I didn’t look up. “I’m reviewing the schedule.”
"Mm-hmm." He took a seat. “Are you planning your usual disappearing act? Show up for mandatory sessions, skip every social event, hide in your hotel room?”
“I don't.” I shot him a defensive look.
“That’s exactly what you do every year.” He offered a knowing grin. “Do you remember two years ago? You attended only three sessions total and spent the rest of your time working remotely from your bed.”
“I had several complex patient cases to review at the time.”
“You always have patient cases to review. It serves as your favorite excuse to avoid people.”
I focused my eyes on the schedule again, trying my best to ignore his presence.
“Mireya is going this year,” he mentioned with forced casualness. “This is her first time attending, right?”
My pen stopped moving across the paper.
“She mentioned that she feels quite excited about it,” he continued. “She wants to network with other surgeons and learn new techniques. She actually wants to participate instead of hiding away in the dark.”
“That will be good for her professional development.”
“You should consider showing her around the venue. You could introduce her to some influential people since she's new to these events.”
“She’s a capable professional. She can manage her own networking.”
“Right.” He took another slow sip of coffee. “Because that’s definitely the reason you're planning to avoid her.”
“I am not avoiding her, Cassian.”
“You have been avoiding her for an entire month. Don't think for a second that I haven’t noticed the shift.”
“I’ve simply been very busy with my caseload.”
“You’re always busy, but this feels different.” He set his coffee down on the edge of the desk. “By the way, a new surgeon is joining our department next month. She has a trauma background but wants to specialize in cardiac work. She comes with strong recommendations and excellent credentials.”
“That sounds fine. Send me the paperwork.”
He stayed quiet for a long moment, just watching me with those unnervingly perceptive eyes of his. “Maya and I are talking about moving in together,” he said finally, breaking the silence.
That statement successfully captured my full attention. “Moving in?”
“Yeah. Her current lease expires in two months.”
"That seems fast."
"It feels right." His smile was genuine, warm. "I'm thinking about more serious things too. Marriage, eventually. Maybe kids."
The words felt foreign—like a language I used to speak fluently but had somehow forgotten.
"I'm happy for you," I said, meaning it.
“Are you really?”
“Yes, I am.”
“You look miserable right now. You have looked miserable for a month. Specifically, ever since you found out about the job offer August made to Mireya.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping an octave. “Have you talked to her about any of it?”
“There’s nothing for us to talk about. She's making a career decision for herself. It's not my business to interfere.”
