She lowered her eyes as she walked over to pack up the medical kit, not forgetting her duties as a doctor. "The wound shouldn't get wet for now. Disinfect it once a day, and try to wear loose clothing to avoid irritating the wound."
She placed the medications down. "This one is for oral use, and this one is for external application."
Shane didn't turn around, merely responding with a faint "Hmm."
Callie didn't say much more either.
She picked up her medical kit and walked out.
She hailed a cab back to the hospital, and it was almost eleven o'clock by the time she arrived. She grabbed a bite to eat at the hospital cafeteria. Just as she returned to her department, the director called her into his office.
"I've decided to send Belinda Ayers to the training at the Second Military District General Hospital," the director said, his expression serious, as if he had something difficult to say.
Callie was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Wasn't I supposed to go?"
"You know, all those high-tech medical devices in our hospital were donated by Skyreach Corporation. President Robinson asked me to look after Dr. Ayers, and I can't refuse him."
Hearing Shane's name made Callie a bit nervous. Although she had become Shane Robinson's wife with the approval of both families, the two of them had never officially met.
She had only seen him in financial magazines and on TV.
Him and Belinda?
Callie felt a pang in her heart but maintained a calm exterior. "Is that so?" she asked.
"Yes, we have full confidence in your professionalism and medical skills," the director reassured her. Among the young doctors, she was the one he admired the most.
Callie lowered her eyes. "I understand."
She knew that as the wife forced upon him, she was insignificant and would never hold a place in his heart.
"I have a surgery this afternoon, so I'll be leaving now," she said.
She knew deep down that this situation was beyond repair.
The director sighed and let her go about her work.
By the afternoon, after two surgeries, she was utterly exhausted. She washed her hands, took off her blue surgical gown, and sat down to rest.
Belinda walked in.
"Dr. Norris," she said with a smile. "How about I treat you to dinner?"
"I have other plans," Callie politely declined. She and Belinda were not particularly close but merely colleagues.
They had graduated from the same university, the same year.
But Belinda had a strong, competitive personality. She loved being in the spotlight and comparing herself to others.
Callie, on the other hand, preferred quiet and enjoyed reading. They were simply not on the same wavelength.
That's why they never became good friends.
"I see," Belinda replied, looking troubled. "Actually, I need to talk to you about something."
Callie stood up to hang her coat, not looking at her. "Go ahead."
For some reason, knowing that Belinda had a connection with Shane made Callie want to distance herself even more.
"You've probably heard by now, right? I'm really sorry, I didn't know the director would..."
"It's fine," Callie interrupted her.
Belinda lowered her eyes, her gaze shifting. "Also, about me not being at the hospital last night, could you keep that a secret? I'm about to start an internship at the main hospital, and I don't want any complications."
The excuse seemed a bit cheap.
Callie knew Belinda liked to play these kinds of games and said, "I won't say anything."
Covering a shift for a colleague was a common affair.
Everyone had emergencies from time to time.
Outside the hospital, the sky was getting darker, and the streetlights had already come on.
A black luxury SUV was parked at the entrance. Gabriel was inside, boasting, "My junior's medical skills are pretty good, right?"
Shane lounged lazily in the car, recalling how calm and efficient she was while treating his wound. He had to admit, he was impressed with her abilities.
"Miss Ayers," Henry reminded from the front seat.
Shane lowered the car window.
Belinda walked over.
Gabriel saw her and raised an eyebrow slightly. "Belinda."
"You know her?" Henry asked, turning around.
Gabriel nodded. "She was my junior in school."
Shane looked up, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes.
Was she the one who saved him last night and treated his wounds today?
She—
Henry sighed, "Is Cupid finally awake?"
Had he finally decided to play matchmaker for his boss?
Gabriel frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"President Robinson."
At that moment, Belinda walked over, interrupting their conversation.
Gabriel came here looking for Callie, hitching a ride with Shane.
When Belinda approached, Gabriel opened the car door and got out, saying, "I'm heading off."
After he left, Belinda got into the car and sat across from Shane, feeling a bit uneasy. She realized that Shane might have mistaken her for someone else.
However, she also recognized the benefits of being close to him.
The dean had always admired Callie, and suddenly, the opportunity to intern at the Second Military District General Hospital was given to her, all because of Shane.
Belinda decided to seize this man.
