hapter 70
A month had passed since everything with Jude and Adele, and I had almost managed to forget it all. I was deep in a discussion about a case with a new doctoral student when an unfamiliar number appeared on my phone.
I hesitated before answering, and when I did, the line was silent for what felt like an eternity.
After I said “hello” three times, the voice on the other end finally spoke–hoarse, almost unrecognizable.
“Corinne, where did you put the file about my work that we discussed before?“}]
Suddenly, I realized the speaker had accidentally pressed the hands–free button.}]
Wesley Vaughn, sitting next to me, glanced up at me, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in closer, his tone turning pointed.
“Dr. Langston, pay attention.”
Jude’s voice seemed to freeze for a moment. “Is there anyone else next to you?”
I frowned. “Your things are gone. Why are you still looking for me?“}]
Before he could respond, I ended the call.}
Wesley, with his hands shoved deep into his white coat pockets, gave me a sidelong glance, a hint of jealousy creeping into his
voice.
“Well, well,” he said with a sly smile. “So many years have passed, and you won’t even answer his calls but you’ll entertain mine?“}] He paused, his gaze sharp. “What else do you want? You’ve come to the hospital now.“}]
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
Wesley was a newly hired doctor at the hospital. He had studied abroad for a few years and had only recently d
We’d known each other since childhood–we were neighbors and went to the same high school.}]
Wesley had once pursued me, even more passionately than Jude.}]
But back in high school, I didn’t feel the same way about him, so I rejected him outright.”
After the college entrance exams, I lost touch with him. Later, I found out he’d also become a medical student and study.
“Would you like to grab dinner after work, Dr. Langston?”
Wesley leaned over, helping me organize some documents.
gone abroad to
I nodded absentmindedly, but before I could say anything else, Jude called again. He said that Cassy was having an allergic reaction and insisted on seeing me.
I hung up the phone.”
If she’s having allergic reaction, she can go to the hospital. She has Adele and Jude with her. Why do I need to be involved??
Wesley and I walked along the river, his tall, handsome frame drawing attention from the people around us.
“You go ahead,” I said. “I need a moment to get some fresh air.”
Wesley sat down next to me, his expression softening slightly.
“When did Corinne Brown become so sentimental?” he teased.}
“It’s just a failed marriage,” he added with a shrug. “What’s the big deal?”
He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “There are plenty of men out there for you to enjoy–like me.“}
His playful grin was very different from the usually reserved Wesley I saw at the hospital.
Back in high school, he had always said things like that, and it seemed like nothing had changed.”
“Let me put it this way,” he said, his voice turning more serious. “The best way to get over a relationship is to get into a new one. What do you think?”
“Tomorrow, we’re heading to Montclaire University to give students their physical exams. You and I will be in the same group. I’ll take you flying.”
“Okay,” I said, smiling and giving his shoulder a friendly pat.
Montclaire University had a yearly physical exam for students, and Wesley and I were part of the staff responsible for it.”
But as we passed by an empty classroom, I unexpectedly ran into Jude.
“Corinne, long time no see,” he said, his voice soft, almost apologetic.}
I pulled off my mask, took a deep breath, and turned to leave.}
Out of sight, out of mind, I thought.”
But before I could walk away, Jude grabbed my arm.
“You don’t even say hello when you see me?” he asked, “Have we become so unfamiliar?“}
I yanked my arm away from him, my heart heavy with frustration.
“We’re neither friends nor family,” I said coldly. “We’re strangers now.””
His face twisted with a bitter smile.
“You and I are the ones who were truly married,” he said quietly.
“I went to Adele because I wanted to hurt you,” he added, his voice barely above a whisper.
