Chapter 15
Ewing noticed the flicker of surprise in my eyes, but he didn’t say a word.
Magnolia, on the other hand, looked insufferably pleased with herself. “Doctor, you told me last week to come in for a monthly checkup and a scan. Am I pregnant? Is the baby healthy? Is everything looking good?”
Then she turned to me, feigning innocence. “Oh my, isn’t this an old friend?”
The old me would’ve lost my composure–if I didn’t slap her, I’d have stormed right out.
But somehow, somewhere along the way, my heart had been patched up. Under Melvin’s gentle care, I’d grown a new layer of armor, one that couldn’t be so easily pierced by words anymore.
To my own surprise, I smiled, calm and collected. “Yes, we do go way back. Congratulations to you both, getting pregnant so quickly. After all, I took care of this man for three years. Don’t expect me to bring a gift when you invite me to the baby’s christening party.”
Magnolia used to rely on her shamelessness, always playing good cop to Ewing’s bad, making me so angry I thought I’d develop a tumor. But now, I’d built up a skin as thick as castle walls.
For a long time, I thought the opposite of love was hate. Then I thought it was indifference. Now, I realize–it’s forgetting.
Once I’d let go of every last memory, I could finally say what I wanted to Ewing, with no hesitation.
Anything less, and I wouldn’t be worthy of calling myself a lawyer.
A flash of malice crossed Magnolia’s face, but she quickly recovered. “Of course, you’ll get an invitation. If you’d been more accomplished, Ewing and I wouldn’t be together now.“&
shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm, “Right, just like a pair of old shoes–even if they get dirty, just give them a wash and call them ‘limited edition! Just don’t let them wear out completely. Once they’re done for, no amount of spin will keep them from the trash.“>
Magnolia finally dropped the act, slamming her palm on the table. “Who are you calling a worn–out shoe?”
I just looked at her, half amused, half bored.”
Because yesterday, I’d received the investigation report.
Magnolia’s divorce wasn’t just “irreconcilable differences” like she claimed. She’d lived wild abroad–infidelity, even drugs. Her ex wasn’t buying her excuses and was already moving things through the courts. Magnolia had practically fled back home.
Ewing, silent until now, finally spoke up. “Enough. Let’s not drag this out. There are other patients waiting.“”
Magnolia rolled her eyes, but quickly put on her fake smile again.“,
But then Melvin, reading through the report, gave a knowing smile. “Ewing, looks like this baby’s doing just fine–already three months along.”
It was like a thunderclap in a clear sky.
Magnolia nearly leapt out of her chair. “What are you talking about?“}
Melvin didn’t flinch. “Ms. Mills, is there something you haven’t told Ewing?”
He handed her the report.
I glanced over.
Well, well. Looking for a new sucker, are we?%
Magnolia’s expression was priceless. She didn’t care that Ewing was standing right there. “Melvin, you’re lying! How could I be that far along?”
She broke into a cold sweat, scrambling to explain to Ewing. “This clinic’s no good. Irene must have put Melvin up to this to set me up. You have to believe me.”
Melvin just looked at her, deadpan “Seriously? I’m framing you? Fine, go get another scan. Try a different clinic, if you want.”
“You-” Ewing pointed at Magnolia, but couldn’t get the words out. In the end, he threw her medical file and his bag to the floor in frustration.
I stared, stunned. I’d thought that if I could just let go and never see these two backstabbers again, I’d be at peace.
But then, everything flipped upside down. Just like that, Magnolia became a two–timer in the worst sense.
Shock hit first, but then, for the first time in forever, I felt a flicker of satisfaction. Looking at Ewing’s devastated face, I even felt a twinge of pity.
I didn’t love him anymore, but I knew Ewing was a man of immense pride. A humiliation like this? He’d never recover.
His eyes blazed with rage.
He trembled so hard he couldn’t speak.
Magnolia, seeing this, kept making excuses. “I didn’t know! That man cheated on me and forced himself on me. That’s why I came back–I didn’t know I was pregnant. I’ll get rid of it, I swear!“%
She was rambling, clearly at a loss, grabbing at Ewing’s hand. “Ewing, believe me. Let’s just forget this, start over–no baby, just us.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Ms. Mills, I can pull your divorce case records if you’d like. Want me to print them out for everyone to see? I guarantee you’ll never show your face in polite society again.”
Ewing finally shook her off. “Cut the crap! You set me up from the start, didn’t you? You waited until I was drunk, slept with me, and then blackmailed me with my family and career. Otherwise, how the hell did I end up being the laughingstock I am today?“@
He was seething–his fists clenched, ready to strike.
I moved fast, grabbing him despite the pain from my not–quite–healed wound. “Run, Magnolia! Unless you want blood on your hands” She froze in indecision Ewing was losing control, thrashing free of my grip. The pain shot through me, and I couldn’t help but curse.? Thankfully, Melvin–the only one still composed–took charge. He landed a solid punch on Ewing’s shoulder and glared at him. “You’ve got no self–respect–making a scene like this over a breakup, and you want to blame everyone else? I don’t care how hurt you are, but Irene just had surgery. If you mess up her stitches, I’ll end you
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Chapter 15
right here.”
Ewing collapsed onto the floor, clutching his head.
Melvin dragged him to the break room.
After Ewing had finally calmed down, he spoke. “Irene, I really messed up this time.”
I sighed. Suddenly, this man felt like a total stranger to me.
