Chapter 55 Dr.natep Started Following You.
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
“Alright, Gasoline,” Dr. Wilson smiled as she finished the examination. “You’re a bit undernourished, but otherwise healthy.” She scratched behind Gas’s ears, earning an enthusiastic tall wag. “He’s probably around six months old, and despite his rough start, he seems to have a great temperament.”
I watched as Gas leaned into the vet’s touch, his earlier wariness completely gone. “Any special care instructions?”
“We’ll start him on supplements for the malnutrition,” she said, making notes in his new medical file. “I’ll also give you deworming medication and schedule his vaccinations. But mostly he just needs good food and lots of love.” She smiled. “Though from what I’ve seen, that won’t be a problem.”
After collecting prescriptions and scheduling follow–up appointments, we headed to PetSmart. Gas sat in the shopping cart like a king on his throne, drawing coos from every employee and customer we passed.
“You’re going to be spoiled rotten,” I told him as I added another toy to our overflowing cart. He just grinned, tongue lolling out happily.
Two hours and what felt like half the store later, we were finally home. Gas immediately claimed the plush bed I’d bought, dragging it to a sunny spot in the garden where I was setting up his outdoor water bowl.
“Perfect place for a nap, huh?” I laughed as he circled three times before flopping down. The afternoon sun caught his fur, making it glow almost golden. He looked up at me with such pure joy that I had to grab my phone and take a picture.
The first shot caught him mid–yawn, looking adorably goofy. The second captured him alert, head tilted slightly, those soulful eyes seeming to look right into the camera. The third was my favorite – Gas in full play mode, running through the garden with a new rope toy, pure happiness radiating from every inch of him.
“You’re a natural model,” I told him, posting the best shots to 1*******m. Within minutes, the likes started rolling in.
Scarlett was first: “OMG YOU GOT A DOG?! Why am I just finding out about this?! Also he’s adorable
Jeo commented next: “Petrol is rocking that blue collar! Great choice
More comments followed, mostly from work contacts and old college friends. Then a notification caught my eye
“dr.natep started following you.”
Curious, I clicked on his profile. The bio read simply: “Fixing brains. Dog dad x3.”
His feed was stunning architectural shots from cities around the world, candid moments of hospital staff celebrating successful surgeries, and countless photos of three gorgeous dogs. A golden retriever and two chocolate labs dominated his recent posts, often caught mid–adventure in beautiful outdoor settings.
One photo showed Nate himself, casual in hiking gear, surrounded by his dogs on what looked like a mountain summit. His smiled looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen in the hospital, and the caption read: “Weekend therapy with my best critics.“1
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Chapter 55 Drnatep Started Following You
My phone buzzed – Scarlett requesting a video call.
+25 BONUS
“Spill!” she demanded as soon as I answered. “When did you become a dog mom? And why didn’t you tell me?”
I turned the camera to show Gas, who had moved to investigating his new toy box. “It just happened yesterday. Found him at the construction site.”
“He’s precious,” Scarlett cooed. “Though I have to say, I never pictured you with a pet. Especially not while living in Kyle’s perfect mansion.”
“Gas has already made his feelings about Kyle’s perfectionism very clear,” I grinned, remembering the shoe incident.
“Oh?” Scarlett leaned forward. “Do tell!”
After I recounted the story, she laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone. “Please tell me you got that on video!”
“Sadly no, but the look on Kyle’s face was priceless.”
“I bet.” She wiped tears from her eyes. “Speaking of looks, I saw Dr. Gorgeous liked your dog photos. Didn’t realize you two were I*******m friends.”
“We’re not… I mean, he just followed me today.” I tried to sound casual. “Did you know he has three dogs?”
“Honey, I know everything about that man.” Scarlett’s grin turned wicked. “Including the fact that he’s single, loves art, and definitely has a thing for talented architects.”
“Scarlett…”
“What? I’m just saying, maybe it’s time to explore your options.” She took a sip of what looked like champagne. “Live a little! Take it from someone who knows – there’s a whole world of fun out there once you stop letting men like Kyle Branson dictate your life.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” I raised an eyebrow at her glass. “Having fun?”
“Always!” She winked. “Life’s too short for serious relationships. Give me good alcohol and hot guys who make me laugh any day.”
“That’s very… you.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” She challenged. “When’s the last time you did something just because it made you happy? Besides adopting that adorable furball.”
I watched Gas trot past with another toy. “I’m working on it.”
“Work faster.” Scarlett’s voice softened slightly. “You deserve to be happy, Mia. Real happiness, not just… settling.”
“I know.” I sighed. “It’s just…”
“Just nothing.” She cut me off. “You’re young, gorgeous, and finally free from Kyle’s control. The world is your
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Chapter 55 Drnatep Started Following You.
+25 BONUS
oyster! Speaking of which…” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Dr. Pierce’s latest hiking photo? Those arms should be illegal.”
“Scarlett!”
“What? I’m just appreciating the view.” She grinned. “Though I have to say, three dogs is a serious commitment. That man’s not afraid of responsibility.‘
“You’re impossible.” I shook my head, but couldn’t help smiling.
“I’m right and you know it.” She finished her champagne with a flourish. “Now, about those 1** notifications – want to bet how long before he slides into your DMs about a doggy playdate?”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Love you too!” She blew a kiss at the camera. “Remember what I said about having fun!”
After ending the call, I scrolled through more of Nate’s photos. His entire feed radiated joy- whether he was capturing sunset over ancient architecture or his dogs splashing in a mountain stream. It was a far cry from the serious neurosurgeon I’d met. 1
I don’t have any Scarlett–kind evil thoughts about Nate. But I do think he could be a good friend. He helped me at lot, and mom.
Gas bumped my hand with his nose, dropping a tennis ball in my lap. His tail wagged hopefully.
“Alright,” I laughed, standing up. “Playtime it is.”
As I threw the ball across the garden, watching Gas bound after it with pure enthusiasm. My phone buzzed with a new notification. A DM from dr.natep: “Gasoline is adorable! If he ever wants some playmates, my three would love to show him the best dog parks in the city.”
I looked at Gas, now proudly returning with his prize. “What do you think? Ready for some new friends?”
His tail wagged faster, as if he understood perfectly.
1 typed back: “He’d love that.”
