Chapter 1
Elena Fairweather had just finished her shift at the Private Infirmary, her morning spent tending to patients, when she received a call from one of the nurses. “Elena, we have another patient coming in due to a system error,” the nurse said, glancing at her clipboard. “That's fine, Alan. Go ahead and grab lunch; I’ll take care of it from here,” Elena replied with a light smile, slipping her glasses off and putting on her lab coat again. Everyone at the infirmary knew Elena Fairweather for her calm demeanor. She'd been working at the private clinic for just over a year now. “What seems to be the issue, and what symptoms are you experiencing?” she asked, glancing at the man who stood before her, his coat obscuring most of his appearance. She was about to jot down “patient-reported symptoms” when she realized he wasn’t responding. Elena finally looked up and was taken aback when she recognized the man’s face. It felt like the earth shifted beneath her feet; her heart raced as she froze momentarily, an odd concoction of shock and recognition swirling within her. “Are you there, Elena Fairweather?” he asked, his deep voice breaking through her thoughts. She hadn’t expected to see him here of all places. Elena felt uncomfortable, shifting in her chair as she focused on the conversation. “What seems to be the problem?” she managed to ask again, though her heart was pounding. “It itches down there,” he finally spoke, his tone nonchalant. “Anything else? How long has this been going on?” Elena’s voice was barely above a whisper, her gaze lowered as she tried to remain professional. “Three or four days. Nothing else, really,” he replied. Elena paused, then pointed toward the examination room. “Please lie down on the bed there,” she instructed, putting on a pair of disposable gloves and a mask, her professionalism taking over. “Drop your pants; I’ll check. If necessary, we might need to schedule a sonogram,” she added, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. The man, whose demeanor was unexpectedly composed, simply chuckled lightly and complied without hesitation. She realized the casualness in his approach was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation. Standing close, Elena caught a glimpse of his toned physique, and she tried to keep her focus. She had seen more than a fair share of anatomy throughout her medical career, but this man’s confidence took her by surprise. As she examined the area, she remained professional, noting the small bumps that indicated an infection. “It looks like you have folliculitis. Just keep the area clean, and I’ll prescribe some ointment for you,” she stated, making her diagnosis clear. Having treated him as just another patient, she removed her gloves and stepped out of the examination room. “You’ll apply the ointment daily and combine it with some tetracycline. Here’s the prescription,” she said, placing the slip on the desk as she prepared to leave. The man walked out after fastening his belt but paused, his expression now serious. “So, what brings you to Kingsport?” he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. Elena didn’t feel like making small talk and replied curtly, “My father’s from Kingsport.” Marcus Nightingale, the man who had once shied away from such conversations, appeared different now as the headmaster. Suddenly, he spotted the simple yet striking ring on her left hand, and his curiosity deepened. “Since you’re in Kingsport, why not invite me over for a visit? What’s your number?” he added, insistent. Elena didn’t respond, her attention focused on the paperwork as she ignored his request completely.
Chapter 2
Elena Fairweather didn't feel any warmth toward him anymore. "Aunt Beatrix is still with my dad in Eastgate. If you want to see her, you can visit. They're at the Academy this month and haven't moved from the old place," she whispered, glancing around at the other staff members in the Infirmary. Marcus Nightingale stood behind her, not ready to let go. "It's been years since we last met, and you don’t even invite me for a meal? How's the food over at the Infirmary? I’d love to give it a try with you." Elena turned sharply, narrowing her eyes at him. She was still in her white lab coat, her clothes buttoned up tightly, revealing nothing of the warmth of spring. He looked decent enough, but his attitude was still as obnoxious as ever. Elena, having a naturally soft temper, struggled to come up with a sharp retort and finally managed a terse, “Get lost.” She wouldn't dare step into the cafeteria; the presence of colleagues made it uncomfortable. She was married now, and any gossip would reach Cecilia before she could clear things up. Elena dashed out of the Infirmary, relieved he didn’t follow her. Marcus remained where he was, frozen for a moment before slowly making his way to the parking lot. His Volkswagen was parked discreetly; these days, everyone was advocating for integrity. A few days earlier, he had gone out of town for a training. Since returning, he had felt a persistent itch that couldn't be ignored. A visit to the Military Grand Hospital was out of the question, given its connections to his family’s reputation. The People's Infirmary was also too risky. That’s how he ended up at a lesser-known Infirmary. To his surprise, he noticed Elena Fairweather’s name when he scheduled an appointment. It had been over a decade since he had last heard of her—so much so that he could barely remember her face. With her hair tied back, she looked unfamiliar, but he still managed to recognize her. It seemed she had grown, capable of throwing insults without a hint of embarrassment. But that didn’t concern him; it was her father’s problem to worry about. Marcus tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, the engine of his car still silent after a long pause. He thought for a moment and then decided to call his mother. Cecilia