from the inside gets her stomach to tighten as she presses her lips together, contemplating her answer.
As much as she has to pretend, the situation is beyond comprehensive and she wouldn't go to such lengths to betray her patient in engaging to any physical contact.
it could even get her fired.
"Derek... Do you think it's the time for that? shouldn't you rest a little?" she asks as she places her hand above his and gives it a gentle squeeze. "the news must be bothering you-."
"- which is why I want soothing from you." he says as he bits his lower lip and reaches his hand to her chin where his feels her bottom lip with the tip of his thumb. "I want to feel your lips against mine... just for a bit... maybe it could make my living nightmare a little more bearable."
Slightly clearing her throat, Mirabelle glances towards the door with a frown on her face, hoping the assistant would walk into the room at this given moment to stop anything from happening.
"Derek-."
"I know it seems like I'm forcing you... Serena." Derek sighs as he moves his hand from her chin and cups her cheek. "but as your fiancee now... grant my selfish request."
he slithers his hand to the back of her head and slowly leans towards her as he pulls his hand along with her head towards him.
Mirabelle widens her gaze in shock as she watching him close his eyes while anticipating the kiss. Unable to come up with an excuse herself, she clenches her jaw and accepts her fate.
at least it wouldn't be her fault if he found out it isn't Serena.
"Sir, the doctor... oh my apologies." The assistant gasps as she stares at Mirabelle who moves quicker than Derek could hear her.
she stands frozen in place as she stares wide eyed at the assistant who raises a brow at her to which she shrugs her shoulders to in response.
"Knock, next time." Derek sighs in annoyance when his chance to kiss his beloved has been spoiled. "what is it?"
"The doctor says you can go back home in the meantime for recovery as they prepare for the next surgery. should be a month or two from now." The assistant explains as Derek grits his teeth while crossing his arms to his chest, still feeling the irritation from the failed surgery. "So will you postpone the wedding or is it going as planned?"
"postpone it." Derek explains as he closes his eyes and clenches his fists. "I wished to attend my own wedding with sight... I will do so..."
"Then I will make arrangements for three months from today." the assistant nods and shifts her gaze towards Mirabelle who is staring down at Derek with furrowing brows.
pitying the man who will marry a woman that doesn't love him.
"Miss Serena will accompany us to your home, won't you, Miss Serena?" the assistant raises a brow to Mirabelle who tenses at the questions and sends his assistant a warning glance before gasping when Derek suddenly reaches up to her hand.
"Y-yes..." Mirabelle says in a near whisper, getting Derek to smile as he interlocks their fingers as always.
"And your nurse will still be Mirabelle, the one that's always looking after you." The assistant says and could feel Derek's muscles in his palm twitch as he says this, getting her to glance down at him.
"Couldn't you find another one?" Derek sighs in irritation as he shifts his gaze to where he thinks the assistant is standing. "She's a nuisance and doesn't know how to do her job. I would rather have another one."
"well... she's the only one we can get." The assistant chuckles awkwardly as she sends Mirabelle an apologetic smile. "She's better than most."
"She might be better but she gets on my nerves. her perfume is too strong and lacks any real fragrance. she has an annoying voice and she's always slow when doing things." Derek points out as Mirabelle frowns down at him, almost wanting to snatch her hand away from him and leave the room.
but the money is holding her back.
"Let's not badmouth her, Mr Richmond, she could be listening." the assistant chuckles and Derek rolls his eyes.
"even if she heard, I wouldn't take anything out." Derek sighs as he brings his free hand to his forehead and pinches the spot between his brows. "I guess having Serena around... things will be more bearable... if that is... if Serena, you will stay by my side until I see you."
Mirabelle at this point is not in the mood to even reply after all the things he's just said about her. Though she's aware he doesn't like 'Mirabelle' she still thinks it's not right for him to call her a nuisance when all she's doing is for him.
"Serena?" Derek asks as he tags on her hand again, trying to get her attention when she's already looking down at him with spite in her eyes.
"Serena, I know the news of the failed surgery shocked you, but please be positive for your fiance's sake." the assistant gives Mirabelle a wanting glance to which she rolls her eyes to and glances elsewhere.
"I will be, Derek." Mirabelle says reluctantly and presses her lips together. "I can't wait for you to open your eyes and finally see."
whether that had some hidden intention to get her revenge and reveal it was her all along, or just said it out of acting is something that will be known sooner than later.
three months is such a short time.
"alright then, we can get going as of now. I'll take you with me and Mira- Serena has to go get the nurse, Mirabelle. " the assistant chuckles nervously as she walks up to Derek who let's go of Mirabelle's hand and takes the assistant's instead as he gets up. "Do not worry sir, you will recover in the next surgery, no need to worry."
"I know." Derek says and smiles slightly as he is led to the door. "As long as Serena loves me nonetheless... it's bearable to wait a little longer."