Such a good thing, such an opportunity, was rare. She felt that fate was favoring her, and she had to grab it.
"I've made up my mind," she said, lifting her gaze.
Shane seemed surprised that she had made a decision so quickly. He shifted slightly, appearing casual but actually curious about her answer.
"I don't want anything."
For him to promise marriage, there
Shane pressed his lips tightly together, his emotions hard to read, and his voice incredibly calm. "Are you sure about this?"
Belinda nodded.
Maybe she had acted on impulse last night.
He wouldn't force her.
"I respect your decision."
...
At the hospital.
Callie was in the break room reading a medical book. After her shift, she didn't feel like going back to Shane's place, and she definitely didn't want to go home.
So, she spent her time at the hospital, where she could read and learn, which she found quite nice.
Knock, knock—
The door was knocked on and then pushed open. Gabriel saw her and asked, "Why are you hiding in here?"
"I'm not hiding."
Callie closed her book and placed it on the table, then stood up and walked over. "Senior, what brings you here?"
"You helped me out, so I have to thank you, right?" He smiled.
"Come on, let me treat you to something delicious."
She shook her head. "No, thanks."
"What's wrong? Are you upset?" Gabriel noticed something was off about her mood.
Callie avoided his gaze and said, "No, I'm fine."
Gabriel clearly didn't believe her. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me. Or do you not trust me either?"
"No, it's not that," she hurriedly explained, then sighed. "I won't be working with you."
"Why?" Gabriel frowned deeply, a hint of anger in his eyes. "Did the director change his mind? Who did he give the spot to? I'll go talk to him."
Callie grabbed his arm and shook her head.
"Isn't your dream to become an outstanding military doctor? If you can't even get into the main hospital, how can you talk about dreams?" Gabriel couldn't believe it.
She had worked so hard, studied so diligently, all to achieve her dream, hadn't she?
Callie lowered her eyes. It wasn't that she had given up on her dream; it was reality that had made things difficult for her.
Besides, she didn't want to cause trouble for Gabriel.
Gabriel pressed his lips together. "I understand."
Callie forced a smile. "Let me treat you to dinner."
"Next time," Gabriel replied, his mind clear as a bell. The spot was meant for her, but she got replaced. There had to be some underhanded dealings. Callie was letting it go because she felt powerless.
But he couldn't swallow this injustice.
"I just remembered I have something to do. I'll go first."
After saying that, he turned and left, fuming with anger.
Gabriel stormed directly into the dean's office. He had the confidence to do so, not just because of his own merits, but also because he came from a wealthy family.
The dean was on the phone when Gabriel barged in. Seeing him, the dean quickly ended the call abruptly, "That's all," and stood up with a smile. "Dr. Byrne, what brings you here?"
"The candidate for the general hospital was supposed to be Callie, wasn't it? Why was it changed? Who bribed you to pull strings? If you don't explain this today, don't blame me for what happens next."
The dean looked troubled and sighed. "I had no choice in this matter. You see, President Robinson instructed me to take care of Dr. Ayers. What could I do?"
Hearing the name Shane, Gabriel's brow furrowed deeply.
"If you're unhappy about it, go talk to him yourself." The dean, trying to be clever, deflected the issue, knowing both parties were beyond his ability to handle.
Still seething, Gabriel turned to find Shane. As he exited the hospital, he saw Belinda stepping out of a car.
He strode over.
Belinda greeted him with a smile, "Senior."
Gabriel didn't know what expression to put on.
He glanced inside the car and, out of courtesy, gave a brief nod.
After Belinda left, Gabriel couldn't help but feel indignant on behalf of Callie. It irked him that this person, who had gotten in through connections, was on good terms with him.
Shane had never shown interest in any woman before.
But now, his special attention towards Belinda seemed to suggest something more.
Could he ruin his friend's chance?
It was rare for Shane Robinson to actively try to win a woman's favor.
"I don't get it. What do you see in Belinda?"
Shane Robinson lifted his gaze, his eyebrows slightly raised, exuding an aura of authority without even trying. "Hmm?"
Gabriel gritted his teeth. "Fine, for your happiness, I'll swallow my pride."
Shane gave him a glance, his deep, calm, dark eyes unwavering. "Let's go."
Henry started the car and drove off. Gabriel felt he needed to do something for Callie. Just as he turned around to find her, he saw her walking out.
