Chapter 2

2

When I opened my eyes, I was lying in a hospital bed.

A nurse saw me wake up and rushed over.

“Dr. Quinn, you’re finally awake. The patient’s family filed a formal complaint. The hospital has revoked your bonus and canceled your promotion for the year.”

“Maybe you should go talk to them? If you apologize, they might drop the charges.”

I gave her a bitter, mocking smile. “You want the victim to apologize to the attackers?”

The nurse looked sympathetic. “The hospital is going through a major evaluation right now. The board doesn't want any scandals.”

She leaned in closer and lowered her voice.

“I heard the woman’s husband knows some people on the board. That’s why they’re being so hard on you.”

Husband?

I closed my eyes, feeling nothing but numbness.

I had worked so hard to get transferred back to this city just for Macy.

And this was the gift she gave me.

That afternoon, Macy walked into my room carrying some takeout containers. They were filled with leftovers.

“I know you’re picky, so I brought you some food,” she said.

“I just gave birth and I’m still here looking after you, so stop being mad.”

“Besides, your look was really creepy. I was genuinely scared you’d hurt the baby. Jasper has been the one taking care of me these two years. You should be grateful.”

“Go apologize to him later, and we can put this behind us.”

I wanted to laugh.

My wife had another man’s baby, and I was supposed to thank him?

Jasper was Macy’s ex. They had been on and off for years.

If Macy was Jasper’s loyal dog, then I was Macy’s.

Every time they broke up, I was the perfect rebound, comforting her and making her laugh.

And every time they got back together, I stepped aside like a ghost.

Then Jasper had a shotgun wedding with someone else, and Macy finally accepted my proposal.

I thought she had finally seen my worth. I thought she wanted a real life with me.

After we got married, I gave her everything she wanted.

She was nice enough at first.

But the moment Jasper got divorced, she turned cold again.

Two years ago, the hospital sent me on an out-of-state assignment. We had to live apart.

I thought she’d be upset, but she was so supportive, telling me to focus on my career.

I was so moved and felt so guilty for leaving her.

I worked myself to the bone just to get back to her sooner.

Now I realize she just wanted me out of the way.

Macy saw my silence and got annoyed.

“Miles, don’t be a brat! I’m still recovering from childbirth!”

“If you don’t want the food, then starve!”

She tossed the containers into the trash and stormed out.

That evening, I walked by her room.

She was holding the baby with one arm and feeding fruit to Jasper with the other. He was busy playing games on his phone.

She even held out her hand to catch the seeds he spit out.

There wasn't a hint of disgust on her face. She just asked him if he wanted more.

The moment Jasper frowned, she threw the rest of the fruit away.

Seeing her act so submissive made me smile at my own stupidity.

I remembered when I was sick once and asked her for a glass of water.

She screamed at me for being needy and dramatic.

Since she loved Jasper so much and they already had a kid, I decided to set her free.