"He just had the flu and fever. Don't worry, ma'am. Your son will be fine after resting and taking some of the medicine I prescribed."

"Belle, you should see.... Oh, I'm sorry. Please go on."

Belle glared at Miranda, who had just shouted and entered her room without knocking. God, Belle wanted to strangle her friend for her rudeness, walking into her room without knocking.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance earlier. My friend just wants to discuss something with me."

"No problem, doc. So, my little Charlie will be fine, right?"

"He will be fine. Don't worry. You just need to feed him nutritious food and make sure Charlie takes his medicine three times a day."

"Alright, I'll do it. Thank you very much, Doctor Belle."

"You're welcome. Get well soon Charlie."

Belle stroked Charlie's head gently and led them to the door. The five-year-old boy looked very weak and only hugged his mother's waist as he walked out to the elevator.

Belle turned over the wooden plank on the door as her practice time was over. It was time to go home to rest and watch some new movies. She wanted to really relax that day because she hadn't had a proper sleep in days. She had to be on standby at the hospital when her little patient was critical. Belle always hoped that her patients would be fine and that they could be reunited with their families at home.

"Belle!"

"Oh my God, Miranda! What are you doing?"

Belle screamed in annoyance because Miranda surprised her who was drinking. The water spilled onto her lab coat.

"Oops, I'm sorry. Is that mineral water?"

"Fortunately it's only mineral water."

Belle slammed the bottle on the table and took out some tissues to wipe her wet lab coat.

"Why did you come to my room? Do you have any important news?"

"The actress has come. You must see her."

"Oh my, I thought you were going to tell me something important."

"This is very important news."

Miranda enthusiastically followed Belle who was throwing the used tissue into the trash. She snorted in annoyance because Miranda was following her like an idiot.

"I don't care about the actress or whatever she's doing in this hospital."

"She will be celebrating her birthday with your little patients. You should have come to the hall to see them having fun."

"Just let them have their fun. They are safe with their parents."

"Tsk, you have to come to the hall with me."

"I'm tired. I want to go home and laze on my comfortable bed."

Belle tugged Miranda's hand from her wrist. She really didn't want to waste her precious time off by going to see an actress celebrating a birthday with her little patients. Her evil mind told her that the party was held only to boost the actress's popularity. Not something done sincerely and humbly.

"That's why you don't have a boyfriend. You've been cooping yourself up in your apartment too much, and you're not giving yourself a chance to be recognized by other people."

With annoyance, Belle put her hands on her hips. Her face showed a thick expression of offense because of Miranda's words.

"Well, I don't have a boyfriend because none of them really suit me so far. Don't make stupid hypotheses just because I don't want to attend the actress's birthday party."

"But they are very romantic. They kissed in the lobby."

"Then what do I care? It's their right to kiss and make out. They're married, right?"

"Belle, this time you have to come. Let yourself have fun. Nathalie is waiting for us in the hall. I think Lucas is coming too."

"No. I want to go home. Now!"

Belle ignored Miranda who kept whining around her. She busied herself by stuffing her things into her bag, then hanging her lab coat on the wooden cupboard next to the sink.

"She's not just any actress."

"Well, you've said it a hundred times before. But I really don't care. I just want to go home."

"It's Gabrielle Rolland's wife's birthday."

"Gabrielle Rolland?" Belle's frowned deeply. She seemed quite familiar with the name, but she couldn't remember where she had heard it before.

"You really don't remember Gabrielle Rolland?" Miranda's eyes widened in surprise at Belle's reaction.

"No. Who is Gabrielle Rolland? I don't know him."

"Geez. Gabrielle Rolland is the guy you bumped into at the club that night!"

-00-

Talia smiled broadly. Grasping her mother's hand tightly, she lined up with the other children for a crown-shaped balloon. Talia's glazed eyes twinkled with happiness. It was the first time she's attended a birthday party that was so lively. Lots of balloons, gifts, and piñatas on the ceiling of the hall. She also saw people aiming cameras at her friends and at her until she felt like she was being showered with very bright white lights.

"Hello sweetie, here's a crown balloon for you."

"Thank You."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the party."

Talia touched her head and smiled happily. The first time her head was wearing a crown instead of a bandage. Her mother then led her to a round table at the front of the hall, where the main character was busy receiving birthday wishes from everyone.

"You should wish Mrs. Rolland happy birthday."

"I know. It's a great birthday party. Oh, that's Doctor Belle!"

