Not Your Doormat Anymore

"Mhm... Dr. Ranford, how did you know that?"

Right after asking, Kourtney remembered I even knew where her hometown was, so this was not all that surprising.

"When we get back, I'll introduce you to a company. You can start working right away-no need to go through interviews."

Her eyes lit up with surprise. "Really? I can?"

"But just so we're clear, you'll start as an intern. The base salary is 4500 dollars a month, and after probation, it increases to 5000 dollars. Bonuses and performance pay come after."

"Thank you, Dr. Ranford!"

Once I got everything lined up for Kourtney, I realized she did not have a place to stay. So, I cleared out a spare room in my apartment and let her move in-for

now.

"How much is the rent here?" she asked hesitantly.

"You can cover it by helping out around the house-cleaning, cooking, things like that."

"But..."

"A full-time housekeeper would cost me at least ten, 20 grand. You helping out saves me the trouble."

In truth, I was rarely home. With hospital shifts running long and on-call duties popping up anytime, the apartment was just a place to crash. I only said that to put her mind at ease.noveldrama

She agreed quickly and promised to do her best so that I would not have to worry. Looking at the bright, genuine smile on her face, I felt something in my chest loosen.

Maybe this time, she would not walk the same path she had in her past life. With that thought, I stopped by home and spoke with my family.

"She's a patient of mine," I explained. "She just had surgery. Her parents died in a car accident, and she's been on her own ever since. So right now, I'm helping her get on her feet.

"Let her intern at the company. You don't need to treat her any differently— whether she gets a full-time offer depends on her own abilities."

I handed Mom Kourtney's résumé. She glanced at it, and then her face lit up. "She's adorable. How about you take a manager position, and she becomes your assistant? That way, you can keep a close eye on

her."

"Mom. I told you I want to be a doctor. Just let her intern at the company. That's all."

Mom gave me a look, muttering, "You've been a doctor all these years, and I've never seen you care this much about any patient. Of course I'm going to look after her."

"There's no need," I said. "She's hardworking and capable. If you coddle her, it'll just make her uncomfortable."

"I get it! Your little secret is safe with

me!" Mom patted her chest like she had just sworn an oath, clearly misunderstanding the whole. situation and assuming something was going on between us,

Seeing her beaming like that, I decided not to argue. This was not the first time Mom jumped to conclusions.

As long as Kourtney could get the job, that was all that mattered.

Soon, she settled into her role at the company, and I went back to juggling life between the hospital and my apartment.

One day, just as I was finishing a long shift, my phone rang. It was Kourtney.

"Um, Dr. Ranford? Are you coming home tonight?" she asked hesitantly.

That was when I realized that it had been a while since I last stayed at the apartment.

"Yeah. I'll be back soon."

Her tone instantly brightened. "Okay! I'll have dinner ready when you get here!"

It was the weekend, I remembered her day off. I did not say much else and hung

up. But when I stepped through the door, I froze for a moment.

Did I enter the wrong unit? I glanced at the door number again and confirmed that this was definitely my place. But the moment I walked inside was stunned by th of it all. The cozy touches, the soft lighting, and Kourtney bustling

around the kitchen...

It all hit me. This place used to feel cold and empty—just a pit stop between shifts.

But now, for the first time, it actually felt like home.