"Callie," Gabriel called out, stepping forward.
"I need to go back," she said with a smile, looking at Gabriel.
Gabriel felt a pang in his heart. "Callie, about finding a matching heart for your mother, I'll do my best to help you find a suitable one as soon as possible."
Thinking about her mother made her heart clench tightly. She tried hard to hide her emotions, but her voice betrayed her, trembling slightly. "Really?"
A heart is not just any organ; it's incredibly difficult to find a match.
Some people wait their entire lives and never find one.
"Thank you, Gabriel," she said, not knowing how to express her gratitude.
Her eyes started to feel a bit warm.
"There's no need for thanks between us," Gabriel said, feeling a bit embarrassed. If it weren't for Shane pulling some strings, she would be one step closer to her dream.
"I'll take you home," Gabriel offered.
Callie quickly declined, "No need."
She wasn't heading back to the Robinson Family estate, so she refused.
Gabriel didn't insist.
...
After parting ways with Gabriel, Callie took a cab back to the villa.
Thinking about how Shane would probably never set foot here, she felt much more relaxed. Even Mrs. Ford noticed she wasn't as tense as when she first moved in and asked with a smile, "Something good happen? You seem pretty happy."
Callie lowered her head as she changed her shoes at the entrance. "I really enjoy living with you, Mrs. Ford. Just the two of us."
Mrs. Ford, "..."
"So, am I the third wheel here?"
That voice...
Callie looked up to see a man standing in the living room. His demeanor was cold, and he looked down at her with a hint of disdain.
If she hadn't seen him in financial magazines and on TV, she wouldn't have recognized him as her 'husband.'
She hadn't expected him to show up.
"Why are you... back?"
Callie was completely at a loss for what he was doing here. Didn't he despise this marriage?
He should be the last person who wanted to see her.
Shane's face darkened, and his brows furrowed. "What, do I need your permission to come back?"
Callie lowered her head, realizing that she had indeed 'invaded' his territory.
"Sign it."
Shane threw a divorce agreement onto the table.
Callie glanced at the document. It was no surprise that he wanted a divorce; it was expected. But she couldn't agree to it right now—she needed to wait until her mother's surgery was over.
"Robinson..." She started, unsure how to address him, "Can we..."
"Don't want a divorce?" Shane cut her off before she could finish. He wasn't surprised by her reaction. If she had wanted to leave easily, she wouldn't have made such a desperate request for him to marry her in the first place.
"Fine, just don't regret it." Shane turned and walked away.
Clearly, he misunderstood her. Callie wanted to explain, but in her haste to catch up, she tripped over the threshold, and her bag fell to the floor.
Its contents scattered everywhere.
She quickly knelt down to gather her things, realizing something was missing. As she searched, she noticed it had fallen near Shane's feet. Almost instinctively, she reached out to grab it, trying to hide it.
Just as she touched it, the blister pack was stepped on.
She looked up.
Shane's face remained expressionless, but he seemed intrigued by her nervousness. He bent down, moved his foot aside, and picked up the item.
It was a small package.
He took out one pill and swallowed it.
One pill remained.
Turning the package over, he saw the name "Plan B" written on it. He might not have known exactly what it was at first, but the words "72-hour emergency contraception" made it clear.
If he didn't understand that, he'd be a fool.
His eyes lowered, staring at the woman sprawled on the floor in a panic. His face remained emotionless, but his tone was laced with mockery and sarcasm. "On your wedding night, you went looking for another man?"
At that moment, he felt utterly disgusted by this woman.
Callie's fingers curled slowly into a fist as she forced herself to suppress a tremble and slowly stood up.
She didn't argue against his taunts.
Because she couldn't.
"I never wanted to marry you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Her insincerity was revolting. Shane threw the package at her face, a sharp edge grazing her cheek and leaving a thin line of blood.
Callie instinctively closed her eyes. The pain on her face was nothing compared to the humiliation of his action. She bit her lip gently, bent down to pick up the pill, and clenched it tightly. The thin plastic package deformed in her grip, pressing painfully into her palm.
"You like men, huh? I'll make sure you get what you want." With that, Shane walked away.
However, it only took one night for Callie to understand the meaning behind his words.
The next morning, as she was getting ready for work, Henry showed up at the villa.
Thankuu