Talia exclaimed happily. She jumped up and down while waving her hands towards her favorite doctor. The IV tube stuck in her back swayed slowly as the girl was busy moving her hands to get Belle's attention.

"Doctor Belle, I've been looking for you."

"Hello honey. I'm late because I had a patient." Belle crouched in front of Talia and smiled gently. She was desperately hiding her anger at Miranda for dragging her to the party.

"Hello Talia, you are very beautiful with that crown."

"Thank you, Doctor Miranda. I also like this crown. We're going to wish Mrs. Rolland happy birthday."

Belle's eyes turned to the crowd of people who were surrounding the main star. Fleura Rolland's figure was barely visible in the crowd. Belle couldn't catch her face, and she didn't care.

"Want to come with us to meet Mrs. Rolland?"

"No, thank you. You guys go ahead. I will greet my other patients."

Miranda glanced at her sharply, but Belle ignored her and pretended to wave at Talia.

"We should have gone with them to meet Fleura."

"I told you I didn't want to come here, but you dragged me."

"You need to be reminded of that guy you ran into at the club."

"Yeah, I hate that guy. Just go there if you want to meet that actress. I'll go meet Timmy and his friends."

Belle sighed in relief seeing Miranda walking away from her. She was relieved that Miranda didn't force her. She was better left alone to enjoy the atmosphere of the birthday party. At least, she was happy that Fleura brought joy to her little patients. They happily enjoyed the clown and magic show in the middle of the room. Their laughter looked so pure. Their pale faces shone with joy.

"Hello, Timmy."

"Doctor Belle! I got a robot."

The little boy lifted his toy into the air. He was so skinny that his cheeks were very gaunt. He suffered from stage three bone cancer which resulted in his leg being amputated several months ago. But Belle was very touched by the joy and enthusiasm he showed everyone.

"Wow, what a cool robot. Did you have fun?"

"Yes. This party was really fun."

"And there's lots of delicious free food available."

Belle smiled in response to Mr. Brune, Timmy's father.

"Take as much food as you want, Mr. Brune. The host will not mind at all."

"Of course. I will not waste this rare opportunity," Mr. Brune blinked playfully, then pushed Timmy's wheelchair toward a long table filled with mouth-watering delicacies.

Belle was just about to stand up when a pair of shoes suddenly stopped in front of her.

"I thought you could never be gentle."

"I'm just not gentle with everyone."

Belle knew who the owner of that voice was. She didn't have to look up to meet Gabrielle's face, which in her mind must have been smiling wryly.

"I thought you would stand by your wife."

"I've been there for almost an hour. I'm bored. I want to go around to take a look."

"They must look ridiculous in your eyes."

Gabrielle frowned in confusion. He didn't understand what Belle was talking about.

"Sorry?"

"This party and all my patients you invited. You and your wife just want good publicity by taking advantage of their condition. You pretend to care about children with cancer and their families, but in fact you take advantage of them."

Leaning towards Gabrielle, Belle whispered sarcastically, "Just admit it, Mr. Rolland."

The blood in every part of Gabrielle's body boiled with anger. He completely disagreed with the accusation.

"You are very petty for accusing me like that. I do all this sincerely. Fleura might do it for fame, but I don't."

"Do you? You're an arrogant rich man, who even scolded me at the club just because I accidentally spilled punch on your shirt. Be honest with me."

"Watch your mouth, Belle. You don't know anything about me."

Belle was a little surprised to hear Gabrielle call her by name. It was the first time. They had barely even known each other and Belle had never planned to make Gabrielle her friend.

"Doctor Belle, can you help me open this candy?"

Before Belle could explode again, one of her little patients tugged at the hem of her lab coat. The little girl was Jolie. She was only four years old and was currently undergoing treatment for stage two blood cancer. Jolie's blonde hair fell out due to the drugs she consumed. However, the girl remained cheerful and tied her hair with a butterfly hairpin for Fleura's birthday party.

"Are you allowed to eat that candy?"

"Am I not allowed to eat this candy, Doctor Belle?"

Her eyes were very innocent. Belle could not resist stroking Jolie's slender cheeks in exasperation.

"You can eat that candy, baby. But remember, you can't eat too much."

"I understand. Please help me open it. I can't."

"Let me do it."

Belle was surprised to see Gabrielle suddenly squatted in front of Jolie and stroked Jolie's head gently. Gabrielle also shifted Jollie's lopsided hairpin. Gabrielle's every move made Belle freeze because Gabrielle looked so sincere when he did it.

