Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Chris saw Sylvia, he looked a little guilty. He opened his mouth, but couldn't quite find the words.

Trying to break the tension, Sylvia jumped in first. "Dr. Chris, I twisted my ankle. Could you take a look and see if there's any way to get the swelling down fast? I have a really important press conference tomorrow."

Chris's eyes lit up when he realized she still trusted him. He nodded with a determined grin. "Don't worry, I've got you covered."

As he examined her ankle, Chris started rambling off a bunch of advice, practically lecturing her.

Finally, he looked at Sylvia with an awkward expression. "Sylvia, I'm really sorry."

Sylvia gave him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, so stop beating yourself up about it."

Relieved by her answer, Chris got back to work, packing her ankle with an ice pack and then carefully applying some pain relief cream.

While Orson went to fetch the prescription, Chris made tea for Rupert and Sylvia -proper English breakfast tea this time.

Chris seemed back to his usual self, pouring tea and glancing at Rupert. "So, Rupert, how's your sleep these days? Still dreaming about that little girl?"

Sylvia's hand froze halfway to her lips. "What little girl?"

Chris realized too late that Rupert hadn't told Sylvia about the dreams. He shot Rupert a worried look.

Rupert just sipped his tea calmly, not objecting, so Chris figured it was fine to go

on.

He chuckled lightly. "You've been in so many accidents lately, Rupert keeps dreaming about a little girl-says he has to save you, and she gives him all these clues. The weirdest part? The kid looks just like a mix of you two."

There was a sharp clatter as Sylvia's teacup tipped over, spilling tea everywhere. Stella! The thought of her daughter made her chest ache.

Noticing the curious gazes on her, she hurried to mop up the mess. "Sorry, just slipped."

"Aren't you the least bit weirded out?" Rupert asked, sounding casual but cutting straight to the point.

Sylvia kept her head down as she wiped the table, mind racing.

"I get it!" she said suddenly, looking up. "My grandma used to say those are just prophetic dreams. It's just your mind piecing together stuff you already know but didn't notice. Happens when you overthink things."

Her heart was pounding. She always felt like Rupert could see right through her, but who would believe her if she told them she'd lived this all before?

"That can't be... I..." She almost blurted out that she'd dreamed of the little girl too.

"Dreams don't mean anything," Chris started, but Rupert cut him off with a cold tone.

The two men exchanged a glance, then Chris nodded in agreement.

Sylvia breathed a silent sigh of relief and turned to Chris. "Dr. Chris, what were you about to say?"

"Oh, I was just saying I've had those kinds of dreams too." Chris quickly shifted the topic, half-joking. "Mr. Rupert, you're dreaming about your future kid-and even decided it's a girl. Maybe you're thinking about this a bit too much, huh?”

Sylvia nearly spit out her tea.

She felt Rupert's gaze, dark and searching, like he could see right through her.

After a moment, Rupert put his cup down, saying mildly, "A daughter sounds wonderful."

Chris topped off his tea. "You need

to drink more tea and daydreamet

less. Of, you know, get to

work

ve

Maybe you'll have that

r by the end of the year."

Sylvia quickly interrupted, "Dr. Chris, today's literally New Year's Eve. Who could have a baby overnight?"

Chris smirked. "So you're arguing the timing, not the possibility of having a baby?"

Rupert nodded solemnly, playing along.noveldrama

Sylvia finally realized she'd been set up by the two of them.

Just then, Orson came back with the cream.

Chris applied it to her ankle and stood up. “I'm going to check on the other

patients. You two take your time and enjoy the tea."

With Chris gone, the office suddenly felt much quieter.

Sylvia squirmed in her seat, a little embarrassed, and realized her stomach was acting up too-maybe

it was just nerves, or maybe

she

really needed to find the restroom.