Chapter 16: Completely Jealous
The man slowly bent down, his arm retracting from her knee, and then he embraced Julia tightly. Her pupils dilated as she found herself gazing into his handsome face, a mix of surprise and uncertainty washing over her. It was an unexpected move, considering his usual distance from women.
Jared’s proximity had always been a mystery to her, a puzzle that seemed to click into place after that day she had confronted him. She suddenly realized the key reason behind his avoidance of women – her ability to heal Shiloh’s leg. It became evident that his compliance in the past was largely due to his desperation for her medical skills.
Julia pondered the situation, realizing the need to maintain a delicate balance. She couldn’t push him too far and risk crossing a line that would lead to her expulsion. And now, as he carried her upstairs, her astonishment grew. It was an act she hadn’t anticipated.
While these thoughts swirled in Julia’s mind, Jared’s voice cut through the air, commanding his assistant, Joseph. “Fetch Doctor Zamora,” he instructed.
Quickly, Julia interjected, “No need, I’m a doctor myself. Don’t send Joseph. Let him carry me upstairs.”
Jared’s progress halted abruptly, his expression turning dark and intense. His gaze shifted to Joseph, a dangerous glint dancing in his eyes.
“Y–yes, boss,” Joseph stammered, rushing out of the room in a hurry.
Jared resumed his ascent, his face impassive, holding Julia securely against him. Cameron, unable to hold back her concern, hurried forward.
“Jared, you have to believe me! I didn’t do anything to her. In fact, she revealed herself during our confrontation, and I only pointed it out,” Cameron protested, trying to explain her side of the story. But Julia, enduring the pain in her stomach, defended herself, “My pain has nothing to do with you. It’s not about me that you slapped yourself.”
Cameron was momentarily taken aback by Julia’s words, her attempts to speak further stymied by Jared’s icy tone. “Leave,” he commanded coldly, leaving Cameron silenced and anxious.
Undeterred, Cameron attempted to regain control of the situation. “Jared, I-”
“Out,” Jared’s voice dropped lower, exuding a chilling air that left no room for
argument.
Cameron begrudgingly retreated, her eyes locked onto the scene unfolding before her. Jared continued carrying Julia into the room, shutting Cameron out.
In the confines of the room, Jared gently laid Julia onto the bed, his concern evident in his eyes. “Don’t worry, Doctor Zamora will be here soon,” he reassured her.
The pain throbbed within Julia, rendering her temporarily speechless. She speculated that his concern was driven by the need for his brother’s recovery, rather than any genuine care for her well–being.
Minutes ticked by slowly, Jared’s expression growing increasingly somber. Impatiently, he reached out to Joseph, questioning the delay, “Where is he?”
Joseph wiped sweat from his forehead, anxiety coloring his features as he replied, “He’s on his way, boss. We’ll be there soon.
Dr. Zamora arrived, a medicine box in hand, his brow creased with exertion. Upon entering the room, a heavy tension settled in the air, casting an almost suffocating atmosphere.
Joseph studied his boss, noting the intensity of Jared’s gaze fixed on Julia, and a realization dawned upon him. It was a surprising revelation, witnessing Jared’s genuine concern for a girl, a stark contrast to his usual aloof demeanor. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, and it seemed his suspicions were correct.
Dr. Zamora’s diagnosis brought a small wave of relief for Jared. Julia’s condition was serious, necessitating an infusion to alleviate her suffering. As the treatment progressed, color gradually returned to Julia’s face.
“How do you feel now?” Jared inquired, his voice soft and caring.
Joseph couldn’t help but observe the unexpected tenderness in his boss’s tone, reinforcing his belief in the growing connection between them.
Julia, still catching her breath, managed a weak response. “I’m better, though I’m quite thirsty.”
Her gaze shifted to Joseph as she requested a glass of water. A flicker of annoyance crossed Jared’s eyes, and he questioned her request with a lifted eyebrow.
Joseph’s perspiration increased under Jared’s scrutiny, his discomfort apparent.
Unaware of the tension she was unintentionally causing, Julia hesitated before responding, “I thought… maybe he could help?”
Jared’s voice, dripping with possessiveness, sliced through the air. “Is he of particular interest to you?”
Julia’s eyes widened in surprise at his insinuation. The room seemed to hold its breath as the tension between them escalated.
