Chapter 760

After more than twenty minutes of bustling around the kitchen, she finally finished a bowl of tomato and egg noodles.

The vibrant red of the tomatoes, the golden yellow of the eggs, the bright green of the spinach, and the snowy white noodles—it all looked surprisingly appetizing.

For a moment, Ivy actually felt a surge of confidence in her cooking.

But that confidence didn’t last long before reality hit her again.

It was already ten o’clock, and Jamison still hadn’t come home.

Without hesitating any longer, she quickly packed up the noodles, grabbed the birthday gift she’d prepared a few days earlier from her bedroom, threw on her heavy coat, and hurried out the door.

She drove to the hospital and arrived at 10:15.

Seeing that there were still no replies to her WhatsApp messages, she knew Jamison must be caught up at work, so she headed straight to his department to wait for him.

After all, he’d have to come back to his office to change after surgery; this way, there was no chance she’d miss him.

The on-duty doctor spotted her and looked surprised.

“Mrs. Ludwig! What brings you here on such a chilly night?”

Ivy gave a sheepish smile. “Dr. Ludwig’s been so busy lately, barely coming home at all. I just wanted to check in on him.”

The doctor noticed the items in her hands and immediately understood, grinning with envy. “You brought him a late-night snack, didn’t you? That’s so thoughtful—he’s been working himself to the bone.”

Another colleague chimed in, “Today’s Professor Ludwig’s birthday, too. He was hoping to get off early, but then there was another emergency…”

Ivy nodded with a smile. “Yes, it is his birthday, so why don’t you all tell me how many of you are on duty tonight? I’ll treat everyone on behalf of Dr. Ludwig—just tell me what you want for a late-night snack.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

The department quickly came alive with chatter as Ivy took a headcount and asked everyone what they’d like, placing the orders one by one.

Half an hour later, as the food and drinks arrived, her phone finally rang—it was Jamison.

Ivy answered quickly. “Hello?”

“You’re still up? It’s already eleven.” Jamison’s voice was tired, but still warm and gentle.

“Nope, I’m waiting for you.” Ivy kept her tone playful, not mentioning she was sitting right at his desk.

Exhausted from hours of surgery, Dr. Ludwig managed a small laugh.

“Alright, I’m heading back to my office to change and get my car keys. I’ll be home soon.”

There was no traffic at this hour; he’d be home in just a few minutes.

“Take your time.”

Ivy hung up and glanced at the birthday noodles that had been sitting for over an hour. Panic started to set in…

After all this time, the noodles were probably a soggy mess.

If she opened the box in front of all his colleagues and it was inedible…what a disaster that would be!

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. But there was no time to throw it away now, so she quickly wrapped her scarf around the insulated bag to hide it.

Jamison soon returned.

As soon as he stepped into the bustling office, everyone called out in unison, “Happy birthday, Professor Ludwig!”

Jamison was caught off guard, his handsome face momentarily blank with surprise.

But then he spotted Ivy standing up from behind his desk, and that stunned look melted into one of pure joy.

“Ivy? What are you doing here?” he exclaimed, striding over to her in three long steps, closing the distance in an instant.

Ivy smiled softly. “I came to pick you up from work.”

A colleague piped up, “Mrs. Ludwig brought you a late-night snack—she couldn’t stand the thought of you working overtime on your birthday!”

…Well, that’s it, Ivy thought in dismay.

Of all the things she’d prepared for, she hadn’t accounted for his coworkers being so chatty.

“A late-night snack? What is it? Did you make it yourself?” Jamison looked at her in surprise, remembering how she’d asked earlier if he’d be home for dinner. He realized she must have cooked something himself.

Ivy was mortified and quickly tried to change the subject. “Go get changed—you can see when we get home.”

“Alright.”

Jamison’s exhaustion vanished, replaced by an unmistakable gleam of happiness, and he disappeared into the changing room.

By the time he returned, Ivy was already waiting for him in the hallway, her arms full.

After saying goodbye to the staff, the two of them left together.

In the elevator, Jamison turned to her, the delight still shining in his eyes. “What made you come to the hospital? It’s so cold out, and it’s late.”

“I drove, didn’t I? It’s not like I was walking—I’m not going to freeze.”

He noticed she was carrying something, hidden under her scarf. His curiosity piqued, he gently pulled the scarf aside. “What’s so mysterious under there? Did you bring me something tasty?”

Ivy felt her cheeks flush as her mind went blank. She shifted to block his view, letting the scarf fall back over the bag. “It’s been sitting too long—it’s probably cold and mushy by now. Just forget about it.”

“No way. You went through all that trouble; the least I can do is have a taste.”

“Really, it’s fine,”

As they stepped out of the elevator, Ivy quickly changed the subject. “Why don’t I drive? You’ve been operating for hours, you must be exhausted.”

Worried he might protest, she added, “You’re the birthday boy—consider it a special treat.”

Jamison was definitely tired, but her offer made him smile. “Alright, I’ll enjoy having my wife as my personal chauffeur.”

Remembering the surprise he’d stashed in his trunk, Jamison suggested, “Let’s take my car tonight. Leave yours here.”

“Sure.” Ivy didn’t think much of it and nodded in agreement.

When they reached the car, Ivy deliberately placed the bag in the back seat, but Jamison, after settling in the passenger seat, immediately twisted around to check it out.

“Let’s see what you made—I’m starving.” With his long arms, he easily reached over and grabbed the bag.