Chapter 9
Amelia’s POV
I arrived at the hospital for my afternoon shift a little later than usual. My hope was to slip into my office pletly, t even get a chance to scrub up without being noticed.
Since I’d been assigned to Edmund, I hadn’t been seeing other patients. The chief had made it clear that Mr. Mongery needed special care and attention and had given me the job to take care of him properly. It was demanding–emotiomy especially.
But that left me with nothing much to do besides routine checks on him and then sitting in my office until my suit was
over.
And Honestly speaking?, I didn’t mind. The less time I spent around him, the better for my sanity.
I greeted a few familiar faces as I entered the lobby. But the moment I started climbing the stairs, I noticed something strange. Cluster of people, talking in hushed tones, stealing glances in my direction as if their talk had something to do with
- me.
A knot formed in my stomach. Oh no… please don’t let it be what I think it is.
Edmund.
I quickened my pace, my heart racing as I rushed down the hallway toward his room. Curious eyes seemed to follow me on my way, and I really couldn’t stand it.
At one point, I almost stopped to demand what was going on, but Edmund came first. He had to be okay.
I pushed the door to the room open and froze.
The bed was rumpled, the sheets tossed as if someone had just gotten out of it. But the room was empty.
My chest tightened.
I darted to the bathroom, yanking the door open.
Nothing.
Panic began to crawl its way into my chest. Where could he have gone?
I really hoped no one discharged him without informing me.
I stepped back into the hallway, scanning the area desperately for any sign of him.
That’s when I spotted Lydia, the nurse I’d left in charge of checking on him. The relief and frustration I felt left me instantly.
“Lydia! Lydia!” I called, waving her over.
She hurried toward me. “Dr. Amelia, you’re here already.” She gave me a small smile.
“Yeah,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady although my heart was literally pounding. “Have you seen my patient-” I stopped mid–sentence, frowning as a noise from down the hall reached my ears. It sounded like raised voices, maybe even arguing. “Wait, what’s that sound? Are people fighting?”
Lydia shook her head quickly. “Well, not exactly. Two nurses are on the verge of being suspended… they were caught
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3:54 pm ppm M
Chapter 0
slauddering a docto
My boss knitted together. “Slandering?”
“Well, they were caught gossiping about the doctor, and now they’re being punished. Lydia explained softly.
I snorted. There was no way I could believe what I’d just heard. “For gossiping? What is the hospital a child’s playground now? Who’s the doctor in question?”
She cleared her throat, hesitating. “It’s you, ma’am, she whispered.
I blinked, stunned. “Excuse me? Did I just hear you correctly?”
Lydia gave a reluctant nod.
My jaw dropped. “But I just got here! I haven’t even heard of this.” I sighed. “who’s pushing for them to be punished?”
“Mr. Montgomery,” she said carefully. “He was the one who caught them, and he’s urging the chief to discipline them”
A groan slipped out before I could stop it.
Of course.Edmund. Still overprotective, still sticking his nose where it didn’t belong.
I glanced around, suddenly aware of the curious stares and hushed whispers around us. My stomach twisted as realization dawned on me. “That’s why everyone’s been staring at me since I walked in,” I muttered.
“Exactly.” Lydia said, and then glanced at her watch. “I have to go now Doc. There’s a doctor I need to attend to.”
She hurried off, leaving me standing in the hallway, fuming. My hands itched to claw my own face in frustration.
Great. Just great.
Now everyone in the hospital probably thought I’d crossed the sacred line between doctor and patient in just a few weeks of him being put in my care.
I was pissed. No–beyond pissed.
Following the noise, I stormed down the hallway.And then, just as I rounded the corner, there he was.
Edmund.
He stood there in his hospital gown, bandage around his head slightly stained, which meant he was bleeding again.
My anger spiked at the sight of him.
He wasn’t even supposed to be out of bed, let alone stirring up this whole drama. Beside him was the chief, and in front of them, the two nurses, looking as pale as ever.
His eyes met mine for the briefest second before he quickly looked away.
“Chief, good afternoon,” I said politely, forcing a smile before turning my glare on him. “Mr. Montgomery, I thought I told you to stay in bed and rest,” I gritted through my teeth.
The chief raised an eyebrow, angry. “Dr. Amelia, I had no idea you and Mr. Montgomery had developed such a… platonic friendship in such a short time.”
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Chapter 9
MSM
My eyes widened in shock. Heat rushed to my checks instantly. “Oh no. Chief fre nothing of that sort, & promisn
Then I suggest you watch your tongue while talking to Mr Montgomery,” she replied firmly before turning back in Edmund. “I’m truly sorry about this Sir.”
He waved her apology off, chuckling lightly. The corner of his mouth curved into that smug smile of his. “It’s fine. Anelix and I go way back. Trust me”
I froze, my chest tightening at his words. Way back? He knew exactly what he was doing. And now, thanks to him, the whispers would never die down.
“Uhm… what’s going on?” I asked, diverting the conversation,my eyes darting between the chief, Edmund, and the po trembling nurses.
“Well, apparently Mr. Montgomery caught these two nurses slandering your name, and asked that they be disciplined,” the chief explained.
I swallowed hard, trying my best not to lash out at him in front of everyone.” Is that so?” I forced a tight smile before turning to Edmund. “Mr. Montgomery, can we talk in my office, please?”
Without waiting for his answer, I spun on my heel and walked briskly down the hall, my chest rising and falling with quick breaths. Every step felt like I was holding onto the last thread of my patience.
Not long after I entered my office, the door opened and he followed. The click of the door shutting behind him was enough to make me snap.
I turned to him sharply. “What the hell was that?”
“Whoa! Calm down, tiger,” he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “If anything, you should be thanking me.”
“Thanking you?” I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief.
“Yes!” He stepped closer, defiant. “I was defending your honor. Those girls had no right to say any of that about you.”
I clenched my fists at my side. “I have no idea what they said, but it doesn’t matter, Edmund. It’s just gossip.”
His jaw tightened. “You should have heard what they said about you.”
‘I don’t care, Edmund!” My voice cracked with anger. “It’s just gossip. But I’m sure a rich, successful man defending my honor–one who also happens to be my patient is an even juicier topic for gossip.”
His eyes burned into mine. “But we aren’t meeting for the first time, are we?” He stated, “We’ve known each other long before now–heck, we were even married.”
I froze, my stomach sinking. My voice dropped into a harsh whisper. “But they don’t know that!”
Control your emotions, Amelia. Breathe.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to calm down, even as my heart thundered against my ribs.
Finally, I exhaled and straightened. “Well, if you can walk around causing trouble, then to me that’s proof you’re strong enough to be discharged.” I picked up a pen and tapped it against my desk. “So congratulations, Mr. Montgomery, you’re free to go home. Just make sure you come regularly for checkups.”
“Amelia, I-”
“Oh, lest I forget.” I opened my drawer and pulled out the phone I had confiscated days ago. I placed it firmly in his hand.
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Chapter 9
“Here’s your phone just please, please don’t overwork yourself. Allow yourself to rest, so your body can heal”
I sat back down in my chair, offering him a small smile. “Have a nice day, Mr. Montgomery
He stood there, staring at me like he wanted to say more, but I refused to meet his gaze. I picked up a file and pretended to read. It was only when I heard the door slam shut that I dropped the act, sighing heavily.
M
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
