Isabella's Ailment

On the second day of her unexpected journey through time, Isabella Swan found herself face to face with her destined nemesis, a man more beautiful than she could have ever imagined.

It was a day brimming with the warmth of spring, when the vibrant colors of the season threatened to spill over the walls of Magnolia Court. Isabella, perched atop the red apricot tree, was in the midst of executing her grand escape. As she reached the walls summit, the bustling aroma of the towns marketplace enveloped her, and she inhaled the scent of freedom with a contented sigh.

"Roasted chestnuts, donkey meat sandwiches, candied haws, braised pork... Im coming for you!" she whispered to herself, her mouth watering in anticipation.

As she surveyed the ground below, contemplating her descent, her gaze fell upon two figures clad in white, approaching with graceful strides. The closer they came, the more her breath hitched in her chest, and a poem unfolded in her mind:

"Fair as a fabric spread, who art thou, O beautiful one? Riding in a carriage through the Tianjin crossing, you gaze upon the flowers on the eastern path, stirring the hearts of the people of Luo City."

So captivated was she by the mans unparalleled beauty that she neglected her precarious position atop the wall. Her footing slipped, and with a startled cry, she tumbled towards the ground. The impact was followed by a cloud of dust as she landed unceremoniously on her hands and knees.

"Oof!" Isabella spat out a mouthful of dirt, dazedly staring at the white boots before her, wishing the earth would swallow her whole. This was not the introduction she had in mind!

Before she could collect her thoughts, a young boy with rosy lips and bright teeth looked up at the man beside him and said with feigned seriousness, "Master, another woman throwing herself at you."

Edward Cullen chuckled, tapping the boys forehead. His voice, as clear as a mountain spring, replied, "What do you know of such things, Jamie?"

"Wow, his voice is actually so pleasant to hear?" Isabella thought to herself. However, as pleasing as it was, she could not let his words stand. She looked up at the boy and retorted, "What do you mean, throwing myself at him? I accidentally fell off the wall!" As she spoke, she realized her waist seemed immobile.

The man in white crouched before her, asking indifferently, "Did you twist your waist?"

Her face stiffened, and she replied awkwardly, "How did you know?"

The pleasant voice from above answered, "I am a doctor."

Upon hearing this, Isabella immediately became indignant. "Youre a doctor and yet you stand idly by? Didnt your teacher teach you about medical ethics?"

The man in white retorted with a sneer, "For a woman, virtue, speech, appearance, and work are all essential. You, climbing walls and causing scenes, have you even read The Precepts for Women?"

"Ha? Are you kidding me? How could I have read The Precepts for Women? Wait, causing a scene? Are you accusing me of that?"

As she protested, a slender, pale hand swiftly reached for her lower back, and with a crack, she felt her waist move again! Edward helped her to her feet and asked seriously, "Try moving, is it better?"

Isabella was stunned for a moment, then moved her feet and twisted her waist, looking at him in surprise. "Hey, it works!"

His face expressionless, he said nothing more, merely brushing his sleeves and turning to leave.

Isabella hurried after him, "Hey, Doctor, dont leave yet, I havent thanked you!"

Edward glanced at her without stopping, "It is a doctors duty to heal, no need for thanks."

Isabella looked at him in amazement, "I didnt expect you to actually have medical ethics. Then why didnt you catch me when I fell? You let me fall!" Speaking of this, she felt a bit angry; he was so good-looking, yet lacked any chivalry!

He stopped and his eyes were somewhat cold, "Why should I catch you?"

"Im such a beautiful woman, wouldnt anyone want to play the hero and save the damsel in distress? Do you have poor taste?" Isabella looked at him assertively.

Perhaps shocked by her narcissism and shamelessness, he stared at her for a long while. Just as she thought he might be falling for her, he sighed regretfully, "You have an ailment in your head, if untreated, it may worsen." With that, he walked away, shaking his head.

"What?" Did I hear that wrong? Was that a personal attack?!

Isabella chased after him in a huff, "Hey! Who do you say has an ailment in their head? Youre the one with an ailment, your whole family has an ailment!"