You Had Me, You Lost Me, You'll Never Find Me novel Chapter 21

Sylvia Harlow booked her appointment with Dr. Julian Sterling.

At the time, Julian had just stepped out of surgery. His pristine white coat accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, while his handsome, gentle features carried a hint of professional detachment. Gold-rimmed glasses rested on his nose, casting faint shadows over his eyes.

Perhaps it was simply the nature of his profession.

Julian carried an aura of calm stability, a man accustomed to life and death, entirely unbothered by the trivialities of the world.

Seeing Sylvia, he gave a slight nod, unsurprised. His gaze only paused when it landed on Ashton Wyatt beside her.

Sylvia had texted him that morning to confirm his availability, so it wasn't strange that she arrived right on time.

He just hadn't expected the extra company.

Ashton stood tall and imposing. He narrowed his eyes slightly, an arrogant, predatory gleam in his gaze that radiated an effortless sense of superiority. A dark jade pendant hung around his neck, looking incredibly expensive at a mere glance.

Julian studied Ashton, and Ashton scrutinized Julian right back.

Glancing at the name badge pinned to the doctor's chest, Ashton noted the last name "Sterling."

Ashton scoffed internally, though his face remained perfectly composed.

"Dr. Sterling? I'm Ashton Wyatt. This is my girlfriend. Thanks for taking care of her."

He deliberately emphasized "my girlfriend," as if staking a territorial claim.

Julian lowered his eyes to glance at Sylvia before shifting his attention back to Ashton. "It's my job."

Not waiting for him to ask, Sylvia smoothly intervened. "I'm here to have the wound on my leg checked. We scheduled it last night."

Julian's gaze faltered for a fraction of a second before he nodded. "Right. It wouldn't be good for a young woman to be left with a scar."

Both of them wordlessly agreed to gloss over the fact that a leg wound had never been mentioned the previous night.

"That won't be necessary," Ashton interrupted, his voice dropping into a deep, commanding register as he raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Sterling is clearly a busy man. We shouldn't burden you with this consultation. I have friends at this hospital who can handle it."

Julian looked at him calmly. "Does Mr. Wyatt not trust my medical expertise?"

"Not at all," Ashton replied, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I just figured Dr. Sterling is in high demand, and I'd hate to impose."

Sylvia hadn't wanted Ashton to tag along in the first place, and his overbearing attitude only irritated her further.

"I already made an appointment with Dr. Sterling. I'm not switching."

She looked earnestly at Julian. "Dr. Sterling, don't listen to him. He doesn't make my decisions."

"If you're not feeling well, then rest. Don't push yourself."

Ashton's voice softened, instinctively slipping into a coaxing tone.

He spoke casually, yet his hand kept a tight, unyielding grip on Sylvia's.

On the other end of the line, Reina continued in a low, dejected voice, "Ashton, can you come see me? It's my first day on set, and without you here, I feel a little panicked."

"It's fine. Tell me who's bullying you, and I'll handle it for you."

Ashton's voice was low and a little lazy. He tilted his head slightly, the movement highlighting his sharp, handsome jawline.

Sylvia felt a lump form in her throat, yet she also felt a bitter urge to laugh.

This moment was the absolute embodiment of having his cake and eating it too. She yanked hard, trying to free her hand, only to feel his grip tighten like a vice.

Ashton turned his head and shot her a warning look, silently telling her not to cause a scene.

"Can you pick me up today, then? I didn't sleep well last night... I dreamt of my sister again..."

Oblivious to the silent tug-of-war happening on the other end, Reina kept talking, her voice growing faint, as if she were terrified Ashton might refuse.