Chapter 2
Robert stopped in his tracks and turned to look at me, his brow furrowed, a hint of impatience flickering in his eyes. It was as if every word I spoke was a waste of his precious time.
My gaze slowly shifted from his face to the coffee table. "Here, could you check that out?"
Robert followed my gaze and spotted the document pinned down by a glass.
He walked over and picked it up.
When he saw the title, a flicker of emotion finally crossed his usually expressionless face.
It wasn't surprise, and it wasn't anger. It was a trace of sarcastic amusement.
He tossed the divorce agreement back onto the coffee table, the papers landing with a sharp smack.
"Isabella, what trick are you pulling this time?" He walked right up to me, towering over me and looking down. "Is this your way of getting me to pay attention to you? Or are you after more money?"
His voice was cold, like ice scraping against my ears.
I wasn't playing any games. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Robert, let's get a divorce."
He stared at me, like I was some misbehaving pet he was sizing up.
After a few seconds, he suddenly laughed. His laugh dripped with contempt.
"Divorce?" he sneered. "Isabella, did you forget how you begged me to marry you? Don't forget. I paid for your brother's surgery and all your family's debts. And you think you have the right to ask for a divorce now?"
My hand at my side slowly curled into a fist. My nails pressed into my skin, and it hurt.
"I'll pay you back," I said.
"Pay me back?" he laughed even harder. "With what? That pathetic paycheck of yours? Isabella, stop being ridiculous. I don't like women who make trouble out of nothing."
With that, he checked his watch. "I don't have time for this. Mia's waiting for me."
He grabbed the thermos and walked out without a hint of hesitation.
His tall figure vanished through the door, which closed behind him with a heavy thud.
Once again, I was left alone in the room.
All that remained was the rich aroma of the soup he hadn't even touched.
I walked over and carefully put the divorce agreement back in place.
Then I texted my lawyer. [He won't sign. Let's proceed with the lawsuit.]
*****
The next day, I went to work at the hospital as usual.
The hospital where I worked was the best private hospital in the city, and its cardiac surgery department was nationally renowned.
Mia was staying in the intensive care unit here.
Robert probably figured that keeping me under his nose would make sure I behaved myself, and so I'd always be ready to do whatever he needed for his precious one, Mia, like bringing her soup.
Or, as he said yesterday, he could watch me, the woman who often made trouble out of nothing, to make sure I didn't cause any drama.
I was a resident in cardiac surgery, doing rounds and rotating through shifts.
Every day was so hectic that I barely had time to even think about our divorce. Keeping busy was the best painkiller.
At noon, after finishing rounds with the chief, I was about to grab a quick bite in the cafeteria when someone called out to me. "Hi, Dr. Brown."
I turned around. It was Adrian, the new specialist in our department.
He was a few years older than me, a heart valve expert who'd just returned from abroad. Being clean-cut and talented, he'd already become everyone's favorite in the department.
"Dr. Brooks, what's up?" I asked.
He handed me a patient file with a warm smile. "The chief wants us to team up for the mitral valve repair this afternoon. Here's the patient's info. Get familiar with it."
His smile was gentle, like a spring breeze.
I took the file and said, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it," Adrian said, pushing up his glasses. "You've got real talent, and the chief's got high hopes for you. Oh, have you eaten yet? Want to grab lunch together?"
I shook my head. "I've got something to take care of. You go ahead."
He didn't ask any more. He nodded and walked off.
I clutched the patient file and made my way up to the hospital roof.