Chapter 9 Connections
Albert's narrow eyes locked onto Yvette, who lay before him, shy and delicate. Her bashful demeanor stirred something deep within him, making his heart race.
He ran a large hand through Yvette's hair, his fingers tangling in her locks as he pulled her closer. His kisses rained down on her, fervent and unrelenting, stealing the very breath from her lungs.
His lips trailed down her neck, pausing at her collarbone as if savoring the softness of her skin, before moving slowly to her chest.
Yvette, overwhelmed by his passionate assault, felt her strength ebb away. She clung to Albert like a helpless koala, her body limp and pliant.
Albert's arm slid under her waist, lifting her effortlessly. With a swift kick, he nudged open the bedroom door.
Their baby had struck a chord with Albert. Now, as Yvette's lawful husband, his movements became noticeably gentler during their intimate moments.
In the throes of their lovemaking, Yvette found herself experiencing an unexpected pleasure, a complex blend of physical and emotional sensations.
Morning sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a harsh glare on the bed.
Yvette slowly awoke, instinctively raising a hand to shield her eyes from the bright light. She lazily turned over, only to realize the familiar sound of Albert's breathing was absent.
Alarmed, she glanced around and saw that the space beside her was empty. Albert had already left the hotel room.
A pang of disappointment hit her as she noticed a card and a note left behind. [I'm gone."]
The brief, cold message felt like a perfunctory goodbye from a considerate client, leaving her heart aching.
She clutched the blanket tightly, but its warmth couldn't chase away the chill in her heart.
She thought to herself, 'Last night was essentially our wedding night, considering we had just gotten our marriage certificate that morning.'
Moreover, it seemed Albert and Violet weren't as close as she had imagined. At least, he hadn't accepted Violet's confession.
This realization brought a mix of emotions. Legally, she was now Albert's wife.
Without going home, she had no chance to change clothes.
Yvette reluctantly pulled a scarf from her bag, carefully wrapping it around her neck to hide the conspicuous love bites.
After tidying herself up, she hurried to the Luken Aerospace Base hospital.
Before she even reached her department, she saw a crowd of people outside, the place buzzing with activity as the receptionists darted around.
"What's going on? Is it physical exam day again?" Yvette asked, setting down her bag and looking at Sylvia, who was rushing about, clearly overwhelmed.
Sylvia, signing forms and giving instructions to other receptionists, turned to Yvette and said, "Yvette, thank God you're here. Get to your office and help me out. The physical exam center is swamped today. There's a surprise check on the pilots' health. Most of them don't have flight duties today, so we have to complete all their exams and reports. I feel like I'm about to have a stroke."
Sylvia's exaggerated complaint was evident on her tired and anxious face.
Yvette had just sat down in her office when she heard a commotion from the next room.
"It's just an allergy. It doesn't affect my ability to fly. Why are you grounding me?" A frustrated and angry voice rang out. Yvette recognized it as Violet's.
A chubby doctor with glasses, wearing a patient smile, calmly explained, "Ms. Swift, you have an alcohol allergy. Normally, the symptoms would subside by the next day, but your condition is different. You still have hives on your hands and neck, which could lead to severe reactions like shock or fainting."
The doctor explained, "As a pilot, your health directly impacts the safety of everyone on board. I have to be responsible for your life and others'. So, I can't clear you for the flight today. If you need a report, I'll have to issue a grounding notice."
Violet, clearly unhappy with the decision, argued, "I only have a rash. No breathing issues, no dizziness, no blurred vision. Shouldn't you do more tests before grounding me? This isn't fair."
The doctor, still smiling but firm, replied, "I'm just following protocol."
At that moment, Albert stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern. He took Violet's wrist and led her to Yvette's office.
Violet, still fuming, was visibly agitated. Yvette, surprised by their sudden entrance, felt her calm shattered. She pulled back from the scene, feeling awkward.
She wondered why Albert had brought Violet to her. Did he expect her to comfort his ex-girlfriend?
Looking at the long line of patients waiting outside, Yvette asked, "Mr. Valdemar, how can I help you and Ms. Swift?"
Albert pointed to Violet's rash and said, "Write her a health clearance."
Yvette, understanding his intent, was taken aback. He wanted to use their connection to bypass protocol.
Alarmed, she shook her head and said, "The head of our department refused to clear her. How can I? It goes against my professional ethics, and I could even lose my job."
