"I agree to go back to the university and finish all my degrees," Scarlet said softly.
"Very well, Scarlet. In that case, I will assign my personal assistant to help you with the enrollment procedure and whatever else you'll need. The fees and all other costs will be completely covered," Marcus said softly before excusing himself, leaving Scarlet alone at the dining table.
_____The Journey Begins_____
Months later, having stayed in Marcus's villa while her school enrollment was being sorted out, Scarlet finally returned to university and moved into the student hostel.
While at school, Scarlet promised herself to do her best, determined not only to graduate with distinction but also to become one of the country's best doctors.
Throughout her years of study, she buried herself in schoolwork, training, and clinical rotations. She deliberately avoided distractions like making friends or anything or anyone that could hinder her progress.
But this time, she didn't just focus on her studies and training; she also made sure to take care of her appearance. She remembered how, when she first entered university at seventeen, she'd spent four years studying without ever bothering with her appearance or dressing well. All she did back then was schoolwork. This time, however, she changed her style and ensured she looked fit, despite her demanding schedule. She was busy studying and also working part-time to have her own money for personal items. Marcus, who felt he was not only repaying her for saving his life but also doing her a great favor, covered all her food and school expenses, making her years in school easier.
After completing her four-year medical degree, she was accepted into a five-year surgical residency. During these five years, she proved herself exceptionally hardworking and skilled, often demonstrating surgical abilities that surpassed even her seniors.
Her colleagues, seniors, and nurses all envied her skills and intelligence, often saying she was born to be a doctor, a healer born to know how to handle a scalpel and all the various tools used in an operating theater.
Her five-year residency was finally drawing to a close.
__________
In the hospital, doctors and nurses were busy attending to patients across various wards.
Scarlet was taking a drink from her water bottle when she heard a voice call out:
"Dr. Scarlet, you're to see the Chief Surgeon in his office," a junior student informed her.
"Okay, thank you," she said, giving the young man a quick pat on the shoulder before heading to the Chief Surgeon's office.
She knocked before walking in and greeted the older man politely.
"You called for me, Chief?" she asked, using the common address they all used for him.
"Yes, I did. A surgery will be performed in less than an hour, and I want you to lead the team," the Chief Surgeon said softly. Scarlet looked at him with a shocked expression.
"But Sir, Surgeon Simon is always the one who leads the team while I assist. Why is today different?" Scarlet asked, confused.
"Given your skills and intelligence, the hospital board has appointed you to lead the team today. Are you not confident in doing this?" the Chief Surgeon said with a knowing smirk.
"It's not that, Sir. If I'm assigned to lead the team, then no problem," Scarlet replied softly.
"Please note, this is a challenging surgery. You know how complex spinal deformity correction surgery can be. Good luck. It has been announced that you are leading the team, so get your team ready and start the surgery to finish on time. You know these procedures take many hours," the Chief Surgeon instructed. Scarlet nodded and left the office to prepare.
The surgery began, and the team quickly got to work while Scarlet led the team.
The procedure lasted for hours but was ultimately successful. The team and the Chief Surgeon all praised her work. All the senior surgeons were amazed that Scarlet could complete the surgery successfully, despite knowing how intelligent she was.
___________
Scarlet finished her additional five years in surgical residency and decided to return to America as she is now a board-certified surgeon.
As Scarlet settled into her plane seat and closed her eyes to rest, the voice of a flight attendant jolted her awake.
"Excuse me, Ms. you have been promoted to a first-class seat. Please come with me," the flight attendant said with a gentle, polite smile. Scarlet looked at her, confusion visible on her face.
"Excuse me, I didn't book a first-class ticket. Could you explain how I was promoted?" Scarlet asked.
"A very respected passenger has paid for your seat in first class. Please come with me, and I will show you your seat before I attend to other duties, Ma'am," the flight attendant replied respectfully, her gentle smile unwavering.
Still confused, Scarlet nodded and followed the flight attendant, who helped her with her small carry-on bag and led her to the first-class cabin. Only one person was seated there, his back was still facing them, making his face invisible.
The flight attendant placed the luggage in the overhead bin and gestured for Scarlet to take the seat across from the unknown man.
Scarlet sat down, frowning slightly as she looked at the man, who had a newspaper covering his face. "Who could have paid for a first-class seat for me?" she wondered.
"Is it someone I knew? Could it be Mr. Marcus? No, it can't be him. I haven't seen him for years since I left for the UK to study. Even though he helped me so much during all those years, he never once called, visited, or did anything himself, he always sent his assistant to handle everything," Scarlet thought. She looked at the man, whose face was still hidden by the newspaper.
"Who is this strange man?" She didn't realize she'd said it aloud until the man slowly folded the paper, revealing his face. His voice, cold as ice, sounded familiar.
Scarlet's mouth fell open in shock as she finally saw that the man was Marcus, looking as handsome as always.
"Hey, Doc," Marcus greeted her in a sarcastic tone.
Scarlet was too stunned to react, staring at the incredibly handsome man who smirked and called out, "Am I that good-looking that you have to stare so much?" Marcus's words jolted her out of her stupor.
"That's not true! I was just too surprised to see you. I never thought I'd see you so soon. I'm guessing you asked the flight attendant to bring me here," Scarlet said, sounding happy to see her benefactor.
"Well, yes. Consider that your welcome back gift," Marcus said nonchalantly. Scarlet could only blink at his comment.
"How are you on the same flight as me? Were you in the United Kingdom for business, and how did you even know I was flying back to the States?" Scarlet asked.
"Did you forget James is my personal assistant? He told me you were flying back. You're lucky I've been in the UK for a week for business, and it just so happens I'm returning today as well," Marcus said calmly, his cold aura present.
"Oh, I see. You never replied to any of my texts or calls during my years in school," Scarlet said softly.
"I didn't see any reason to respond when I had already assigned James to attend to all your needs," Marcus said, causing Scarlet's mouth to twitch.
"You are so cold and mean," Scarlet said, which prompted a chuckle from Marcus.
"That's not being mean or cold. It's just that I don't pick up calls or respond to messages that are not related to work," Marcus said nonchalantly, causing Scarlet to secretly roll her eyes.
"No one would ever think this cold, mean man is also the nice man who helped a poor me years ago. Wow, it's been nine years already. I can't believe that," Scarlet said, smiling.
"I'm not nice. You just happened to be lucky enough to win my favor," Marcus said, not smiling.
Scarlet didn't bother to respond to that comment. She simply yawned.
"I'm going to rest my eyes," she said, closing them, while Marcus watched her.
Scarlet didn't look the same as she did nine years ago when he met her by accident. She looked more mature, now possessing a beautiful face that commanded attention. Not only was she lovely, but she also looked healthy and attractive, as if she had spent her years in school building a more attractive and confident version of herself.
Marcus didn't realize how long he'd been looking until he heard Scarlet's voice, her eyes still closed.
"Do I have something on my face, or do I look so pretty that you can't help but stare?" Scarlet's question made Marcus chuckle before he replied:
"You look tired is all I can see. But I must agree you look more mature than you did all those years ago as a newly divorced young woman," Marcus said, causing Scarlet to frown, though her eyes remained closed.
"You are so cruel with your words," she said, pouting, still not opening her eyes.