Ravenswood was thrilled to receive Marcus's call. After her divorce from his father, her relationship with her son had become distant, with years often passing without communication. “Mom, I saw Elena Fairweather in Kingsport. When did she come back?” he asked. “Elena has been in Kingsport for several years. Didn’t you know? She got accepted into the graduate program at Kingsport School of Medicine,” Cecilia replied, puzzled at her son's sudden interest in Elena. They had spent two years as roommates and were classmates, but they had never really gotten to know each other. “Oh,” Marcus replied. “Is she married now?” “Yes, she tied the knot a few months ago. They haven't even had the wedding reception yet. Elena's been busy with work; she couldn't take any time off. Her father works within the same system as you, over at the Brightwood Labor Social Security Bureau,” she replied, not suggesting that Marcus should look after his stepsister. Despite the Ravenswood name, there would be no obligation for him to help his mother’s child. However, Marcus surprised his mother by saying, "She’s living around there. Mom, send me her contact info. I should reach out and start calling her ‘sister.’" Cecilia was over the moon. “Oh, that’s great! Your father and I are so busy these days that we can’t keep track of her. If she needs anything in Kingsport, I’d appreciate you being there for her.” “Of course, Mom,” Marcus said with a smile before hanging up.
Chapter 3
Elena Fairweather lay sprawled on the bed, mulling over her complicated history with Marcus Nightingale. They had spent two years under the same roof—sharing laughter, frustrations, and even moments of intimacy. It was hard to ignore the bond they had formed, and if she had to face him again, it was only fair that she acknowledged it. The man behind the wheel started the engine and drove away from the gates of the Private Infirmary, their shared past looming in the air. That afternoon, Elena decided to take an unexpected half-day off and drove home to Fairweather Manor. Her quaint house, purchased before her marriage to Gideon Marshall, was conveniently located near Kingsport Academy, where she taught. After tying the knot, she and Gideon had spent most of their time there, occasionally retreating to the Marshall family estate. Elena hadn’t even bothered with lunch. Instead, she drew the curtains tight and sank into a deep, uninterrupted sleep. Even in her dreams, an unsettling spirit clung to her, coiling around her like the faint echoes of Ravenswood's memories. Elena’s mother had passed away when she was young, leaving her in the care of her father, Liam Fairweather, a traveling botanist who barely had time for family. In those early years, he had left her in the countryside with her illiterate grandmother until he realized that his daughter was finally of school age—just eight years too late. Eventually, Liam met Cecilia Ravenswood, another botanist. The two were often away from home, leaving a young Elena to navigate life largely on her own. Cecilia had ties to Marcus Nightingale, a boy from Kingsport who moved to the nearby Eastgate the year they started high school, coincidentally becoming Elena’s classmate. While Eastgate was a decent area, it paled in comparison to the majestic Kingsport, a city steeped in history. When Marcus first stepped into their shared home, it felt like a collision of youthful energy, hormones igniting that transitional period from adolescence into adulthood. He was always brimming with an infectious enthusiasm. Living under the same roof, Marcus never bothered to hide anything. On more than one occasion, he walked around in just his boxers, muscles taut and flexing with an ease that sent a flush of heat to Elena’s cheeks. Witnessing his physique—long and lean, yet defined—made her heart race, a curiosity tinged with embarrassment. Elena would be washing their clothes, often forgetting her own feelings while focused on mundane tasks. One afternoon, as she tossed clothes into the machine, a stray piece of black fabric caught her off guard, making her momentarily lose her thoughts. Absently staring, she lingered in quiet contemplation before being startled by Marcus's voice behind her. “How do you like my boxers?” he joked, a smirk pulling at his lips, his relaxed demeanor only adding to her flustered state. Elena’s face went bright crimson. Feeling as if she was clutching a lit firecracker, she hurriedly stuffed the fabric back, her heart racing with fluster. --- Waking from a restless sleep, Elena's mind felt hazy. A sharp noise pulled her out of a nightmare, and she instinctively reached for her phone. A strange request pinged, one she didn’t recognize, devoid of the usual context. Her profession often subjected her to unwanted attention, forwarding her way too many lewd messages frompatients seeking advice that crossed boundaries. “Elena, how long is my...” “Elena, how many times in a day is normal? Because I’m like three or four times daily…” “...the last time you touched me, I got hard immediately…” Ignoring it, she swung her legs out of bed and dismissed the unfamiliar message. Outside, the heat of a muggy summer's day was palpable, and a trip to the market had left her drenched in sweat. After putting the groceries away, she dashed into the shower, feeling the cool water slide down her skin while thoughts of the day clouded her mind. When Gideon returned, the scene that greeted him was casual but striking—Elena, her normally neatly pinned hair cascading freely down her back, stood stirring pumpkin soup in the kitchen. “Why are you home so early?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his warmth enveloping her. Surprised, she nearly dropped the ladle, heart thumping at the unexpected intrusion. “I had a headache earlier and decided to call it a day,” she answered, forcing a smile, “A nap seems to have made a world of difference.”
