Chapter 5: Vows Beyond the Veil

I sighed, scooped up my mopey Rascal after his shot, and headed for the door.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t pursue me.”

His voice was soft, but it stopped me in my tracks.

I turned, staring in disbelief.

If his ears weren’t a little red, I’d have thought I was dreaming.

I grinned, blinking. “What did you just say? I didn’t catch that!”

He looked away, silent.

My smile grew. “So it’s settled—I’ll keep pursuing you.”

I heard him mumble, “Mm.”

After that, I basically made the animal clinic my second home.

The two ladies at the front desk—when they were around—always brought snacks and shared the best gossip. We got close, and I learned plenty of funny stories about Toby.

“I remember the first time he handled a sick pet alone—it was a little Pomeranian. He kept talking to it, comforting it. We all thought he’d lost it.”

“Yeah, he’s so serious about it,” the other one chimed in, laughing. “He said the puppy was scared and needed comforting. We thought he was nuts!”

I watched Toby help a pet owner, resting my chin in my hands, eyes full of hearts. “Man, he’s good-looking.”

“The puppy’s fine, just overate. I’ll prescribe some medicine. Don’t feed him tonight, watch him for a day. If he’s not better, come back.”

The owner was a woman in a cropped, tight-knit top—think TikTok influencer style—her deep V-neck revealing plenty as she leaned over the counter.

Not just Toby—even I was distracted.

What’s this woman doing?! Flirting with my crush right in front of me!

“Thank you, handsome, for taking care of my baby.”

Hmph! I’ve tried acting cute, and it never worked on Toby! Calling him handsome? I haven’t even done that!

Toby smiled gently. “No problem. He’s lucky to have an owner like you.”

I snapped, my internal monologue running wild. When I tried that, he thought I was a weirdo. Now someone else does it, and he smiles back? Not fair!

Not happy.

I rolled up my sleeves and marched over, ready to lay down the law.

The woman tried again. “Handsome, you’re so sweet. How about I treat you to dinner as thanks?”

Dinner?! I haven’t even had dinner alone with Toby! Haven’t even held his hand yet!