Chapter 73
I gripped the phone tighter.’s a welcome–back celebration with the entire staff,” I clarified, though I didn’t owe him any explanation. “In five years of harriage, this is the first time I’ve ever asked you to pick up your son.”
“So I should feel honored?” he sneered. “That you’re allowing me to see my son while you run off with your lover?”
“He’s not my-” I cut myself off, refusing to be provoked. “Will you pick up Billy or not?”
16
Another long silence. “Where is this dinner taking place?” he finally asked.
“Imperial Palace,” I answered, then immediately regretted giving him this information. “It’s just a work event, Henry.”
“The same restaurant where Thomas took you last month?” His voice became dangerously calm. “You must think I’m a complete fool.”
How did he know about that? The realization that he had been having me followed sent a chill down my spine.
“I’ll pick up Billy,” he finally said. “Enjoy your evening with your adoring doctor.”
The call ended abruptly.
I stared at the phone, a mixture of relief and unease settling in my stomach. At least Billy would be taken care of.
When I arrived shortly after seven, Imperial Palace’s private room was already buzzing with conversation. The restaurant’s
ornate decorations–red and gold everywhere, elaborate floral patterns on the walls–created a festive atmosphere.
Thomas, naturally, was the center of attention, surrounded by a circle of admiring nurses. He was fully displaying his charm, telling amusing anecdotes, their laughter filling the entire room.
I was directed to a seat at the far end of the table, away from Thomas but with a clear view of the entire gathering. Perhaps this was better–less fodder for hospital gossip.
“Dr. Sanders is on fire tonight,” Lisa from Radiology commented sliding into the seat next to me. “Half the nursing staff is
ready to propose.”
I smiled politely, but my mind was elsewhere. Since arriving, I had texted Billy twice but received no response. Was Henry actually taking proper care of him?
The evening progressed, dishes came and went, conversation flowed around me. I participated minimally, offering smiles and nods at appropriate moments, while my thoughts remained with Billy.
Across the table, a nurse named Winter Hayes made no attempt to hide her infatuation with Thomas. Her eyes followed his every movement, her laughter at his jokes was overly enthusiastic.
“Dr. Sanders, you should try some of this Mexican food,” she suggested, her voice carrying a flirtatious edge. “I guarantee it
will suit your taste.”
Several colleagues exchanged knowing glances, followed by good–natured teasing.
“Be careful, Winter,” Dr. Peterson teased. “Thomas already has his eye on someone else at this table.”
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Chapter 73
My cheeks flushed as several pairs of eyes glanced in my direction. I pretended to be fascinated by the pattern on my plate.
The comments continued, groving increasingly pointed until Winter suddenly pushed back her chair and stood up. The movement was so sudden that conversation around the table faltered.
She walked directly toward me, her expression shifting from embarrassment to barely concealed hostility.
“You know, I’ve been wondering,” she said, standing over me. “What exactly does Dr. Sanders see in you?”
The table fell silent, all eyes focused on our exchange.
“I’m sorry?” I managed, genuinely confused by the sudden confrontation.
“Dr. Sanders told everyone he prefers women like you,” she continued, her voice rising slightly. A divorced single mom pretending to be a pitiful victim.”
I stared at her in shock, acutely aware of the entire room watching us.
“You can’t seriously think you have a chance with him?” Winter looked me up and down dismissively. “A housewife with a kid in tow? It’s like a frog dreaming of eating a swan!”
The room erupted into gasps and whispers. I sat frozen, the public humiliation washing over me in waves as everyone in the room turned to watch my reaction.
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