Episode 8

After another lengthy discussion, some agreements were reached. They needed to start living together in a house and make public appearances starting next week, which meant there was a lot to be done.

"I'm sure press conferences won't be a problem for you. After all, a doctor as esteemed as you must do this quite often, correct?" Mrs. Farrell said.

"No issue there. It'll be easy," replied Claramond.

"Good. You may go now, thank you for your assistance and commitment," said Mr. Farrell.

"Thank you, see you. Shall we go, Rosemary?" Claramond asked, turning to her.

"There's no need, we can take her home," Amon said.

"I'm headed that way so it would be easier. Don't bother," said Claramond.

Rose agreed to Claramond's words, so she stood up and clung to his arm.

"Until next time, Mr. and Mrs. Farrell," Claramond said before walking towards the door of the grand salon with Rose clinging to him.

His family watched him leave and remained to talk among themselves...

Rose left with Claramond to the car where they were swarmed by dozens of people seeking an interview.

"Miss Rosemary, are you dating the great Dr. Paxley?" some asked.

"Dr. Paxley, what is your relationship with Rosemary Farrell?" others inquired.

Rose felt frightened and ended up hiding behind Claramond; he immediately took off his jacket to cover her and hugged her to his chest to prevent her from getting scared.

"Your speculations are correct. Now, if you'll excuse us, I promised Rose some rest... Pardon us," said Claramond. Everyone wanted to continue asking questions, but with the help of Farrell's security, Claramond managed to get Rose to his car where he helped her into the passenger seat before closing the door.

Then he walked around to the driver's seat, where he saw Rose visibly scared. Deciding to drive away to prevent her from getting worse, he took off.

While driving towards the apartments, he received a call, picked up the phone, and answered, putting it on speaker.

"Speak," said Claramond in response.

"Dr. Paxley, there's a problem at the hospital. A patient wants to see you, apparently due to a mistake made by a nurse; he's causing a scene and won't leave until he sees you," a woman on the line said.

"I see... Mm... Just a second," he said, muting the microphone and turning to Rose. "I have to deal with this situation. It shouldn't take long, I think... so you can come with me if you like. If it takes longer than I expect, I'll make it up to you... Would you like to come?" he asked. Rose looked at him without making eye contact, then trembled a little as she was about to speak.

"I-I would like... to go..." Rose said. Claramond smiled and gently patted her head before turning the microphone back on.

"I'm on my way; tell him I'll be there shortly," said Claramond before ending the call.

He immediately took a detour on the highway and started heading towards his hospital in the city...

...

After nearly half an hour, they arrived at the hospital Claramond managed; there, he got out of the car and went to the door where Rose was to help her down.

"Come... You can wait for me in my office. Okay?" he said, showing her a smile. She nodded and hugged his arm before following him.

Entering the hospital, everyone stared; many recognized Rose as her photo had become trending after the restaurant incident. As soon as they arrived, a nurse approached them.

"Dr. Paxley, the gentleman is in the administration office," said the woman, who was closely observing Rose.

"Thank you... Ahm... Melisa, please take Rosemary to my office," Claramond told the woman before stepping in front of Rose.

"I'll be just a moment, please stay calm, okay?" he said, taking her hands and then kissing them softly. She nodded, looking away, and then he went on his way.

Melisa looked at Rose with notable contempt, then put on a smile and said,

"Pleased to meet you, Rosemary, please follow me." Rose didn't respond and simply walked behind her.

After a minute of walking through the hospital, they arrived at the office where Melisa opened the door to let her in. Rose immediately looked around the spacious place and entered, surveying it.

"Do you mind if I keep you company?" Melisa asked amiably, receiving again no reply which, not knowing Rose's condition, Melisa took as a discourtesy. "Pff... Pathetic that Claramond would be interested in someone as ill-mannered as you..." she muttered under her breath but loud enough for Rose to hear.

Rose was accustomed to such comments and simply walked to the window to watch as rain splattered against it.

Melisa left the office, then headed towards where Claramond might be.

On the other hand, Claramond had quickly resolved the issue with an elderly gentleman who appeared to have received poor treatment from his staff.

"As I said, sir, I assure you it won't happen again. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, and I'll take action," Claramond told the man.

"Thank you, young man... always so kind," the gentleman said. "Well... I'll be on my way, thank you..." and with that, he left.

Once he was gone, Claramond walked back to his office, encountering Melisa along the way.

"We need to talk..." said Melisa.

"About what?" Claramond asked.

"What will happen with us?" Melisa inquired, ensuring no one was near.

"Melisa... I told you that it was a one-time thing..." Claramond said with a sigh.

"Is it that easy for you to say? What about me? You promised me a chance, and it turns out there was someone else?" Melisa asked.

"I was clear about what would happen, and you agreed. I'm not romantically interested in you... Please. Let's move on and remain what we have always been. Colleagues and friends," Claramond remarked, then walked on to his office. However, Melisa followed.

"Now, about your... girlfriend," said Melisa, and he stopped and turned to her.

"Spare me your criticisms," Claramond said.

"She's ill-mannered, just like the media says... I don't understand why her," Melisa commented. Claramond sighed and, ensuring privacy, leaned in.

"I told you to save your judgments. Now, she's not like that by choice. Don't spread this around, but she has a severe case of autism, so please stop getting involved," said Claramond, then left.

Melisa watched him leave, feeling angry, then kicked the wall, clenching her fists in visible frustration...

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