Somewhere along the line, you had begun blindly following Dr. Zayne’s medical advice.

When you began to explain and justify your recent health issues, he cut you off with a quiet, serious firmness.

“Shh…”

He leaned in closer, listening intently to your heartbeat. Your breath hitched in your throat, silencing you completely.

“Don’t talk,” he instructed softly. "But you should still breathe.”

He remained close—too close—his breath brushing against your face, causing your already rapid heartbeat to quicken further.

He finally pulled back slightly, his expression professional but direct.

“A fast resting heart rate. What riled you up this time?”