Miss Wilson? The audacity of it almost made me laugh. In Isabella’s mind, only the deserved to be called Mrs. Harding The title she’d coveted Int five years hung between us like a trophy she couldn’t quite grasp.
Henry stood beside her bed, his expensive suit immaculate as always. The cold fury in his grey eyes made my skin crawl, but I held my ground. Five years of marriage had taught me that hacking down only invited more attacks.
“Henry, Isabella’s voice trembled perfectly as she pressed herself closer to him, her tears strategically dampening his designer shirt. Look at her silence – it proves her guilt! Only someone with a guilty conscience would stay so quiet.”
She clutched his arm tighter, her eyes swimming with tears that seemed to appear on command. “I never wanted to come between you. I just love you, that’s all. Why does she have to see me as an enemy?”
The theatrical display made bile rise in my throat. I fixed her with a hard stare, yo
love! What do you know about love?”
of suppressed rage finally breaking free. “Don’t you dare speak about
My voice rose with each word. If you’re not here to destroy his family, why are you here? Why are you clinging to him like that? Oh wait, I know – you don’t want to destroy this family, you just want to join it. You want to become Mrs. Harding so badly it’s pathetic!!
Isabella’s face paled, her perfectly applied makeup suddenly making her look like a porcel before you trapped him into marriage!”
doll about to crack. “You have no idea what Henry and I shared
“Trapped him?” I laughed, the sound sharp and bitter. “Is that what you tell yourself at night? That I somehow forced the mighty Henry Harding into marriage? Face it, Isabella – if he wanted you, he would have fought for you five years ago.”
“He did fight for me!” Isabella’s voice rose, losing its practiced musicality. “William Harding forced this marriage on us. Henry never wanted you!”
And yet here we are,” I smiled coldly. “Me with the Harding name, and you… still begging for scraps of
his attention.”
Isabella’s perfect composure cracked slightly. “How dare you-
*How dare I?” I cut her off with a bitter laugh. “I already signed the divorce papers, you know. Your precious Henry is the one who won’t sign them. Who knows why? Maybe he doesn’t love you as much as you think. Maybe he’s fallen in love with me instead!”
“Sophia Wilson!” Isabella’s voice rose to a shriek, her careful facade crumbling. “What nonsense are you spouting? I never intended to break up Henry’s family. I just love him – is that so wrong? How can you be so cruel to me?”
Looking at Elizabeth in front of me, I felt like she was a clown, how pathetic!
“Isabella,” I spat her name like poison, “why are you so obsessed with my leftovers? Does it give you some kind of twisted pleasure? You talk about love? You don’t love him – you love your own fantasy! If you truly loved him, you wouldn’t be trying to destroy his family!”
I took a step closer, watching her shrink back against Henry. “Let me give you some advice – Henry’s nothing but a dog. Humans and dogs don’t make good couples. If you really love him, why don’t you transform yourself into a dog? Oh wait, cross–species marriage isn’t legal!”
“Sophia.” Henry’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “You’re going to regret this.”
I turned on my heel and walked out, satisfaction coursing through my veins. Let them have each other partners in their mutual destruction.
– a toxic woman and a worthless man, perfect.
Later that afternoon, I visited William’s room, forcing myself to maintain a cheerful demeanor despite the morning’s confrontation. The old man needed positivity now more than ever, and I wouldn’t let Henry and Isabella’s drama affect his recovery,
But as I left William’s room, Thomas intercepted me in the hallway, his face tight with concern. Before he could speak, a group of hospital administrato approached, their expressions grave.
“Miss Wilson? The chief administrator’s voice was clipped. “We’ve received serious complaints about your behavior, including video evidence. Your services are no longer required. You’re fired, effective immediately.”
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Chapter 39
What complaints? What video evidence? I demanded, my voice shaking with disbelief. “I’ve done nothing wrong!
The administrator’s face remained impassive. “Several VII patients have reported feeling… uncomfortable with your presence, We have footage of you engaging in unprofessional conduct in Miss Scott’s room earlier today.*
*Isabella Scott? I laughed bitterly. Of course. And you didn’t think to hear my side of the story?
“This isn’t a courtroom, Miss Wilson. Manhattan General has a zero–tolerance policy for staff who disturb our patients‘ peace of mind. The decision is final.
As it summoned by magic, Henry appeared behind them, his face a mask of cold satisfaction. Our hospital’s mission is to provide the best care for every patient, he announced smoothly. “The patient is always right.”
The blood drained from my face as understanding dawned. Of course way to control and punish me.
Henry had acquired the hospital to please Isabella. Another display of power, another
“Come with me to process your termination,” the HR director ordered, already turning toward her office.
Outside Manhattan General, I tore the termination notice to shreds. “Damn you, Henry Harding!” I screamed into the wind. “You heartless bastard! People die every day – why couldn’t it be you?‘
“Because worthless people like you are still breathing,” Henry voice came from behind me, smooth as velvet and twice as cold. He stood there in his black suit and camel coat.
‘You unfaithful coward,” I spat, beyond caring about consequences. “You have no right to speak to me! Traitor! Using your power to bully people – you’re pathetic!”
After cursing, I turned around and wanted to run away.
Henry’s grey eyes glittered dangerously as he stepped closer. “Running away?” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Did you really think you could escape me?”
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