Ariana exclaimed in surprise, “How on earth are there cards in the ward?”
“Let’s just say this place is more than meets the eye,” Holden said with a wink.
Mercy Hospital’s superior ward was practically a five-star hotel suite, complete with all the amenities one could imagine.
“Really?” Ariana echoed, a skeptical eyebrow raised. This was her first time in the hospital’s superior ward. As far as she knew, the main differences from a standard room were size and a private
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bathroom. She had never bothered exploring the drawers, though.
A playful glint flickered in Holden’s eyes as Ariana asked, “Any chance there’s some wine in there, too?”
She didn’t believe wine would be found in a hospital ward. Such a notion seemed absurd.
To her astonishment, Holden reached for a cabinet before turning around. He had a bottle of wine and another of juice.
Speechless, Ariana took the wine and examined it closely.
It was undeniably real, a vintage bottle with a hefty price tag.
Ariana stared at the wine in her hand. Who on earth would stock a hospital room with alcohol? Weren’t they worried about patients sneaking sips?
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But the wine was there, tempting her. A few glasses wouldn’t hurt, especially with a game to liven things up.
Ariana wasted no time pulling up a chair. She and Holden settled around Mitchel’s bed, their makeshift game table. Mitchel, confined to his patient status, could only sip on juice.
Ariana’s spirits were high as she believed her gaming skills would surely prevail. Little had she expected that both Holden and Mitchel were cunning strategists with hidden agendas.
Round after round, Ariana found herself on the losing end. No matter how hard she strategized, victory remained elusive.
Frustration etched itself onto Ariana’s face as she glared at the cards, her grip tightening as if strategizing her comeback.
But with every move Holden and Mitchel made, her hopes dwindled.
Another note landed on Ariana’s forehead courtesy of a grinning Holden. Ariana glared at Mitchel’s and Holden’s note-free faces.
“One more round!” Ariana declared, her competitive spirit refusing to yield.
Holden chuckled. “Alright, alright, no need to push your luck. We can call it a night.”
“Absolutely not! Keep playing! No quitting allowed! And you can’t just let me win!” Ariana countered, her voice rising.
Holden noted her reddened face and the empty wine glass by her side.
It was clear she was drunk now.
So, Holden said goodbye to Mitchel and escorted Ariana upstairs, ushering her towards much-needed rest.
Ariana shouted while still struggling. “One more time!”