Chapter 23
Their eyes met, each seeing their own reflection in the other’s gaze.
Dr. Mitchell’s cheeks flushed slightly as he touched his nose self–consciously, then stepped back to where the children couldn’t
see him.
Claire didn’t let her gaze linger on him either. She continued with her duties, and only after all the children had been handed over to their families did she walk to where he was waiting in the corridor: “What are you doing here again? Shouldn’t doctors
incredibly busy?”
As she spoke, she gave him a gentle smile that made his heart race, and he couldn’t help but smile back: “I came to see you.
You haven’t been here long–I figure I should see this through to the end.”
He moved naturally to take the bag she was carrying, heavy with art supplies.
Claire smoothly moved her hand behind her back, her smile fading as she spoke seriously: “Dr. Mitchell, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and everything you’ve done to help me. But I’ve been through one failed marriage, and I don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
“But what if it’s not a mistake? What if it’s a path you never got the chance to explore?” Dr. Mitchell wasn’t surprised that she’d seen through his feelings. He was honest with her: “Actually, I’ve liked you for a very long time.”
Claire looked at him with surprise.
Dr, Mitchell gave her a rueful smile as he explained: “I guess I hid it too well, but I had no choice. By the time I felt worthy of confessing my feelings, you were already married. I had no option but to bury those feelings deep inside.”
He took a deep breath and, encouraged by her non–hostile attitude, asked: “I really don’t want to miss my chance with you again. Could you give me an opportunity? I just want to be by your side–I don’t need any official status.”
When it came to real feelings, titles and status were just meaningless pieces of paper.
Claire didn’t say anything, but quietly handed her bag to Dr. Mitchell. He eagerly took it and, in the days that followed, kept his promise.
Both of them had demanding jobs, but Dr. Mitchell always found time to wait for her after school. Gradually, others began seeing him as Claire’s boyfriend. Even the parents who regularly picked up their children knew them as a loving couple, and Claire showed no signs of objection.
Dr. Mitchell recognized this as the chance Claire was giving him. Rather than becoming complacent, he seized the opportunity and did everything he could to make her happy.
When Claire couldn’t get used to Australian cuisine, he put his skills to work, cooking dinner every night and preparing her lunch for the next day at school–all she had to do was heat it in the microwave. When she enjoyed outdoor activities, he’d join her to watch fireworks, go diving…
Day by day, though they hadn’t crossed that final line yet, they spent more and more time together. Even on weekday evenings, they’d take walks along the beach.
That evening, as they were strolling and chatting along the coastal path, an unwelcome visitor burst out and shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
Dr. Mitchell never expected someone to chase him down from behind and punch him. His first thought was that it was an
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Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
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Chapter 23
angry patient or family member, but when he saw the man’s furious expression and haggard appearance, he immediately moved to shield Claire behind him.
“What do you want? he demanded, ignoring his throbbing cheek.
