Chapter 5

Ellie’s P.O.V.

OBGYN?

But why?

That question struck me like a blow to my gut. I couldn’t grasp the reason behind this sudden visit to a gynecologist so soon.

As the rest of their conversation was inaudible, I stepped back from the corridor, leaving without voicing the questions that gnawed on my mind.

Even if I asked them now, it would cause an unnecessary scene. So, it was better to just focus on my present world right now.

I returned to that waiting area and sat there, Mr. Charles still busy on the call at some distance.

However, the word OBGYN still echoed in my mind, settling into something I couldn’t ignore. My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag.

‘This isn’t right. It can’t be a coincidence.’

Deep in my thoughts, I didn’t pay attention to the steady footsteps approaching me. I almost flinched when a familiar voice echoed.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Ellie.”

My head snapped up.

Alice stood a few steps away, a hint of surprise evident on her perfect face.

Jared stood beside her, composed and unfazed, as if yesterday had never happened.

Alice’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she said, “I should congratulate you, Ellie. Mom told me about your wedding.”

My chest tightened painfully as she looked at Jared and added with a shy smile.

“I am sorry. I couldn’t attend. Things become rushed on our side.”

Rushed?

Of course, they did!

I stood up slowly, facing that man who claimed to love me until yesterday.

Jared’s gaze met mine briefly, then shifted away. He looked at Alice and said,

“Mr. Hunt handled the things before they got worse.”

The words landed quietly, but they cut deeper than anything louder could ever have.

Jared continued without a speck of hesitation in his voice.

“This marriage was the right thing to do. Both families had avoided unnecessary embarrassment in the city.”

My heart throbbed painfully. After two years of our loving relationship, that was all he had to say.

There was no regret in his voice, just logic. Like this was what remained of us.

Forcing my expressions to stay steady, I spoke calmly.

“Thanks, Alice. I am here for my husband.”

My gaze shifted between them.

“What about you? First day of marriage, and you chose a hospital?”

Jared’s expressions changed instantly. But before he could respond, Alice’s smile deepened.

“What else, Ellie? I had some reports to collect.”

She adjusted the file in her hand, pulling it closer to her chest.

“Nothing serious. Just making sure everything is… in order.”

Her eyes met mine, calm and confident.

“The doctor was quite pleased. In fact, discipline shows results in more ways than one.”

The meaning behind her taunt settled between us, clear and intentional.

Alice couldn’t leave a single opportunity to criticize my appearance using sweet words.

My fingers curled tightly at my sides as Jared stepped closer to her, his hand resting naturally around her shoulders.

“Alice takes care of herself.” He spoke simply. “And it shows.”

My eyes lingered on that hand around Alice’s shoulders, sensing the ease between them. They stood together as a perfect married couple, like there was nothing that had once belonged to me.

Forcing a polite smile, I said, “I am glad for you, Alice.”

She tilted her head. “You should take care of yourself too.”

Her tone was gentle, yet the words sounded cruel. “Health matters more than we realize.”

I replied flatly. “Sure. I will keep it in my mind.”

Jared checked the time and said,

“We should go, Alice. Mom is waiting for us.”

“Oh, right.” Her smile brightened. “Everyone is eager to meet me.”

Her gaze then lingered on me for a second longer before she turned.

“You should rest, Ellie. It’s been a long day for you.”

And just like that, they walked away, Jared’s protective embrace shielding Alice from the passersby.

I stood there silent, my eyes fixed on their disappearing figures.

My hand flew to my mouth as my carefully composed façade shattered, my chest heaving frantically. I spun on my heels and rushed out of the hospital building, my steps faster and sharper.

The bright sunlight hit my face, but I kept walking until I reached the quiet parking lot. Although I tried my best to stay strong, tears came anyway, my broken sobs echoing in the surroundings.

I bent forward, my breath breaking as everything I had been holding finally slipped through.

It wasn’t just this surprise meet-up.

Everything that happened until now.

The wedding.

The humiliation.

The way Jared looked at me like I meant nothing.

It was so hard for me to accept that he moved on so easily, like I had never existed.

I let out a shaky breath and wiped my face with trembling hands, but tears flowed like rivers of despair.

Leaning against the car, I pressed my palms against my eyes to steady myself despite the ache in my chest.

“Interesting!”

I froze at once as a low, unhurried voice came from behind me.

“I didn’t expect weather like this today.”

Exhaling sharply, I turned.

Zack stood a few steps away, one hand in his pocket, the other loosely holding his phone. There wasn’t a single crease on his sharp blue suit.

His keen gaze moved over my face, scanning me, as he added casually.

“I came to visit Dad. Didn’t realize I had walked into a storm.”

Heat crept up my neck.

I looked away.

“You can go back to your day. I don’t need an audience.”

Although I expected him to leave, the sound of deliberate footsteps approached me. I glanced at the side.

Zack moved beside me now, leaning against the car as his one arm rested casually along the roof.

He inched closer, close enough that I could smell his expensive perfume.

“I wasn’t aware this requires an invitation.” He whispered. “Next time, I will be careful.”

I took a step back instinctively, my heart racing. To ignore that six feet three inches of pure masculinity, I reached into my bag and pulled out a tissue, focusing on wiping the last traces from my face.

‘Doesn’t he have anything better to do?’ I muttered under my breath.

Zack’s expression remained indifferent as he said, his voice thoughtful.

“I would have offered you a handkerchief, but… I am not sure if it would survive the situation.”

My hand stilled for a second. I raised my head and glared hard at him.

But Zack… he didn’t look away.

“I am fine.” I said firmly. “This has nothing to do with you.”

“Hmm.” His eyes studied me up and down. “Well, this is… interesting.”

Again?

I frowned. “What is so interesting here?”

He tilted his head. “A newly married woman standing in a hospital lot… looking like this.”

I squeezed the tissue in my grip.

“You assume too much.”

“Do I?” He pushed off the car, moving closer, just enough to shift the space between us.

My heart betrayed me at that critical moment. It skipped a beat and then raced wildly.

“I am not…” I said, holding my ground. “Crying over my ex.”

My sharp retort silenced him momentarily. There was a faint, almost imperceptible shift in his expressions as he said,

“Then you have no reason to look this miserable.”

He added, his tone factual. “If this is about my father, he isn’t dying today.”

Of course, he wasn’t.

Mr. Walton was sent just for scans, not a life-threatening procedure.

As I had to meet him today, I composed myself.

“I am going back inside. He must be done with the scans.”

I turned around, walking away. But then…

“Ellie!”

The way Zack called my name with rare softness halted me in my tracks.

I glanced over my shoulder.

“You should be careful,” he said quietly. “Not everything in the world is what it looks like.”