Chapter 38: Chapter 38

"If I'm not needed here, then I'll leave."

"Yeah, just go fucking way."

Fran was used to that indifferent attitude, but he knew Ray's true character. They had known each other when they were babies; sucking milk together and bathing in balls together.

Fran knows specifically how he behaves.

"Now you know the truth. So why are you sad?" Fran asked him, watching Ray who was gloomy as if the facts he had heard had ruined his life. "Are you disappointed that he is not your son?"

It's not like Ray actually got her pregnant, right?

Since becoming his best friend's personal doctor, he knew that Ray had been under a lot of pressure for a long time. He thought too much about small problems, so he often fell ill. Sometimes Fran was very worried about that situation.

Ray, "I didn't think that I could be so selfish and make her remember the past."

Fran rolled his eyes and failed to tidy up his med bag. "You're too melancholic."

Ray, "..."

"I actually know why you insist on knowing her background." Fran sat back on the bed, opened the magazine and looked through it. "That kid is just like you when you were little."

That's true; they were so similar it was as if Fillo was another part of him.

"There's a slight difference," Ray corrected him.

"What's that?"

Ray didn't immediately answer, opening a glass cupboard containing various bottles of expensive wine that he had hoarded. He pulled out a 1947 Cheval Blanc, the most expensive of the collection. He bought this wine when he visited Australia to start a business there. Due to various obstacles, he apparently failed to establish his umpteenth nightclub in that country. He, who felt frustrated, then bought up one crate of Cheval Blanc.

That's what Samuel told him—for the details he doesn't really remember.

He said he bought this while drunk.

Only today did he have the opportunity to try the wine. But, just as he took the clear cup from the table, a hand stopped him.

"No wine," Fran said flatly.

Ray just stared blankly as the expensive wine was returned to the cupboard. Then groaned in annoyance. "I'll just have one sip, okay? I haven't drank for a long time. It shouldn't be a problem as long as it's not too much."

"No, still not." Fran pushed him hard. "You just took your med."

Ray looked at Fran irritably, but it had no effect at all.

"So, what's the difference between you and that kid?" Fran took water instead and gave it to him.

He was forced to take it.

"The shape of his jaw is a bit different, his lips and eyebrows too," he said. "That one looks more like his mom."

"You're so detailed," said Fran somewhat mockingly.

"We met several times, how could I not have noticed this detail?"

"You have a crush on her?"

The question came while he was drinking, as a result he choked and coughed several times. Fran handed him a tissue innocently and took the glass.

"Ouch, I assume that, yes. Hahaha."

"I don't have a crush on her," he corrected.

"Oh come on!" Fran said with a tired sigh. "You've broken up with Hailey, what are you waiting for? You're no longer a teenager, it's time to plan your future. You need a companion. Yeah, I think that woman is quite good. Wait, you can't possibly be concerned about her widow status, right?"

The pillow near him immediately flew to hit Fran's head perfectly. "What about yourself, Fran?"

Fran frowned. "We're talking about you here."

Ray looked away.

"Anyway, she looks quite beautiful compared to Hailey." Fran stirred him up.

"Don't compare them. I think all women are beautiful in their own way."

"Yeah, Ray and his ideology about women." Fran rolled his eyes. "But see your personality, I didn't think you would hated Hailey that much."

Fran will never know the word quit in his dictionary. After talking about Alexa, he annoyingly switches to talking about Hailey. Ray pretended not to hear and lowered his shoulders as if he was sighing. He pulled the magazine in Fran's hand and turned around.

"Look! You are this big and still a cranky baby."

"Fran ..."

"Okay, okay. I'll go home now."

Ray immediately intervened. "No, wait."

"Don't hold me back from listening to your boring talk." Fran ignored him, starting to tidy up his medical kit again.

Insolent, Ray cursed to himself.

Sighing, he tugged on his bag to stop him again. "At least help me check Fillo's health. Alexa said his health isn't that good."

Fran snorted, stopped and sat back down. Which meant an agreement.

Ray decided to meet Alexa, the mother and son were now staying in a room to rest. He had just opened the door, but someone was already standing there.

"Oh." Ray was shocked.

Alexa, in front of him, stood awkwardly. "I was just about to call you."

"I also intended to call you."

The two looked at each other and laughed, awkward with each other. Alexa tucked her hair behind her ear before saying, "You first."

"No. Ladies first."

She seemed embarrassed to see his face, so she just looked down. "I think I'd be fine if I took Fillo for a check up."

He smiled in his heart. This was exactly what he wanted to say!

"Then please come to my room," he said, opening the door. "Let me take Fillo."

Alexa remained silent on the spot.

"What is it?"

"Didn't you have something to say earlier?"

The corners of his lips turned upwards, breaking into a charming and very handsome smile. She subconsciously saw that, and almost hit him in the face. Until his voice was heard, "Just as you said, Alexa."

"Huh?"

His figure left right after saying that. Even stupidly, she had to sniff the masculine scent from his body which accidentally bumped slightly into her shoulder.

She heard him apologize, but she didn't think she heard him.

Her hatred had dulled everything.

... to be continued ...