Chapter 3

The lab was completely silent as I collapsed on my chair.

My stomach was twisting in pain, and I recalled the sadness I had endured over the past ten years.

In order to help Zoe get her promotion to chief physician, I gave up the opportunities to further my studies overseas. I even suffered from gastritis from exhaustion.

Every surgery that I did back-to-back, and every paper that I wrote had her name on them.

I finally came to a realization. She only loved me for my papers and my capabilities.

I had been wasting my effort on an ingrate.

My phone suddenly buzzed and snapped me out of my thoughts.

Lily sent me a photo of her in a wedding dress.

She also attached a very detailed guide on marriage registration. I could feel her love in between the lines.

I had been a little upset, but I finally relaxed a little.

After I thanked her for her hard work, I had completely let Zoe go.

When I was just about to stand up, Zoe’s father, Peter Anderson, called me.

He was the former CEO of the hospital. Peter instructed with a fierce voice, “Come back for dinner tonight. Let’s discuss the wedding tomorrow.”

It did not sound like an invitation. Instead, it sounded like a command.

At night, I sat before the huge dining table at the Anderson family house. The atmosphere was tense.

Zoe’s mother, Bonnie Anderson, served me some food with fake pleasantry.

“Ethan, you’re a man. You have to be generous toward Jack. Zoe only did that to save his life.”

Jack put on a fawning smile.

He said shamelessly, “It’s good for Zoe to have someone else to support her in her career.”

The previous night, I had barely been able to keep my dinner down.

Peter had a stoic expression as he announced his decision.

“Let Jack have the lead surgeon spot and the research.

“It’s the hospital tradition for senior doctors to lead the junior ones. We’re a family anyway.”

Bonnie nodded and smiled happily.

“Let Jack attend the wedding tomorrow as our godson.

“As the healthcare professional of the next generation, it will be great for him to stand beside both of you.”

I felt extremely insulted.

They were basically sucking me bone-dry.

I put down my fork and stared at the hypocritical family before me.

“What a great scheme you’ve got there.”

Zoe frowned and interrupted me impatiently.

“Ethan, don’t speak like that.

“My parents have already taken a step back and agreed for us to get married. What else do you want?”

Jack immediately agreed as he said with a sweet voice, “Dr. Scott, I’ll do my best and bring honor to the Anderson family.”

I looked at his face and tried not to laugh.

“So, doing your best in seducing another man’s fiancee?”

With a loud bang, Peter slammed his fist against the table.

“How dare you? This isn’t the place for you to speak like that!

“I’ve made my decision. The wedding tomorrow will go on!”

Bonnie stopped smiling as her expression darkened.

“Ethan, you must be more self-aware of your place. Don’t push your luck.”

I felt suffocated in that environment. I did not want to stay a second longer.