Chapter 4

Stan barged in, not having a clue what was really happening. He shot me a nasty glare, then scooped Maryann up into his arms.

Maryann, her eyes red and swollen like a little rabbit, snuggled into his embrace. She said, "Stan, I just wanted Dr. Dotson to check me again, but she wouldn't even do it.

"She called me a slut, said I was just pretending to be innocent, and that I'd already been messed up by men.

"I got upset and tried to say something back, but she pushed me to the floor."

I'd always been quiet and never good at scheming.

It was like my whole world crashed down on me. All I could do was keep repeating, "No, I didn't."

But before I could finish explaining, Stan interrupted me with a voice colder than ice. "Dr. Dotson, please apologize to my girlfriend."

Maryann, looking utterly pitiful in Stan's arms, let a subtle, triumphant smile curl at the corner of her lips.

With everyone around gossiping and pointing at me, I felt dizzy, like the world was spinning out of control.

There were no cameras in the exam room.

There was no witnesses. And there was no one who would defend me.

In utter resignation, I took a deep breath. "Fine, I'll apologize.

"I'm sorry, Miss Flynn, Mr. Fisher. Is that enough for you?"

Stan's eyes flickered with surprise.

Seeing him stay silent, Maryann pouted in his arms, her dissatisfaction obvious.

"Stan, look at her. She doesn't even seem sorry at all…" Maryann complained.

"Alright, Maryann," Stan said, cutting her off. "If you want another check-up, we'll just get a different doctor. No point sticking around here."

He gave me a lingering glance, then walked out with Maryann still in his arms.

As a doctor, verbally humiliating a patient was a serious violation.

Even though there was no solid evidence, the hospital director, Loren Fuller, still called me into his office.

He said, "Dr. Dotson, I know you're not that kind of person.

"But there were so many people watching earlier, and the hospital's about to be bought out.

"To keep things from getting messier, why don't you take a few days off and come back once everything settles down?"

I held back my tears and nodded, having no choice but to agree. "Okay."

As I changed my clothes and stepped into the elevator, my phone buzzed.

Stan had sent me a message. [If you've got a minute, come down to the parking garage. Let's talk.]

I thought it over for a long time, but in the end, I decided to go. I wanted to put a real end to this in person.

When I found him, there was a pile of cigarette butts at his feet.

I walked over, thinking he was about to apologize, but instead, he hit me with a cold remark.

He said, "Ramona, you're really lame right now.

"I know I let you down, but Maryann's innocent. You really don't have to be so harsh toward her."

The feeling hit me like a punch to the chest, sharp and suffocating, and my stomach twisted with sickening nausea.

I shot back, "So this is all my fault, huh, Stan?

"Is it because I hurt Maryann, or is it because I ruined your picture-perfect life?"

Stan knew he was in the wrong, but he still stood his ground, not budging an inch.

He replied, "Can't we just break up without all this drama? Do you have to make such a mess out of this?"

Looking at his gloomy face, I let out a cold laugh. "Did you ever think about breaking up with me without all the drama?

"For seven whole years, you had so many chances to just tell me the truth.

"But instead, you took everything I gave you, while messing around with Maryann, falling in love, and even getting married behind my back.

"If I hadn't stumbled across your medical report by pure chance, how long were you planning to keep lying to me?

"Stan, you're shameless. You never cared about me."

The underground parking was wide open, and my voice echoed all around.

A few people walking by heard my outburst and gave Stan a curious look.

Stan, like I'd pushed his buttons, slammed his fist down hard on the hood of the car.

"Ramona, are you seriously talking about dignity? You were just eighteen when you jumped into my bed," he shouted.

I froze, completely blindsided.

I never imagined that risking everything for my first love would turn into a knife, stabbing me right in the heart.

I clutched the car frame, retching, but nothing came up.

My tears hit the rough concrete floor without warning, leaving dark stains that spread out like bruises.

Stan didn't even notice how shattered I was.

He just kept rambling, his words cutting deep. "Honestly? I got sick of the whole long-distance thing a long time ago. Couldn't see you, couldn't touch you.

"I am not asexual. Did you really think I'd stick around for some Platonic relationship? Wake up."

My head was buzzing with anger.

My body felt completely drained, and I sank down onto the cold floor.

Stan finally noticed something was off. "Ramona, what are you trying to pull now?"

Just as he walked over, someone got out of a black Mercedes parked not far away.