"My mother said you are the kind-hearted host of this party?"

Gabrielle's eyebrows rose. He stared at Belle for a moment, but he immediately looked back at Jolie's innocent face.

"Well, I did have a party here. Are you happy?"

"Very happy. Thank you very much!"

Jolie hugged Gabrielle's neck tightly. Gabrielle then panicked when he felt Jolie's IV tube stuck in his shoulder. He immediately looked at Belle, asking her to help him reposition the IV tube because he was worried about Jolie.

"It's OK, she will be fine."

"There was blood in the IV line."

"It won't harm her."

Belle bent her back. Her long hair fell around her face like a soft silk curtain. Gabrielle barely blinked as he stared at Belle's face which was so close to him. Belle's eyes were clear green with beautiful brown spots around the edges. Belle had full pink lips and looked tasty to kiss. Gabrielle suddenly had dirty thoughts in his head about Belle. He focused on staring at Belle.

"Done," Belle looked up when she had finished removing the IV tube from his shoulder.

"Thanks," Gabrielle replied curtly. He then let go of Jolie's embrace and smiled gently at her.

"You can eat as much as you want. It's a very healthy candy. Made from fruits and vegetables."

"I am her doctor. You can't say that without consulting me."

Gabrielle stood up after giving Jolie candy. The look of admiration for Belle had disappeared from his eyes.

"Fleura and I had consulted the director of this hospital. Mr. Dorris gave me a long list of foods the children here could and could not eat. We obey whatever Mr. Dorris told us."

Belle looked away and said nothing. She was completely defeated, and she had better leave before Gabrielle embarrassed her any further.

"Sir, thanks for the candy and the party. I'm going back to my Mom. Bye, Doctor Belle."

"Bye, Jolie."

Belle's smile only widened as Jolie waved at her. Once Jolie joined the crowd of children, Belle's smile completely disappeared and was replaced with a sneer at Gabrielle.

"I must go home. Happy birthday to your wife."

Belle froze when Gabrielle suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her until her body was almost crashing into Gabrielle's chest.

"Why the rush? You don't want to taste the food?"

"I'm full, and I'm in a hurry."

"Or are you just making an excuse because you don't like this birthday party? Why do you hate my wife, Belle?"

"What? I don't hate your wife at all."

She tried to pull her hand out of Gabrielle's, but she failed.

"I know you don't like this party. When you came in with your friends earlier, you seemed restless, and always wanted to run away. You're being cynical about me too."

"I just didn't want to come here, but Miranda forced me. And my attitude towards you has nothing to do with your wife's birthday party. Now let go of your hand."

Gabrielle lowered his head, staring at the palms of his hands wrapped around Belle's wrists. Belle's skin was very smooth and white. He was surprised that a doctor had such delicate hands. He thought a doctor used his hands more to work. Even his wife had to spend thousands of dollars in beauty salons to keep her skin smooth. He believed that Belle rarely spent time in beauty salons because she was busy as a doctor.

"Gabe, is something wrong?"

Fleura looked at her husband and Belle alternately with confused looks. She had been looking for her husband and didn't expect that he was having a serious conversation with a beautiful young doctor.

"No. We're fine, honey. Just discussing our foods with the experts."

Gabrielle released his grip on Belle's wrist, and Belle quickly shifted her body away from Gabrielle. She clumsily forced herself to smile at Fleura who was looking at her from head to toe.

"Hello, I'm Belle Triston. The pediatrician at this hospital."

Fleura smiled gently and shook hands with Belle. Her suspicions were dispelled when Belle introduced herself politely. Fleura admired Belle as a dedicated pediatrician.

"I'm Fleura Rolland, I'm Gabrielle's wife. Nice to meet you, Doctor Belle."

"Me too. It is an honor for this hospital, especially for me, that you decided to hold a birthday party with my patients. It was a very noble decision."

"Ahh yes, we are happy to be able to share with the children here. And I hope there are no problems with the food we provide."

Fleura shuffled closer to Gabrielle, clinging to his arm. She deliberately showed her ownership of Gabrielle in front of Belle because many reporters' cameras started aiming at them.

"I guess it's fine as long as you follow Mr. Dorris's instructions. Mr. Rolland has told me that you guys choose the caterers strictly."

"That's right. I don't want to harm the children here. I want them to be happy on my birthday, right honey?"

