As soon as Jamison spoke, Professor Perin realized it was pointless to keep trying to persuade him.

A sudden hush fell over the private room.

Ivy sat quietly, keeping to herself. This wasn’t her place to speak. Jamison was handling things as the hospital’s representative, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to get involved.

Celeste, seeing that even her professor’s plea hadn’t helped, grew anxious and had no choice but to speak up herself. “Dr. Ludwig, I’m willing to apologize to both you and Miss Windsor for my actions, and I promise it won’t happen again. My only request is to stay at the hospital. I can apply for a transfer to another department.”

“An apology is the least you owe, but it’s not a bargaining chip,” Jamison replied coolly, giving her a glance that made his indifference clear.

“Dr. Ludwig, I’ve worked so hard for so many years to study medicine. Do I really have to lose everything over one mistake–” Her voice trembled, frustration and humiliation welling up until her eyes brimmed with tears.

Naylor noticed and slid a box of tissues across the table.

“Thank you…” Celeste took a tissue, covering her face for a moment to compose herself. When she looked up again, her voice was steadier. “I haven’t finished my PhD yet, and working with Ms. Penn is convenient for my research. Even if I have to leave, can’t I at least stay until I graduate?”

“No. With your research focus, finishing your doctorate will take at least five or six years–maybe even seven or eight.”

Jamison’s eyes were sharp; he’d clearly seen through her stalling tactic.

A medical PhD could easily stretch to ten years if the research subject was complicated. Did she really think he wouldn’t notice her angling for a delay?

As Celeste kept retreating and Jamison refused to give an inch, the Penns’ faces grew more and more awkward.

Thankfully, just then a server knocked and entered with the first course.

Naylor broke the tension for the third time. “It’s well past lunchtime. Everyone must be starving. Let’s eat.”

Dr. Wilson, always the academic and not a man of many words, had been at a loss during the awkward standoff. Now he quickly echoed his son, “Yes, yes, let’s eat. Jamison, see what Ivy likes and make sure she gets plenty. Ms. Penn mentioned she’s a bit frail and–”

Before he could finish, his wife reached over and gave his hand a sharp swat, nearly knocking the fork out of his grip.

Dr. Wilson blinked in confusion, looking at his wife with innocent surprise. “Why’d you hit me?”

“Oh, honestly! You’re hopeless! Always saying the wrong thing!” Ms. Penn hissed in a low voice, scowling at him.

It took Dr. Wilson a second to realize his slip-up.

He’d only wanted to show his concern for the younger generation, urging Ivy to eat more and take care of herself. But in doing so, he’d brought up Ivy’s health–her illness–the very issue that had sparked all the trouble between Celeste and the Jamison couple. Mentioning it in front of everyone was bound to be embarrassing, especially for Celeste.

Looking chagrined, Dr. Wilson quickly corrected himself, “Anyway, eat up, everyone. Ivy, make sure you eat plenty.”

Ivy watched the two elderly professors and wasn’t the least bit bothered by his earlier words. If anything, she found Dr. Wilson rather endearing.

It was clear the two had a deep, lifelong bond. Even after decades together, they could still look at each other with warmth and affection. If that wasn’t true love, what was?

She couldn’t help but long for a love like theirs.

But what she couldn’t understand was: if Naylor’s parents were so in love and had such a happy family, why did Naylor treat relationships so lightly? Why was he content to date but never think about marriage?