Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

“I’m a human before I’m a doctor. Like everyone else, I have desires,” Hugo said.

Pearl’s phone began vibrating intensely, displaying Renee’s caller ID.

Taking a deep breath, Pearl said, “Okay, you have my word.” NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

“Just make sure you don’t go back on your promise after the surgery. Renee’s mother will need

treatment

for at least three months afterward.”

Pearl stared at him with a cold gaze. “Fine, go ahead.”

“Be gentler. After all, I’m your boyfriend now.” Hugo stood up and stretched. “Okay, I’ll perform the

surgery now. Be nice and wait for me.” He pinched Pearl’s cheek playfully before leaving with a smile.

Pearl wiped her cheek vigorously, clearly disgusted. However, she couldn’t easily refuse Hugo’s

advances, as she needed a favor from him. Moreover, she had finally saved Renee’s mother, and she

couldn’t let Renee

down.

So, she went to the surgery room to wait with the tearful Renee. She hugged her tightly and reassured

her.

“My mom won’t leave me behind, right?”

“No, she’ll always be with you.”

The surgery lasted for a grueling ten hours. By the time Hugo came out, night had fallen, and the city’s

lights were aglow.

Though Hugo was wearing a mask and a white coat, it was obvious that he was tired.

“It’s a success. Don’t worry,” he informed Renee with a smile.

Relief washed over Pearl as she saw Renee smile.

“Pearl, come to my office with me,” Hugo said, turning his gaze to her.

“Alright.”

In his office, Hugo changed into casual clothes and took Pearl’s hand, catching her off guard.

Shocked, Pearl instinctively tried to pull her hand away. “What are you doing?”

Hugo frowned. “What’s the matter? We’re a couple now, right? Why can’t we hold hands?”

Pearl clenched her teeth in hatred but refrained from shaking his hand off. “We don’t have to rush

things.”

“Relax. Just get used to it. It’s not a big deal.”

And so, Pearl held back and decided against shaking his hand away.

They left the office hand in hand and bumped into Richard, who had come to see Hugo.

“You guys?” Fury rose in Richard when he saw their tightly held hands.

Hugo, reveling in Richard’s annoyance, grinned and suggested, “We’re heading out for dinner. Would

you like to join us?”

His provocation only intensified Richard’s irritation. “What’s your game?”

17

“Can’t you tell, Rick?” Hugo gripped Pearl’s hand tighter and swayed it before Richard.

Pearl remained silent, uncertain how to explain the situation to Richard, given his furious expression.

“Have fun,” Richard snapped.

Smirking, Hugo replied, “Sure, we’ll try to make it back tonight.”

The word “try” hung in the air, leaving Richard in a gloomy and tense state.