Chapter 6

A minute later, another message popped up in the group chat. Emily sent a voice message.

She cried: [I already put in my resignation. Please, everyone, stop blaming Nora. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gotten sick, and I shouldn't have let Mr. Quinn give me a ride. If Nora wants to blame someone, blame me. Not him.]

The group chat exploded with messages. Some people called her thoughtful, while others said David was lucky to have such a kind girl by his side.

I left the group chat.

Olivia called me, her voice sharp with anger. "That's not an apology. She's trying to make this your fault."

"Let her," I said.

"Aren't you mad?" she asked.

"I am," I replied.

"Then why are you so calm?" she pressed.

I opened my laptop and created a new folder. I named it "Evidence." "Because when she finally breaks down," I said, "I want everyone to see it."

*****

The free clinic was set up in a downtown exhibition hall. David's company logo hung on the right side of the entrance. He was busy greeting VIPs and the press.

When I arrived, Emily was at the registration desk, adjusting his tie. She wasn't wearing her usual white dress. Instead, she had on a light gray suit, looking like she actually came to work.

As soon as David saw me, he immediately brushed her hand away.

I didn't even look at him. Instead, I went straight to the medical supply area to check the first aid kit.

Emily followed me. "Nora, I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I've already put in my resignation. I'll hand over my work once the event is over."

I put the tourniquet into the box. "Does your resignation need my approval?"

My words stung her, and her eyes turned red again. "I just wanted you to know that I won't come between you two anymore."

"You already have," I replied.

She bit her lip. "Are you really going to throw away everything good about Mr. Quinn because of a spot? He didn't sleep at all last night. He stayed up looking at your old photos."

I closed the first aid kit. "Did you keep him company?"

Her face changed.

I picked up the kit and headed into the venue.

By the stage, David was chatting with the organizers. He saw me and took a step forward, but someone stopped him.

*****

Once the free clinic started, the place quickly filled up with people.

I was in charge of treating injuries and giving basic medical advice.

A little boy ran too fast and hit his forehead on the corner of a display board, blood streaming down his brow. His mom was so flustered she didn't know what to do with her hands.

I crouched down. "Don't press on his eye. Press here. Hey, buddy, look at the gauze in my hand."

The boy was hiccupping from crying.

Emily stood nearby with a tissue, but she was too scared to come closer.

David came over to keep things orderly. "Is there a doctor? Call a doctor!"

A staff member pointed at me. "Dr. Sanders is right here."

David froze. He had always known I was a surgeon, but it seemed like he had never actually watched me work.

After I finished the last stitch, the boy's mom kept thanking me. "Dr. Sanders, your hands are so steady."

I took off my gloves. "Keep the wound dry and remember to change the dressing on time."

Suddenly, Emily's voice came from behind. "Mr. Quinn, you don't look so good. Is it low blood sugar?" She handed him a piece of candy.

David didn't take it. His eyes stayed on my hands. "You pulled an all-nighter at the hospital, and now you're here?"

I started packing up my tools. "I'm on the schedule."

"You should have told me," he said.

"Could you scrub in for me if I did?" I shot back.

He was left speechless.

Emily quickly jumped in. "Nora, he's worried about you."

I turned to her. "So, is your stomach still hurting?"

She was caught off guard, freezing for a second. "It's much better now."

"Good. Then keep your distance from the emergency area," I said.

She looked awkward and uncomfortable.

Not far away, reporters were taking photos. When Emily saw the cameras, she suddenly stepped back, lost her balance, and stumbled toward the first aid kit.

The kit had a sharps container inside. Even though it was closed, it would be a real problem if it got knocked over. I reached out to block the kit.

Her shoulder hit my arm, and she ended up sitting on the floor. "Nora, why did you push me?"

The camera was pointed right at us.

David hurried over. "What happened?"

Emily clutched her ankle, tears falling. "Nothing, I lost my balance." But the way she looked at me made it seem like I had bullied her.

The crowd started whispering.

David's face darkened. "Nora, we're at a public event."

I ignored him and turned to the photographer. "Did you get everything on camera?"

The photographer froze and then replied, "Yeah, I got it."

"Can you play it back?" I asked.