As she opened the door to walk out, Dr. Nelson's staff manager, Stella came inside. She wanted to show him a couple of files and take his opinion regarding the supply bills. She was one of Dr. Nelson's childhood friends and business partner.

The moment she walked in, she saw Akira in front of her, who was about to walk out of the door.

Seeing her she froze then and there, in an instant.

Unable to believe what she was seeing, she looked at Dr. Nelson who shook his head asking her not to utter a single word.

"Sorry, I was just getting the door."

"It's ok."

Saying that Akira left that room.

After she left, Stella rushed inside and sat on a chair and looking at Dr. Nelson she asked,

"Who is she Jaby? And why does she look like Alita? For a moment I thought..."

"You thought she was her?"

Stella looked at him and nodded her head.

"Imagine my level of shock when I saw her. But that's not her. She is so not her."

Dr. Nelson said and retired back to his chair.

"Are you saying that for real? Because to me, it looks like you are making yourself understand that she is not her."

"What's the difference?"

"The difference Jaby is that your ears are burning red. Maybe I will come some other time when you sort yourself better."

Saying that Stella left the room.

Dr. Nelson closed his eyes and leaned back on his chair.

In came the flooding memories of Alita. The way she used to bake a cake for him, the way she used to beg him to return early from the hospital, the way she used to give him hand-made cards and wish coupons.

Those fleeting memories were all vivid like it was happening just in front of his eyes. But before he could delve in, his desk phone rang.

"Sir the next patient is ready."

"Send in."

---

Even though she had a jampacked patient schedule, she canceled all her appointments after 5 pm that day. Being a doctor she always had spare clothes in her office, so she changed herself into a nice Prussian blue sheath dress. She did her hair and redid her makeup. After applying a generous amount of fragrance, she looked again at herself in the mirror and smiled.

She was ready, ready to swoon the man, upon whom she had a big-time crush.

It was already five forty and she was turning all anxious and kept checking her phone.

As a gift for the birthday boy, she had ordered a bottle of Ace of Spades Champagne which was waiting on her desk, all packed up nicely.

Sharp at five-fifty, he called.

"Hello."

"Hey there. Hope I didn't keep you waiting for long."

"Not at all. I just finished my last patient."

"Oh great then. I am waiting downstairs. Silver Range Rover, plate ending with 81."

"Will be down in two minutes."

"Take your time Dr. Oshana. I can wait."

Butterflies ran inside her stomach, unable to handle his sweetness. He was the absolute epitome of male chivalry.

She took a deep breath again and then picked up her bag and his gift and went downstairs.

As she got inside the car, she immediately extended her hand to wish him a happy birthday.

Dr. Nelson smiled and asked,

"Shall we start?"

"Yeah."

Hearing that he started his car for the bar - Highway Blues.

Seeing the ribboned gift in her hand, Dr. Nelson asked,

"I am assuming that one is for me."

"Yes, it is."

She said and smiled.

"Well, there was no need for it. I already told you that I just needed your company. I guess I shouldn't have told you about my birthday."

"Oh come on, it's not much. It's just a champagne bottle."

"Dr. Oshana, we haven't even become friends yet and you are already giving me an expensive gift. I don't think that's fair."

"Well then invite me to drink the champagne with you, whenever you open the bottle."

Dr. Nelson looked at her and smiled.

He had always respected her as a hardworking doctor, a beginner whom he expected to grow and rise in his domain. But little did he know how sly and cunning she was with her words, her demeanor, and her actions.

"What are you smiling for?"

"Nothing, just glad that I got your company. My mundane life feels much better now."

She smiled as she heard his words.

"By the way, you are looking quite nice today," he said even though his insides curled against him.

She instantly blushed and said,

"But you always look dapper, Dr. Nelson."

Seeing that she was clearly falling into his trap, Dr. Nelson said,

"I was thinking, maybe after we are done at the bar, can I invite you to have champagne with me at my place?"