Page 92 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

“There’s also an ex involved,” Karyn says carefully. “It’s… complicated.”

An ex. I think about the woman on the street yesterday, the way Zac’s whole body went stiff the second he saw her. The way he couldn’t get us away fast enough.

“Funny enough, I met her yesterday.”

They stare at me.

“She asked for a photo yesterday. Acted like she was just a normal fan.” I can still picture her—all glossy dark hair and perfectly applied makeup, dressed in jeans and a cute sweater. “She was really sweet and nice. Nothing felt off…”

They shake their heads in unison, like they’re not at all surprised.

“Yeah, that girl’s deluded,” Mia says.

“I feel sorry for Zac. She’s clearly out to get him. What’s her endgame?”

“Honestly, we don’t know,” Karyn says. “It’s weird, but she seemed nice enough.”

They all laugh.

“No, she’s playing you,” Janina says gently. “You’re just too nice. You can only see the best in people, and she would spot that a mile away. Please keep your guard up.”

“I promise I will.” I smile at them, even if I don’t quite understand their concerns.

These women have done nothing but take care of me since day one. I’ll trust their judgement.

“Zac was really good about it all, actually. Like, considering it’s his ex and everything.” The way he kept his voice level, took the photo, and then steered us away without making a scene.

“Yeah, he’s so mature,” Karyn says. “Always been too good for her.”

There’s a twinkle in Jaina’s eyes as her gaze drifts to me, meaningful and teasing. I shake my head quickly. No. Because I can’t admit these feelings when I know it could risk his job. I have feelings for him. God, do I have feelings, but I can’t risk his career. So, I’d rather keep quiet.

Mia and Jaina get to work on my hair and face while Karyn sets down my usual bagel and tea. The familiar routine is soothing, grounding me for the day ahead.

A knock sounds at the door, and my stomach tightens, thinking it’s Dain, but he never knocks this softly. And a knock at this hour could mean anything, but then it opens, and it’s Zac, who’s freshly showered and changed, carrying two cups. One is from The Pulse Kettle.

I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop the grin threatening to split my face wide open. They’re all watching… I can feel their eyes tracking everything.

I already drank the tea Karyn made me when I first arrived, but that was a while ago now. I could’ve asked Karyn to grab me another, but I haven’t.

“Good morning,” Zac says, extending the cup toward me. His fingers brush mine as I take it, the contact sending a little spark up my arm.

“You got me green tea with honey?”

He nods shyly. “I did.”

“Thank you.” I take a sip. The warm, slightly sweet liquid hits my tongue. Yeah, this one hits so much better than the cafeteria stuff. I don’t know if it’s because they’re fresh tea bags or just because he bought it, but it really is that good.

I meet his eyes over the rim of the cup. He’s watching me with that carefully composed expression he wears when he’s trying not to show his feelings, and I think about last night.

“So good,” I say softly, feeling hot all over at the way he’s eyes flare.

We both know I’m not just talking about the drink.

Once I’m camera-ready, I stand to head to set.

“Hey, be careful,” Zac says, falling into step beside me. “There was an article—”

“I saw it.” I watch him, expecting his walls to go up, for him to create some distance between us.