The Royal Mark-Chapter 400: If Given a Chance

"I’m sorry, but I cannot take you to dinner. I could order delivery for breakfast or lunch if you want," Elsa quickly countered without sounding unwilling.

"It’s not just the food Dr. Morgan. I also wanted your company. Come on, I’m a new guy in town and I don’t have friends here yet except for the CEO who usually goes off the grid after working hours so I am left all alone.

Besides, I spent two hours with your kids last time. I’ve kept them company, happy, and fed. A cup of coffee or a food delivery isn’t enough. I think it would only be fair if you also spent the same amount of time with me at dinner.

You don’t have to pay for it, my treat. All you have to do is choose the location since I don’t know any good restaurants here. All I have done since I got here was mostly work here till late at night and then go back to the hotel. I haven’t moved to my new house because of all the ruckus the seller and my housemate had made."

"I’m sorry, it’s not that I don’t want to dine with you, but I have kids and I have to go home to them early. They’re still so young and need me. Maybe next time, alright?" Elsa reasoned out.

"That’s actually perfect. They were asking for me, right? How about we take them with us?" Chris asserted.

"Rocco’s school will start next week so he has tutorial classes this week. He is already tired when we get off work and I don’t want you to deal with a grumpy kid."

Chris’ heart sank, he really wanted to be with them tonight but he didn’t want to push Elsa further or she might start running away from him.

Elsa saw the sudden change in Chris’ expression and aura. ’Is he sad? Wow, this is unbelievable, he just looked like I broke his heart over a simple dinner!’

"Okay..." Chris tersely replied with a sorrowful face almost pouting as he went back to his seat and continued with his coffee.

’Damnit! Why do I feel guilty?!’ Elsa also felt heavy in her heart seeing how her answer made Chris sad, so she made a bold move just to please her boss, as she kept telling herself. It was only to please him to leave a good impression...

"But, if it’s ok with you, maybe you could join us for dinner? I mean, I know how it feels to be alone in a new city with no family or friends. So if you are ok with eating home-cooked meals then I am inviting you to my place tonight," Elsa bravely asked.

"You are inviting me to your home?" Chris confirmed.

"Y-Yes, but I know it’s too sudden. But it’s my only option at the moment. I am really sorry. If you want I could pay you back on the weekend," Elsa said.

"No, no, no. It’s definitely alright. I will accept your invitation tonight. I was just surprised that you invited me to your house but I’m fine with that."

"Well, you’re the owner of this hospital and my boss so I don’t think you will do something bad right? Because if you are planning on something then I take it back," Elsa joked.

Chris chuckled and was trying hard to keep his excitement to himself. ’Damn! I will now know where they live. This is much better than what I plan.’

"Now that I don’t have something to eat for breakfast, shall we go to the cafeteria and have breakfast there instead? My treat," Chris asked.

Elsa thought of what Jai had said about gaining favors. At the same time, she also doesn’t want to eat the remaining cheesecake herself and can’t let him have it since she would need to eat or else she would be grumpy all day.

"I think it would be better if we eat outside. I don’t want people to talk about us. I will just change in my office and let’s meet outside?"

"Alright, I will wait for you then."

Elsa left leaving everything except for her bag. She was so nervous that she wanted to get out there as fast as she could.

When she entered her office she dropped her bag on her desk and cursed loudly to release the tension that she was feeling, not realizing that she was not alone.

"Did the Chairman piss you off?"

"Jeez! Jai, you startled me. What are you doing here?"

"I saw your driver in the hallway carrying your stuff. Your office was locked so I unlocked it for him and decided to wait for you. It’s still early anyway."

"Oh, thank you. I forgot about my driver, I didn’t think it would take time for me to return here. I’m sorry but I have to kick you out, I need to change my clothes."

Jai looked at her and saw the purple stain on her pants. "What happened?"

"The cake fell on my lap, it was a disaster. Good thing I have my scrubs here."

"Alright, I’ll let you change. I need to introduce you to everyone before lunch meet me in my office later and let’s go to the lounge together later," Jai said before leaving.

Elsa quickly locked the door and changed hurriedly before meeting Chris outside. She saw him standing under a tree staring at the entrance, waiting for her.

"All set?" Chris asked when she approached him.

"Yeah, let’s go to the cafe where I bought that cheesecake since you said you like it. Plus it’s near. I have to get back to my office so I can settle in before the department meeting later."

"Already? We just got outside and you are thinking of getting back in."

Elsa smiled, "What can I do, the department head already reminded me of the meeting. I need to meet everyone that I will be working with."

"I see. You must really enjoy working as a doctor," Chris uttered as they started walking towards the cafe.

"Yeah, sort of. I just like helping people that’s why I became a doctor. But now that I have kids, it somehow changed. I still want to help people don’t get me wrong but now, I am prioritizing my children.

That’s why when Dr. Chaudhary offered me this job together, I instantly agreed before the terms and conditions of the hospital fit my situation. I will work in fixed office hours so I can have some time to take care of my kids since I’m a single mom I am also their father ."

Chris couldn’t help but get hurt. It was neither their fault that they were in that situation but hearing it straight from Elsa was not a good feeling. It pains him that she has do to everything by herself especially now that she’s in the city, away from her father.

"You know, you don’t have to be a single mom forever," he said.

"I know, but I chose to be. Besides, who would want to date a single mom like me with three kids, right? Any man would run away the moment they find that out about me."

"I would... I won’t run away... I will surely date you if given a chance..."