Page 156 of My Damaged Protector

“Bye, sweetie.”

I let her end the call before I take the phone away from my ear to meet Mandy’s gaze.

“Was that your little princess?”

I laugh at the word ‘little’. “She's not so little anymore, according to her.”

“Yeah, they all say that.”

“They do, don't they?”

We both grow silent. She looks at Ian, her expression growing somber.

“I hear our guy is doing great,” she says.

I don't say anything. I know she's just saying that to make me feel better when it's quite the opposite.

She goes silent when I don't say anything. She stands up, inspecting him before she comes back to me.

“You should take a stroll,” she says.

I start to shake my head in refusal.

“Just listen to me, okay? I'll be here. I won't leave him until you're back.”

“I appreciate the offer, Mandy, but I don't want to leave him alone.”

She scoffs. “Did you miss the part where I said I'll be here? I'm a doctor. I can handle him if anything happens, which nothing will. Just take a stroll, even if it's just for a few minutes. Here…” She digs her hand into her scrubs and brings out her card. “Get food for yourself for the first time in weeks. Please, don't say no.”

I purse my lips in frustration. I don't like that she's not giving me a choice here.

“Mandy.” I say her name in protest.

“Please, do it for me,” she begs.

“Fine.” I huff, and take the card from her. I start to reluctantly walk toward the door, but I stop when I'm almost near it. “Thank you.”

She smiles at me and waves me off.

I pause, remembering that there's one thing I still haven't thanked her for. For going along with my plan when Peter was trying to force me to do the surgery.

“Mandy, I…”

“You don't have to say anything, I'm always here for you.” She declares, cutting me off. I smile, my heart filled with gratitude despite the situation.

“Thank you, I love you.”

“I know, now go.”

I nod, smiling as I walk out the room.

The moment the door closes behind me, I look around in confusion, unsure of what to do with this time off she's giving me. I want to be with Ian, but I know her heart is in the right place. I'll just go to the cafeteria, get my food, and then return.

With that decision made, I start to walk toward the cafeteria.

As much as I don't want to admit it, I feel different by the time I get to the cafeteria. It's like some of the pressure has been reduced. I walk to the counter and start to get food. By the time I finish paying, I don't feel like taking the food to the ward.

So, I find a lone spot, take a seat, and then text Mandy that I'll be eating in the cafeteria.

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