The Heiress Chooses Madness novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Hospital visits cost money. Total waste,‘ Payton thought.

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Kayla frowned and grabbed his hand firmly, refusing to let go. “Are you serious? You’re bleeding everywhere. Disinfectant won’t cut it. Do you even want to keep your hand?”

Payton felt the warmth of her palm against his, and his cars turned pink. He forgot to pull away. He let Kayla help him into a cab and didn’t protest as she took him to the hospital.

Kayla held his hand the whole ride, practically dragging him through the crowded hospital corridors straight to the ER. “Doctor, we need help. He’s bleeding really bad!” Kayla called out.

The desperation in her voice turned heads. Nurses and patients alike stopped to stare.

A young doctor in a white coat rushed out of the exam room. When he saw Payton’s sleeve soaked in blood, his expression instantly turned serious. “What happened? How’d he get hurt this bad?”

Kayla was breathing hard, her eyes a little red. “We ran into some thugs. He shielded me and took a knife to the arm. One of those spring–loaded ones. That thing looked filthy. I don’t know what kind of germs could be on it. Doctor, you have to clean it properly!”

The doctor nodded quickly, motioning them into the room. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it. Just hold him steady for me, okay?”

Kayla immediately gripped Payton’s injured hand tight. “Don’t move. It’ll be over soon!”

Payton glanced at her hand trembling against his arm and couldn’t help but smirk. “Maybe check who’s actually shaking here?” He didn’t sound like he was in pain at all–if anything, he seemed amused.

Kayla blinked, startled, then realized her own fingers were quivering from nerves.

The doctor grinned. “Look at you, still cracking jokes! Can’t you see she’s so worried she’s about to cry? If she actually does, good luck dealing with that.”

Kayla was about to protest–she wasn’t anywhere near crying!—when the doctor turned to her with a teasing look. “You’re so tense, anyone watching might think you’re the patient. Is he really that important to you?”

Kayla and Payton both froze, their eyes meeting for a split second before quickly looking away.

Kayla forced an awkward laugh. “No, it’s not like that! He only got hurt because he was helping me, so…”

The doctor nodded knowingly, grinning. “Oh, I get it. Say no more.”

”

Kayla’s lips twitched at the way his eyes practically disappeared into his smile. ‘I didn’t even explain anything. What does he think he gets?‘ she thought, feeling more confused than ever.

The doctor opened his medical kit and pulled out disinfectant, gauze, and stitching supplies. As he started cleaning Payton’s wound, he muttered, “This guy really put himself on the line for you. If that knife had gone any deeper, he could’ve lost function in this hand.”

18:09 Thu, Oct 23

Chapter 172

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Kayla’s heart dropped. She hadn’t realized it was that serious.

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Payton shot her a quick look, worried she might freak out. “Don’t listen to him. He’s exaggerating. It’s really not that bad.”

The doctor pressed down harder–totally on purpose.

Payton sucked in a sharp breath.

Kayla frowned, concern flooding her voice. “Hey, doc, be gentle. You’re hurting him!”

The doctor huffed. “He just said it’s not a big deal. Why are you so worried?” He gave Payton a pointed look and added with a smirk, “Kids these days, always gotta play tough.”

Payton gave a sheepish grin, not daring to argue.

The doctor lightened his touch, but every swipe still made Payton wince. He kept his teeth clenched, refusing to let out more than quiet gasps.

Kayla’s chest tightened with each motion, but she didn’t dare loosen her grip, terrified that any slip might make things worse. Half an hour felt like an eternity.

Finally, the doctor nodded, satisfied. “Alright, you’re good. Nothing serious, but make sure he rests and changes the dressing regularly.”

Kayla let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, relief washing over her. Her eyes sparkled, like she’d just made it through something terrifying.

Just as they were about to leave, the doctor suddenly made a surprised sound. “Wait, it’s you two?”

Payton forced a weak smile, his voice shaky. “Dr. Hunter, didn’t expect to see you again. Sorry for the trouble.”

Kayla looked confused.

Payton caught her expression and quickly explained. “Kayla, this is Dr. Terry Hunter. He’s my mom’s doctor. She was in that car accident, remember? He raised money for her treatment and brought in all these specialists. If it weren’t for him, my mom would probably still be in a coma.”

Kayla’s eyes went wide. ‘Wait, so he’s the doctor I ran into outside her room that day!‘ she thought.

Terry pulled off his mask and flashed her a friendly grin. “Hey, you remember me? We met outside Payton’s mom’s ward. You even helped her that day-”

“Dr. Hunter!” Kayla cut him off, suddenly rushing forward to cover his mouth with her hand. “Oh wow, it’s you! Long time no see! How’ve you been?”

Kayla leaned in close and whispered in his ear, shooting him a meaningful look. “Dr. Hunter, remember? We agreed to keep it quiet.”

Kayla made a dramatic zipping motion across her lips. Terry remembered their deal and coughed awkwardly. “Uh… yeah, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

18:09 Thu, Oct 23

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