NovelNext Chapter 4
Chapter 4
The sharp scent of disinfectant still hung in the hospital corridor as I bent over the discharge paperwork for Evan Sutherland. The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and Mia Jefferson strutted in, holding an extravagant bouquet of red roses. Her dress swayed gracefully with every step.
"Evan!" she cooed, brushing past me without a second glance, then throwing herself into the wheelchair-bound man's arms. When I lifted my gaze, I met her defiant stare head-on. Right there, in front of everyone, she cupped Evan's face and planted a deep, lingering kiss on his lips.
A few nurses at the station gasped softly. By the time Mia pulled away, her lipstick was smudged. Then, dropping to one knee, she pulled a velvet box from her purse.
"Evan, today's a special day," she said, flipping it open to reveal a men's diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"
I turned back to the forms in front of me, the sound of my pen scratching against the paper. I wondered if Mia would still consider it such a "special" day once she saw the HIV-positive result in Evan's medical file.
A chorus of sharp inhales came from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I watched as Evan pulled Mia into his lap, and their lips locked in another heated kiss. The diamond ring was already on her finger, glinting under the sterile hospital lights.
"Dr. Hodgson," Mia called out, looping her arm through Evan's as they approached. The ring dangled in front of my face like a taunt. "You must come to our wedding next month."
I snapped the medical file shut, the test results in my coat pocket pressing uncomfortably against my fingertips. Seeing her triumphant smirk, I couldn't help but imagine the look on her face when the officiant asked, "If anyone objects to this union..."
"Of course," I said, removing my stethoscope with a practiced, professional smile. "I'll be there."
Later that night, I pulled up Evan Sutherland's contact and tapped on his name.
[How amusing. Mia Jefferson is completely devoted to you, and you haven't even had to lift a finger.]
The phone lit up almost immediately.
[Jealous?]
I stared at the text, a cold smile creeping onto my lips.
[Jealous? Just curious whether she'd still adore you if she knew your secrets.]
The typing indicator flickered on and off for a few seconds.
[Of course she would.] He finally replied. [You could never understand Mia's feelings for me.]
I typed deliberately: [Shall we test that? Tell her the truth at your wedding and see if she feels sorry for you. Unless you're afraid...]
[Who says I'm afraid!] came the immediate response. [I'll tell her right at the altar! Don't come crying to me afterward!]
I set the phone down and smiled silently.
No one knew Mia Jefferson better than I did. Last year, when I had a high fever, she immediately moved out to stay at her friend's place for two weeks. Now that Evan's HIV-positive? She'd probably bolt the second she heard the truth at the wedding.
I couldn't wait to see that glorious spectacle.