Chapter 4
Gideon Marshall and Elena Fairweather met as college peers, their introduction orchestrated by mutual friends shortly after Elena moved to Kingsport. Their initial meeting turned out to be more awkward than anyone expected. Despite the undeniable tension, they both hesitated to exchange WeChat contacts when they realized they already had each other’s numbers—Gideon was recently Elena's patient. Feeling the pressure from his friends, Gideon found himself compelled to play along. Little did he know this encounter would lead to a series of humorous and confusing events. To his surprise, Elena casually stated, "We can work on your treatment together; your condition isn’t congenital, so there's definitely hope." --- Later that night, Elena lay in bed, her legs spread, as Gideon attempted to position himself between them. Yet before they could, he suddenly rolled away. "It’s much better already. Just take it slow; we're young!" Elena murmured as she gently touched him, noting how he had begun to soften. “I can feel something now. I thought…” he trailed off. “There's no need to rush. Your accident damaged some nerves; it will take time to heal.” Her voice was soft and inviting, just like her nature—comforting just by her presence. Elena wasn't the conventional beauty—though her striking eyes were undeniably captivating. Gideon leaned in and kissed her eyelids, whispering, “You’re really something special.” For a moment, she froze, recalling a past relationship where affection always felt insufficient. “Elena Fairweather, those eyes of yours can enchant anyone,” Gideon declared with a youthful fervor, “I can’t help but be drawn to you.” In that daze, she heard a teasing remark from elsewhere, “I just wanted to see what my mom's second husband’s daughter is really like…” “Hey, Elena, it’s your birthday today, where do you want to eat?” Elena sighed, recognizing the familiar voice—Gideon. She had almost forgotten she was turning another year older. “Anywhere is fine; it’s not a major celebration, so don’t worry about it,” she replied softly. “Alright, I’ll take care of the arrangements.” Soon, she heard him snoring lightly beside her. As she closed her eyes, her mind raced—perhaps the afternoon nap had been too long, or perhaps it was the unexpected visit from Marcus Nightingale that had her feeling restless. Tossing and turning, she struggled to find sleep, only managing to drift off well into the night. A few days passed before Elena returned to her usual rhythm. Kingsport was vast, so she figured it wouldn't be easy to run into Gideon again. On the morning of her birthday, both were reluctant to leave the comfort of their bed, especially since Elena had a shift at the medical center where they both worked, juggling responding to patients as well as the night shift. Then, an abrupt, thunderous knock at the door jolted them awake. “Just keep resting; I’ll check it out. Probably just a delivery,” Gideon said, getting up. Elena closed her eyes for a moment longer, but a few moments later, Gideon returned, “Elena, there’s a visitor—someone says he’s your brother.” Brother? She pondered confusedly. But since the stranger seemed to know her name, Elena couldn’t just leave him waiting at the door. Her expression soured with concern, “I’ll go see who it is.” In the living room, Marcus Nightingale slouched on the couch. He had taken a liking to the floral decorations in her apartment. It was cozy, but not very spacious, and the balcony was overflowing with greenery. As he glanced at the still-closed bedroom door, an uneasy thought crossed her mind—what if Gideon was taking a bit too long in there? Elena quickly changed her outfit and stepped outside, only to be greeted by the unexpected guest. Her heart sank as she realized the truth. Standing there, Gideon watched her very closely, and as she opened her mouth to speak, Marcus interrupted, “Just got off the phone with Mom. She told me it’s your birthday today, thought I’d drop by to celebrate.” His grin was innocent and unassuming. “This is Aunt Beatrix’s son,” Elena said stiffly to Gideon, trying to provide context. “Brother-in-law,” Marcus stood up from the couch, nodding at Gideon, signaling an unspoken acknowledgment among them.