When Fleura turned to Gabrielle and smiled softly at him, camera flashes appeared around them. Belle felt uncomfortable with the journalists' cameras around her, especially that she was caught in a fake drama played by Rollands. She seemed to be the third person between Gabrielle and his wife.

"That's right. I've already told Doctor Belle the reason we're having a birthday party here with her little patients." Gabrielle glared at Belle.

"Great. Please continue with the party. I have to go."

"Doc, you should taste some of our dishes. Please."

Belle winced a little when her wrist was touched by Fleura. She had more difficulty refusing Fleura's request than Gabrielle's.

"Sorry, but you really can't find any wine or champagne. We only provide healthy juices here."

"Oh, I don't mind juice."

"Great. Please enjoy the party with others. And if you're free tonight, come to Mirabela club. My friends had a birthday party for me there. Of course, there will be plenty of drinks for the adults there."

Gabrielle looked at her in surprise. It was the first time he saw Fleura inviting someone she had just met to an event that would be filled with her circle of friends.

"Honey, I think Doctor Belle will be very busy tonight. She won't come."

"Are you busy tonight, Doctor Belle?"

"No. I'm not busy. I will come."

Shit! Belle, why did you say that instead of turning it down?

Belle felt like slapping herself on the mouth for saying something that contradicted herself. She never intended to come to Fleura Rolland's birthday, which would be full of cheesy actresses. She didn't really like public figures who usually lied to much But Gabrielle's words fueled her emotions so much that she unknowingly accepted Fleura's spontaneous invitation.

"Good. I'm glad you're coming. You will be my special guest."

"Wow, thank you very much."

"Well, I appreciate you and your dedication as a doctor. You're so great, Doctor Belle. All the children here look up to you."

"It is my job to look after them until they recover. I like children."

"That's good. Nowadays there are not many women who think the same as you. Most women focus more on their careers than family and children."

Gabrielle frowned at his wife's words. That was actually the same as Fleura embarrassing herself. Fleura sometimes spoke spontaneously just to boost her popularity.

"Gabrielle also likes children. He wants to have children as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I can't give him children now."

"Darling, we shouldn't talk about this in front of a stranger."

"She's not a stranger, she's a doctor."

Brynlee grimaced, feeling uncomfortable with the situation between them.

"We might be able to consult you another time. Do you mind, Doctor Belle?"

"Oh, actually I don't mind at all. But that's outside my specialty. You guys could talk about the baby program with Miranda. She's an obstetrician."

"I think we really need to consult Doctor Miranda, Gabe. Maybe there will be a solution to our problem."

"Darling, we better not talk about it when there are so many reporters hanging around us."

"Oops, you're right. Forgive me. I'm sorry, Doctor Belle," Fleura quickly turned to Belle and rubbed her shoulder.

"I have to go home and do something. Thanks for the invitation."

"Don't forget to come. Tonight at nine."

"I will. See you."

Gabrielle stared at Belle's back as she slowly drifted toward the exit of the hall. He didn't understand why he suddenly had an interest in that fierce woman. Like there was something strange in Belle. Her gentle and loving personality towards children managed to pique his curiosity so that he wanted to get to know Belle better.

Belle hesitated to step inside, and she planned to return to her car, which was parked not far from where she was standing. But before her legs could move backwards, her annoying friend grabbed her arm and forced her into the noisy club.

"What are you doing? You wanted to run away once we got here, huh?"

"Miranda please, I think I've changed my mind."

"You are weird. You yourself asked me to come to Fleura's birthday party, but now you want to back out. You have to come in, Belle. Fleura must have been expecting you to come."

"I feel this is not my place. She will be surrounded by her actress friends."

"Exactly. This is a great opportunity for you to find a handsome man who is rich. If I didn't have Mark, I would date an actor."

Belle snorted in disgust looking at Miranda. She didn't expect her best friend to be so greedy.

"You're terrible, Miranda."

"Oh look, that's Simmon Hurtling. He won an Oscar for his film The Great Lover."

"Really? I don't care," Belle replied indifferently.

"I'm sure you've never seen any of his films."

"Oh my God, it's so crowded here. I want to go home. This is too much for my introverted soul."

Belle was a bit dizzy seeing the sea of people on the dance floor. The club was full tonight. And the stomping music around her exacerbated her emotional state, which was not okay.

"Fleura invited all the actors and singers to her birthday party. Look, there are top singers Shania Lewis, Taylor Swift, Adelle. Geez, I'd love to ask for their autograph," Miranda screamed excitedly over the sound of loud music that almost drowned out her voice.

