Chapter 222: Dana Wells Stomped Her Feet in Frustration

Dana Wells stomped her feet in frustration, her nails digging deep into her palms. Adrian Stone didn't even spare her a glance as he walked right past her.

"Auntie, did you see that..." Dana Wells tugged at Sylvia Stone's sleeve, her voice laced with grievance.

Sylvia Stone narrowed her eyes at the hospital entrance and let out a cold laugh. "What's the hurry? Men are all like this—it's just a passing infatuation." She patted Dana Wells's hand reassuringly. "Once they're apart long enough, even the deepest feelings will fade. And then..."

"Then that bitch Elena Ward won't be able to hold on!" Dana Wells's eyes lit up. "We should have her transferred to the borderlands—let's see how she seduces Adrian then!"

Sylvia Stone shook her head. This girl was still too naive. But it didn't matter. With her as Dana Wells's aunt, she'd make sure her niece got her man back.

The two left the hospital in sullen silence.

Elena tidied up the examination room as light snow drifted outside the window. With the New Year approaching, the number of patients in the Traditional Medicine Department had dwindled, and the hospital had granted her a two-week leave.

"Dr. Ward, heading out?" Nurse Lee peeked in.

Just as Elena removed her white coat, the phone rang.

"Acupuncture Department, Northland Central Hospital," she answered.

Adrian's deep voice came through the receiver. "Elena, I'm at the hospital entrance."

Her heart skipped a beat. Lately, every call from him sent her pulse racing.

"I'll be right there." Hanging up, she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.

Outside the hospital gates, Adrian stood in the snow, his military coat dusted with flakes. The stern lines of his face softened into a smile as he spotted Elena hurrying toward him.

"Why aren't you wearing a scarf?" He unwound his own and wrapped it around her neck.

Elena buried her face in the warmth of the fabric, inhaling the mingled scents of tobacco and crisp pine. Her ears burned.

"Let's go grocery shopping. I'll cook for you," she suggested.

Adrian's gaze darkened. He'd planned to take her to a movie, but... a home-cooked meal from her sounded just as good.

The market was nearly closing, so they quickly picked up potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Adrian carried the heavy cloth bag, watching Elena's cheeks flush from the cold. Unable to resist, he reached for her icy hand.

"Let's get home," he murmured.

At the dormitory entrance, they ran into little Feng. The girl greeted them sweetly. "Hello, Aunt Elena!"

Since the incident, Feng had moved here with her mother, Dr. Alice Monroe, and had grown much more cheerful. Alice often sent over homemade pastries, and the two families had grown close.

"You've gotten taller, Feng," Elena said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

As they climbed the stairs, Adrian suddenly leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Next time... could we go to the movies?"

Elena's foot slipped, but he caught her steady. Their eyes met, and both flushed crimson.