Chapter 5
Elena Fairweather wore a light-colored dress, its small V-neck dipping just enough to reveal a hint of charm within. She completely ignored Marcus Nightingale's presence at the table. Gideon Marshall recognized Elena, the bright and polite woman who was Alice Marshall's stepdaughter. He admired her for her scholarly demeanor, much like his father-in-law, Sir Benjamin Marshall. Both men were devoted to their studies and shared a deep commitment to academia. He couldn't help but feel a warm regard for the young man across from him, who looked only slightly younger than himself. “Hi, I’m Gideon Marshall,” he said. “Marcus Nightingale,” the young man responded. Elena stood there, her fingers curled into her palm, her head bowed so that her expression remained hidden from view. What was supposed to be a pleasant birthday dinner had become an awkward gathering marked by a sudden impromptu meeting. The restaurant was one that Gideon had chosen earlier in the day. While browsing the menu, Marcus excused himself to take a phone call. Gideon turned to Elena and asked, “How come you never mentioned him before? I’ve never seen him around.” Elena hesitated, her finger hovering over the menu. “He’s mostly been living with his father, and he hasn’t seen Aunt Beatrix in years,” she replied, her tone dismissive. The strained relationship with Aunt Beatrix was indicative of what she felt toward Marcus, her stepbrother. “Guess that makes sense,” Gideon said. After a while, Marcus returned, pulling a chair out across from Elena. “I heard from my mom that my brother-in-law works in the same field,” he said, glancing at Gideon. “It’s more of a temporary position, really, at the Meadow Vale Bureau of Labor Security,” Gideon responded modestly. “Funny coincidence, I work in the Secretary's Office of the Forthaven Service District,” Marcus remarked, flashing a smile while subtly looking at Elena again. Gideon felt a sting of surprise. Marcus wasn't merely being humble; working in the Bureau of Labor Security in Meadow Vale held little influence. He also noted that Marcus, who was rumored to be a year younger than Elena, had already entered the government's decision-making circle. Elena attempted to keep her composure as she took a sip of water. Suddenly, under the table, someone gently kicked her leg. She looked up, startled, meeting Marcus's intense stare. That gaze sent shivers down her spine. Marcus didn't break his gaze and said steadily, “Hey, can I switch places with you? I’m sitting right in the air conditioning draft and it's giving me a headache. It’s acting up again.” The mention of an old ailment changed Elena's expression to one of alarm. The scene was strikingly odd. The two men chatted comfortably together, while Elena sat across from them, isolated, quietly pushing her food around her plate. “Didn’t expect my brother-in-law to be young enough to already be second-in-command at the ward,” Marcus said lightheartedly. “Not quite... Oh, excuse me; I need to take this call,” Gideon replied as his phone buzzed. Marcus turned away. “Mr. Li… Yeah… Sure… No problem, I understand,” Gideon spoke, finishing his call. He turned back to Elena and said, “I have a sudden work issue. Remember I mentioned needing to visit the Eastgate Social Security Bureau for some observation? I just got approval, and I'm heading out this afternoon.” “That’s so soon,” Elena replied, surprised. “Yeah, there’s a city-wide meeting coming up, and I want to make sure I’m back in time,” Gideon explained. “So Elena, you and Marcus should take your time eating. I need to go home and grab a few things before heading to work. Marcus, could you please help Elena home afterward?” “No problem, it’s nothing, really,” Marcus said with a smile. Elena opened her mouth to say something but ultimately decided against it, staying silent. “Hey, when you get home, why not check your nightstand?” Gideon said to Elena, giving her a gentle squeeze at her waist before leaving. Elena realized this was likely a gift he’d prepared for her, and with Marcus watching, she found it difficult to smile genuinely. Just two minutes after Gideon left, Elena stood up to leave, not saying a word. “But we haven’t even finished the meal yet,” Marcus called after her. She didn’t respond, determined to ignore him. But then she saw him rubbing his temples in apparent pain. “I’ve had this headache for ten years; the slightest chill and I’m down for the count. What am I supposed to do about it, murderer?” he complained, an unusual tone of lightness in his voice. Elena’s mind momentarily blanked, shock coloring her features as she looked at him. “If you don’t want to eat, just skip it. This place was chosen by my brother-in-law, and the food isn’t that great anyway. Let’s just head back,” Marcus continued, his tone now easing into something more casual. Elena reluctantly climbed into Marcus’s car. “How’s your mom and your dad's relationship these days?” he asked. Elena remained quiet. However, the car was not heading in the direction of her home.
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