“I feel jealous, Yu Seol Hee.”

“…….”

“I know I shouldn’t, but when it comes to your affairs, I just can’t help it.”

It was unlike him, a man who seemed above such feelings, to say these words. Surprised, Sulhee’s eyes widened at Eunwoo’s softly whispered words.

There was no need for Eunwoo to be jealous. There was nothing between her and I-hyun. They were just colleagues, a veterinarian and an employee, nothing more.

The last time she went on a walk with I-hyun, it was against her will, as he had insisted. Sure, his dog was cute, but eating and walking together wasn’t particularly enjoyable.

Walking with Gomgom alone would have been more pleasurable.

Sulhee quickly added, “Dr. Eunwoo, there’s nothing between Dr. I-hyun and me.”

“I know, me too.”

Eunwoo calmly replied, his eyes softening gently.

“That’s the problem.”

“…….”

“Knowing that there’s nothing between you and Choi I-hyun.”

His voice was deep and intense.

“And yet, I still feel jealous. It’s childish, isn’t it? Stupid. I never understood people who put their lives on the line for love, nor did I want to, but with Yu Seol Hee around, I keep feeling this way.”

It didn’t seem like him at all. Even now, his expression was calmly composed. His brows weren’t furrowed or narrowed.

But the intensity of his direct gaze was overwhelming.

“So, that’s why I left like that last time. I couldn’t even explain my own feelings properly.”

“…….”

“I’m sorry.”

He murmured as if the words weighed on him.

The wind rustled gently.

On this summer night’s country road, various sounds had settled down. The chirping of crickets, the rustling of the grass in the night breeze.

And the soft breathing of Eunwoo.

Sulhee lifted her head and opened her mouth to speak.

“There’s no need to apologize. Really, it’s okay.”

“…….”

“I don’t think it’s childish.”

On the contrary, her heart fluttered at his words.

Had anyone ever poured out their feelings for her like this? Especially when it was Dr. Eunwoo, who seemed as if he wouldn’t bleed even if pricked with a needle, it shook her heart even more.

What should she say? As she pondered, voices called from afar.

“Yu Seol Hee, where did you go?”

“Right, she said she was going for a walk. Did she go somewhere?”

Voices from the villa echoed in the distance. People were looking for her.

Eunwoo looked at Sulhee and smiled slightly.

“Go ahead.”

“…….”

“There are many people looking for you, Sulhee.”

“What about you, Doctor?”

“Me, I’ll…”

He glanced down the path briefly.

“I’ll just cool off a bit.”

Cool off these emotions.

Then, Eunwoo turned and walked away.

“Dr. Choi, how do you feel?”

After dinner, as everyone gathered in the garden, the conversation flowed. Dr. Choi, the deputy director of the hospital and 38 years old, was visibly pregnant, now over six months along.

“I’m feeling better than I thought. I was worried because it’s a late pregnancy, but my morning sickness has almost subsided.”

“The baby’s a girl, right?”

“Yes.”

“She’s going to be as pretty as Dr. Choi.”
“Do you want to see? I took a 3D ultrasound.”

Dr. Choi then showed a picture on her phone. It was a photo of the baby with eyes tightly closed.

“It looks like Dr. Choi, doesn’t it? It’s so cute. I didn’t know ultrasounds could be this clear.”

“Is it cute? I thought it was just cute to me.”

“No, it’s really cute.”

The baby looked adorable, resembling her.

Sulhee handed back Dr. Choi’s phone and sighed.

The people at Dormare Animal Hospital were great. Unlike the strict Dr. Ok, Dr. Choi always comforted Sulhee gently, like an older sister due to the age difference.

Whenever Sulhee felt down or doubted her abilities, Dr. Choi seemed to know and would come to comfort her.

“It’s tough, isn’t it? Working at an animal hospital is different from a company. But you’re doing well. Just hang in there, okay?”

Those words of comfort made all her fatigue vanish, renewing her energy.

Now Dr. Choi was leaving. Though they hadn’t been together long, Sulhee felt a deep sense of loss.

“It’s good you’re leaving for a happy reason, but I’m really going to miss you. I wanted to learn more from you.”

“I’m going to miss working with you too, Sulhee.”

“You must have found it difficult because of me.”

“No, I enjoyed it. I’m thinking of opening my own practice after a year’s break post-delivery.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The chief doctor told me to come back after the break, but I declined, feeling it’s time to start my own practice.”

Sulhee nodded and smiled.

“You’ll do great, Dr. Choi.”

“Will you come then? To my clinic?”

“Are you scouting me?”

“Exactly. If you ever get tired of Dormare, come to my clinic.”

“Really?”

Even if it was just a passing comment, it made her feel good.

“Thank you, even if it’s just words.”

Sulhee couldn’t help but smile.

Cleanup time. As Sulhee did the dishes, she hummed happily.

For some reason, she felt good.

The walk with Dr. Ok and the conversation with Dr. Choi had been enjoyable.

“Oh, Sulhee. Need help with the dishes?”