The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor received a call from the hospital. Her full checkup results were in, and a nurse was asking her to come pick them up.

Eleanor had a good sense of her own body. She knew she had fainted that day simply because she had pushed herself to her absolute limit.

When she arrived at the nurses' station, the nurse searched for her file. "Hmm, that's strange," she murmured. "I'm sure I saw your report this morning."

Just then, another nurse who had just returned from her rounds recognized Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, you're here! Your husband already picked up your report. Oh, wait, I mean, your ex-husband! He's in Dr. Ackerly's office right now."

Eleanor froze for a moment. Ian had her medical report?

Thanking the nurse, Eleanor walked to the doctor's office. The door was ajar, and she could hear lan's deep, serious voice. "Dr. Ackerly, are you certain there are no issues with the markers on this report? I'm concerned about these few in particular; the values seem to be outside the normal range."

Dr. Ackerly's reassuring voice followed. "Mr. Goodwin, the report does indicate that Miss Sutton is suffering from some exhaustion and nutritional deficiencies, which explains the abnormal indicators. But I can't guarantee there are no underlying issues, only that this specific report shows nothing critical."

"Underlying issues?" lan's voice grew taut. "Please, Dr. Ackerly, be more specific."

"Now, don't worry, Mr. Goodwin," Dr. Ackerly chuckled lightly. "I see she's slightly anemic. We can adjust her diet. She also needs to reduce her workload, get outside more often, and keep her spirits up. These problems should resolve themselves."

"Dr. Ackerly, her father died of a sudden cardiac arrest brought on by overwork. I'm worried she-" lan's voice was laced with an undeniable anxiety.

Outside

door, Eleanor froze, her

hearthing as if squeezed by an

invisible hand. Her father. The word

vas

a Wound that would terreal

Dr. Ackerly's tone became more serious. "Mr. Goodwin, I understand your concern. But Dr. Sutton's cardiac function indicators are alt currently normal. Of course, extreme fatigue and stress are known

tuggers for cardiovascular disease; which is why I'm recommending better nutrition and stress relief. The risks are manageable."

lan was silent for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Dr. Ackerly. I'll make

sure she takes care of her health."

Just then, Dr. Ackerly spotted Eleanor stepping into the doorway. "Ah, Miss Sutton, you're here."

lan turned, his eyes meeting hers. A complex emotion flickered in his gaze before

it settled back into a calm mask. He didn't move to leave.

Eleanor looked at the medical report on the desk and addressed the doctor politely. "Dr. Ackerly, so there's nothing wrong with my report?"

"I was just discussing your situation with Mr. Goodwin. My advice is to improve your nutrition, reduce your workload, and get outside more, You

ur health is your most important asset."

"Thank you for the advice, Dr. Ackerly. I'll do my best to take care of myself."

Eleanor picked up the report. "I won't disturb you any longer."

"Eleanor!" lan stood up and followed her out of the office.

Eleanor stopped and looked up at him. "Next time, I'll pick up my own reports. You don't need to trouble yourself."

lan's gaze held hers. "I was already at the hospital to see a specialist, so I thought I'd ask the doctor for you."