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Chapter 23 - CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

I stared at her peacefully sleeping on my chest, her delicate features softened by sleep. Despite the exhaustion that lingered in her face, her natural beauty shone through—her lips slightly parted, her eyelashes casting gentle shadows on her cheeks. I guessed I'd worn her out yesterday, but even that didn't diminish her allure. I gently pushed aside a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her face, my fingers lingering as I took in her serene expression.

"Slept well?" I whispered softly, brushing her hair back.

She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, looked up at me hazily.

"Zavid," she murmured, voice husky.

"Yes, love," I replied, my voice tender. "You look exhausted but beautiful."

She blinked slowly, then rolled her eyes with a soft smile. "You're lucky I like you."

I chuckled softly. "That's good to know. I've got plans for us today."

She yawned, stretching lazily. "What kind of plans?"

"First, I plan to keep staring at you," I said with a grin. "Then, maybe I'll convince you to get up and start the day."

She looked away, a shy smile creeping onto her lips. "You're impossible."

I leaned down, whispering near her ear. "Impossible to resist, maybe?"

She giggled, covering her face with her hands. "Stop it."

I kept my gaze on her, feeling a surge of affection. My fingers brushed her cheek softly. "You've got me hooked, you know."

She sighed softly, nestling closer. "I guess I don't mind."

A gentle silence settled between us until she finally groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open again.

"Zavid," she whispered, voice still thick.

"Yes, love," I repeated, leaning in a little closer.

"How long have you been awake?" she asked, voice muffled.

"Does it matter?" I teased, brushing her hair again.

She buried her face into my chest, sighing. "No, I guess not."

"Hey, you okay?" I pressed, concern flickering in my voice.

"Mmm, just a little sleepy," she mumbled.

She looked up at me suddenly, her eyes playful now.

"And it's your fault," she said cheekily.

I grinned. "But it didn't look like you were denying my touch yesterday."

"Whatever," she muffled, pulling the blanket over her head.

I laughed softly. "Come on, lazy girl. Let's shower together."

"No, I'm cool," she insisted stubbornly.

"Love, stop being a lazy cat," I teased, leaning closer.

"No, I don't want to," she insisted again, burying herself deeper.

Seeing her stubbornness, I sighed. "Alright, alright. But you're gonna."

With a gentle smile, I crawled toward her and carefully pulled the blanket off her head.

"Alright, I'll go, but I can't walk," she admitted, cheeks flushing.

I softened at her vulnerability. "Mmm, I'll carry you."

I gently scooped her up, cradling her carefully. "Let's get you some rest. You need it."

_____

I set her down gently in the bathtub, water cascading softly around her. She looked up at me with tired eyes, but her smile was grateful.

"Do you need anything?" I asked softly.

She shook her head with a small smile. "No, I'm okay. Thanks for being so caring today."

I hesitated a moment, then sat on the edge of the tub, watching her relax under the warm water.

After a while, she called softly, "Zavid."

I turned to her, leaning closer. "Come here," I said softly.

She sat up slightly, eyes still sleepy. "Come lay with me," she whispered.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised but not hesitant. "Really?"

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah."

I moved onto the bed, lying beside him. "Sleep," I said gently.

"Shh," she replied, settling her head on my chest.

I ran my fingers through his hair, humming a melody I hoped would soothe him. His breathing slowed, and his eyelids fluttered closed.

"Celeste," He whispered softly, feeling a protective instinct grow inside him although feeling drowsy.

"Zavid," she murmured.

I looked down at his peaceful face. "You're so handsome when you sleep," I whispered.

He opened his eyes briefly, giving me a sleepy smile. "You're not so bad yourself."

I chuckled quietly. "I could stay like this forever."

She laughed playfully. "Don't get too comfortable."

"I just might," I said softly, feeling a surge of affection.

____________

I sat silently, watching Zavid sleep peacefully beside me. His face looked so innocent, so vulnerable. I gently called his name.

"Zavid," I whispered softly.

He stirred and slowly opened his eyes, blinking away sleep.

"Come here," I beckoned.

He moved closer, a soft smile on his lips. "What's wrong?"

I ran my fingers through his hair, humming a lullaby I'd learned long ago. His breathing grew even and slow, and I admired how peaceful he looked in sleep.

After a while, I carefully lifted his head from my lap and placed a pillow underneath it. I sat up, feeling a mix of tenderness and hope.

I opened my laptop to check my emails. The moment I saw the subject line: "Acceptance into Royal City Hospital," my heart skipped a beat.

I read the email, disbelief flooding my senses. I couldn't believe I'd been accepted as a surgeon. My hands trembled slightly as I responded with a quick, enthusiastic acceptance email.

I closed the laptop, feeling a surge of pride and excitement. My future was finally within reach. I looked back at Zavid, still sleeping peacefully, and felt a wave of gratitude and anticipation.

Today is Thursday, and Monday is just around the corner. Everything was about to change.

---+++++

I stared at the email on my screen, disbelief still washing over me. I whisper-yelled, "No way," my voice trembling as I still couldn't believe it.

My eyes darted over the message again, confirming that I had been accepted into Royal City Hospital. I couldn't believe it—this was the moment I'd worked so hard for.

I leaned back in my chair and took a deep breath, trying to process everything.

"Wow," I whispered, voice full of awe.

My fingers quickly moved to reply, accepting the offer with a simple message: "Thank you so much! I accept and am excited to start on Monday."

I hit send and sat back, feeling a rush of pride and hope. My heart pounded with anticipation for the future.

I glanced over at Zavid, still sleeping peacefully, and a smile touched my lips. Today was the beginning of a new chapter—one I'd been dreaming of for years.

I stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was clear, and I was ready to walk it.

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I know there's a bit of repeat but i felt that would enhance the emotions but let me know what you think

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