“Sorry, Doctor. I already have ns,” I hear my uncle’s voice, formal and seemingly cold. Even my hair stands on end listening to it. I shudder myself; it feels like a horror movie hearing my usually friendly and sweet uncle suddenly act like this.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    “ns? Lunch ns? With whom?” The voice sounds… What should I call it? Defensive? Possessive? Ah, maybe possessive.


    ‘Come on, Doc. Isn’t she perceptive enough? It’s clear that Uncle is declining.’


    “I have ns with Abigail.” Oh, my uncle is being honest. I silently apud him.


    “Don’t joke. Thest time you said you had ns with Abigail, you ended up going out alone with your assistant here.” There’s a hint of disdain in her voice. Or is it a snort? Eww, it turns out that the elegant Doctor Phoebe, ording to Mrs. Lipstick, can also be less refined.


    “I thought you weren’t the type of person who likes to eavesdrop, Doctor.” This time, I hear Jonas’s voice. It seems like his friend is really doing his role well in protecting my uncle. Should I wrap him up a chocte as a gift?


    “I-I wasn’t eavesdropping. It just sounded like that because we were still there,” he stammers nervously. “And I’m sure you’re lying too right now. You’re intentionally avoiding me, dwin?”


    “Why would I avoid you, Doctor.” Oh, my uncle is indeed very professional, I have tomend him. But if I praise him, he might get a big head. Okay. It seems like it’s time for my acting talent to shine.


    I open the door knob quite loudly, hoping the three people in there would notice my presence. I pretend to be surprised to see Phoebe. “Oh, hi, Doctor Phoebe.” I greet her, trying to be as friendly as possible. Even though deep down, I want to puke in front of that woman who thinks she’s so beautiful.


    “Y-you?” she asks with a surprised expression. What? Does she think I’m a ghost? Or does she think this restroom door is Doraemon’s ‘anywhere door’?


    “Yes, what’s wrong with me?” I search for my phone and check my reflection. My face is still fine. “Ah, Doctor, you scared me. I thought I had a giant pimple on my face.” I say with horror. “Uncle, I’m hungry. Still long?” I look at my uncle. He raises his hand briefly towards me, instructing Jonas, and then gets up to remove his apron.


    “Are you guys going to have lunch?” My attention shifts back to Doctor Flirt, who I thought had disappeared from there.


    “Yes, Aunty.” I answer briefly. I can guess that she wants to volunteer to join us.


    “Can I join? I don’t have a lunchpanion.” She asks with hope. See, Abigail is great, right? I nce at Jonas. He also looks at me.


    “How about having lunch with me, Doc. I also don’t have a lunchpanion.” He invites gently. Phoebe looks at Jonas with a disdainful gaze. Oh my God. Look at her face. I want to snort in disgust.


    “Let’s go.” My uncle invites. I follow him.


    “Sorry, Aunty. Maybe another time. Today I need to have a one-on-one talk with Uncle.” I act as polite as I can, even though I’d love to act all snobby like a modern-day homewrecker, then walk away. I hear footsteps behind me. No need to turn around to see whose feet they are.


    We were already in a restaurant not far from the hospital. We even walked there.


    We had lunch in silence. After being full, I put down my spoon and fork and stared at my uncle seriously. “What?” he asked, curious. “You suddenly contacted me. What’s the matter?” he asked again.


    Well, it’s not really urgent, to be honest. I can talk to my uncle in his apartmentter. It’s just that our meeting cycles are irregr. Because sometimes when I’m at his apartment, he’s not there. And vice versa.


    Okay. Let me choose my words carefully. “Does Uncle like Doctor Phoebe?” I asked him point-nk. My mouth feels itchy when I mention that woman’s name.


    “What’s with Phoebe?” My uncle asked, curious.


    “I know Uncle isn’t stupid. Uncle must be aware that Grandma is trying to set you up with her.” I replied tly. My uncle shrugged with an unreadable expression. “So, does Uncle like her or not?” I asked again, pressing him.


    “Do I have to answer that?” He asked again. This is the difficulty ofmunicating with dwin Hampton; he often raises my blood pressure. I grumble to myself.


    “Okay, change the question. How does Uncle feel about Via?” I see him tense up when I mention my best friend’s name. “Don’t ask me, ‘what’s with via’.” I say irritably. “Uncle’s answer will determine the decision I make.” My uncle remains silent. “Phoebe’s mom and grandma are nning to invite you both for dinner. Everything will be done as if it’s an unintentional meeting. If Uncle does like that woman and is willing to continue Grandma’s n, then I’ll give up. But if Uncle has another choice, I will help Uncle.” I answer honestly.


    My uncle seemed to be deep in thought. But once again, only silence lingered between us.


    “What’s Uncle’s opinion about Dr. Eijaz?” I see my uncle furrowing his brow. “He’s a handsome man. Both of his parents own a travelpany. His position as a neurosurgeon is also worth considering. ording to Jonas, he’s a good guy.” I answer without waiting for hisment. “And as Uncle knows, he truly loves via. He always wishes the best for via. And he would do anything for via’s happiness.” I continue, making my uncle’s gaze sharp.


    I feel like it’s a look that says ‘Shut your mouth!’ or maybe ‘Are you trying topare your uncle with another man?!’ or perhaps that cynical look is just my imagination.


    “What are you trying to say, actually?” I can hear the dislike in his tone.


    I shrug. “I’m not trying topare Dr. Eijaz and Uncle. I’m not a fool. I know that Uncle also has feelings for via.


    “I just want to know how much Uncle’s feelings are for via. How much Uncle desires to have via. How strong Uncle’s struggle is to get her.” I see my uncle’s eyes staring at me in disbelief. His eyes widen, and his mouth opens. I know he wants to object but refrains from doing so. “Does Uncle think I don’t know that the reason Uncle went to Germany five years ago was one of Uncle’s efforts to distance himself from via? Both Uncle and Dr. Eijaz see via in the same way.” It seems like my voice is too loud, and people start to notice me. I choose to ignore them.


    “Please reconsider. If Uncle does want to fight for via, I’m willing to help Uncle. In any way.” I answer sincerely. “But if Uncle prefers to be with that woman, I won’t stand in Uncle’s way.” I continue resignedly. I look at my uncle intently, trying to read his thoughts.


    Okay. I’m not a mind reader. I’m not a fortune teller. I’m not a psychologist. I just rely on my feelings as a woman. As a friend and as a niece, that my uncle also loves my best friend.


    My uncle puts down his spoon. “My lunch break is over.” His words truly make me want to pull his hair and m his head onto the table. I see my uncle stand up and prepare to pay at the cashier. I follow him and continue to follow him back to the hospital in silence.


    We arrive at the hospital parking lot. He waits for me to get into the car. But I choose to stand beside him.


    “I’m still waiting for Uncle’s answer,” I whisper. “And let me tell you one thing. via needs expressions. She needs reassurance, and she just needs to be fought for. That’s all she needs right now.” Then after that, I get into the car, hoping my uncle stumbles on something, and his head hits so hard that he can finally think clearly.