"I want to hurry home. After we meet with Fleura, we will go home."

"Tsk, what's the rush? At least, have two shots of booze and hit the dance floor before you go home."

Belle ignored Miranda's whining and walked straight towards the stage. She saw Fleura standing on the stage in a long red off-shoulder dress that hugged her sexy body. Her long hair was tied in a vintage ponytail with a silver floral headband to complete her costume. Her appearance that night was hotter than the sweet image she showed at the hospital. Belle warned herself not to be surprised by Fleura's lifestyle because she was an actress.

"Happy birthday, Fleura."

"Belle! You come."

Fleura walked over to Belle and hugged her tightly like Belle was an old friend.

"Thank you for coming. I thought you wouldn't come because you were busy."

"I promised you. I brought a present, by the way."

Even though she didn't really like the party, Belle was still sane enough to bring a gift to Fleura's birthday party. But she wasn't sure Fleura would like her gift of cheap perfume.

"You don't need to bother. But I really appreciate it. Thank you very much."

Belle's gifts were stacked with other gifts on a large wooden table. Belle winced at how small her gift was compared to the other bigger gifts. The gifts were also wrapped in luxurious wrapping paper and ribbons that looked as if they were made from a single piece of silk.

"You're welcome, I hope you like it. By the way, I came with Doctor Miranda."

Miranda enthusiastically moved forward and gave Fleura a warm hug. She secretly coded Belle to take a picture of her when she was still hugging Fleura.

"Ah Miranda, can you let me go?"

"Oh wait a second," Miranda glared at Belle.

Belle just took a random photo of them, then shoved the cellphone into Miranda's hand.

"Please enjoy the party. You can order whatever you like. For tonight everything is free."

"Whoa that's great. We'll go to the bar counter to order drinks," Miranda clapped her hands excitedly and looked very happy.

Meanwhile, Belle just smiled a little in response to the generosity of the party owner. She wasn't really impressed. But she tried to appreciate Fleura.

"My darlin' Fleura."

Belle thought the man who had just come up and kissed Fleura on the cheek was Gabrielle, but it wasn't. The man had a handsome face with an alluring smile. He was definitely not as cynical as Gabrielle and gave her a gentle smile when he stood beside Fleura.

"Millo, thanks for coming."

"Did I interrupt you with your new friend?"

"Oh, they are wonderful doctors from the central hospital. This afternoon, I celebrated a birthday party with children with cancer there. They are the doctors who help cure those poor children."

"Yes, I read the news on the internet. Everyone is praising your kindness."

Fleura didn't really respond to the compliment. She introduced Belle and Miranda to Millo.

"Ladies, he is Millo Stuart, one of the actors I worked with on a film."

"Hi, I'm Miranda, and this is my friend, Belle."

Miranda was most enthusiastic about shaking Millo's hand. She grabbed it quickly and held Millo's hand for so long that Millo had to clear his throat to make Miranda let go of her grip.

"Hi Belle, nice to meet you."

"Hai."

Belle shook Millo's hand briefly, then quickly withdrew her palm.

"Guys, enjoy the party. I have to find my husband. He's a bit sulky tonight."

"Wow, hope you find your husband soon. Be careful Fleu, your husband is a hot guy. Lots of women want him."

"Tsk, don't scare me like that."

Fleura pretended to be angry and hit Millo on the arm. But then they both laughed loudly together.

Belle confirmed Millo's words in her heart. Fleura should have paid more attention to her husband and focused less on herself.

"Okay, I will go now. Enjoy the party you all. Bye."

Only the three of them remained after Fleura left. Belle repeatedly gave Miranda a code to immediately leave the stage because she was starting to feel uncomfortable with the gazes of the people around her. Miranda pretended to be deaf and was busy admiring Millo's handsome face.

"Would you like to go to the bar and order some drinks?"

"Yeah. It just so happened that Belle wanted to order a martini. She doesn't like being stuck in a noisy place."

"Is that true, Belle?" Millo's gaze softened and was spiced up with a sweet smile when he looked at Belle.

"I want to go to a quieter place," she replied flatly.

"Great. We can chat around the quieter bar table. Besides, I'm interested in your profession and I want to get to know you better."

Millo's gaze fell on Belle. He had been paying attention to that beautiful woman in a gold dress who was very quiet. Compared to her overly talkative friend, the golden-dressed woman was far more attractive.

He then moved aside, gesturing to Belle and Miranda to walk to the bar first.

"After you, ladies."