“I’m not exaggerating. You’re beautiful, you just don’t realize it yourself–which is probably why you can’t imagine how much you amaze everyone else.”

There was something about the way girls complimented each other–it always sounded so genuine. Ivy couldn’t help laughing, delighted by the praise.

The two of them hit the mall and shopped with abandon. Watching Sophia’s effortless spending and sharp eye for style, Ivy guessed her friend must come from a pretty well-off family, too.

Maybe running a coffee shop was just a hobby for her.

They finally plopped down on a bench, worn out, when Sophia’s phone rang.

“Ivy, guess who’s calling?” Sophia pulled out her phone, putting on a mysterious air.

Ivy’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is it?”

It couldn’t possibly be Jamison.

“It’s Dale,” Sophia replied, muttering, “Wasn’t he working overtime this morning…?”

She answered the call as she spoke.

“Hey. Yeah… No, I’m not at the hotel–I’m out shopping with Ivy at Harbor City Mall. You want to join us? Sure! If someone’s treating, I’m all for it. See you soon, then…”

After hanging up, Sophia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, grinning. “Dale Sullivan says he’s finally done with work and wants to take us out for a meal.”

Ivy remembered her little joke with Jamison that morning and, trying to sound casual, asked, “What made him call you out of the blue?”

“Oh, he said he sent a message to the group chat. Jay’s already on his way to the airport, and Coach Murphy’s got a flight at three this afternoon. He saw I hadn’t replied and decided to call instead.”

Sure enough, when Ivy checked WhatsApp, she saw Dale’s message in the group.

Jay had already texted that he’d arrived at the airport. Both Ivy and Sophia quickly sent their goodbyes: “Safe travels–let’s get together again soon.”

Turns out, she’d overthought things.

It was close to one when Dale Sullivan finally showed up at the mall.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. The office is a bit of a trek from here,” Dale said. He was average height, average looks, but he radiated humility and good manners. He left a solid first impression.

Sophia waved off his apology. “Forget it. Let’s head upstairs and find someplace to eat before we pass out from hunger.”

They took the elevator to the top floor, where all the restaurants were.

“Order whatever you like. Lunch is on me–no need to save me money,” Dale declared grandly.

Sophia didn’t stand on ceremony. “How about Japanese?”

Dale looked at Ivy, who nodded. “Sure.”

Truth be told, Ivy wasn’t exactly a fan of Japanese food, but she didn’t mind it either.

Both she and Dale were locals, so it was only right to let their out-of-town guest pick.

So the three of them headed into a Japanese place.

Just after they’d ordered, Ivy’s phone rang–Jamison.

She didn’t bother to step away, just answered right there at the table.

“Still out shopping?” Jamison had seen the group chat updates, and knew his wife was out with Bob and the others.

“Yeah, we just sat down for lunch. Dale Sullivan’s here too. Want to join us?” Ivy asked offhandedly.

“I wish. I’ve got a surgery coming up. Just calling to let you know I’ll be working late. You can either wait for me at home or head to your parents‘ place first.”

“I’ll wait for you at home.”

“Alright. I’ll let you eat. Talk later.”

Jamison was always busy–when he said he had to go, he meant it.

As Ivy set down her phone, Dale instantly asked, “Is Dr. Ludwig coming to join us?”

“No, he’s got surgery.”

Sophia’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “After you told me about Dr. Ludwig last night, I looked him up online. He’s incredible! So young, already a professor and expert in his field–and coming from such a privileged family, yet still working so hard. That’s real greatness!”

Ivy smiled, a little embarrassed. “Yeah, he’s always had this quiet sense of purpose. He didn’t want to lean on his family’s reputation, so he worked his way up in medicine on his own.”

Dale nodded in agreement. “That’s the kind of person society needs–someone who’s wealthy enough not to worry about making ends meet, who can take his time with research and really focus on tackling tough cases. And because he’s financially secure, he wouldn’t compromise his ethics for money, so he can treat his patients with complete fairness.”

Sophia turned to Dale. “Didn’t you say last night he helped your niece get her medical bills reduced?”

“He did. Dr. Ludwig started a foundation that helps seriously ill patients from struggling families. When my niece was in that car accident, the medical bills were astronomical. My sister-in-law was hurt, too, and the expenses were just overwhelming. Dr. Ludwig helped us apply for aid, and the foundation covered the biggest surgery. Our whole family is grateful to him. Without his help, we might have lost my niece–and my brother’s family would’ve been devastated.”

Ivy listened quietly, her husband’s handsome, reserved face flickering through her mind.

She recalled when she’d first met him–she’d thought he was a mediocre doctor, and her impression of him couldn’t have been worse.

If only she could go back in time and give herself a reality check. She’d really been blind.

Sophia turned to her. “Ivy, was it his compassion and character that made you fall for Dr. Ludwig?”

Ivy gave a sheepish smile. She wanted to deny it, but saying bad things about her husband behind his back didn’t feel right. So she just nodded. “Yeah. I first ran into him at the hospital. He was in the middle of saving someone’s life–it was just like those videos you see online. Calm under pressure, decisive, completely in control. I was honestly blown away.”