Chapter 3

Mabel stared at the paper rabbit, then at the pile of boxes across the room. A mocking smile tugged at her lips.

Millions of dollars in gifts for Jessie and a paper rabbit for her. How generous.

When she didn't take it, Lennon's expression darkened. "Mabel!"

She finally reached out and took the paper rabbit, then casually tossed it onto the table. "Thanks."

In the past, no matter what Lennon gave her, Mabel had always treasured it carefully. She had never thrown his gifts aside like this.

A flicker of irritation crossed Lennon's eyes. Before he could speak, Jessie stepped forward and handed Mabel a document envelope. "Mabel, thanks for today. This is my gift to you."

Lennon leaned in curiously, but she quickly grabbed his arm. "It's a ladies' secret. You're not allowed to look."

"Alright, alright. You're the boss." Lennon stopped looking and let Jessie pull him away to open the gift boxes.

Their lovey-dovey chatter drifted from across the room. Mabel felt a wave of nausea rise in her stomach.

Standing there, she opened the envelope expressionlessly. Inside were two photos.

In the first, a man and a woman stood in bathrobes before the hotel's huge floor-to-ceiling window, smiling boldly at the camera.

In the second, they lay naked in bed, kissing each other. Even the small glimpse captured in the frame made the heat and intimacy unmistakable.

Mabel's grip tightened around the photos, the veins rising along her temples.

"Ugh…" She couldn't hold it in anymore. She ran outside and vomited against the wall in the yard.

Through the glass door behind her, laughter drifted out. Inside, Lennon and Jessie stood shoulder to shoulder, leaning close as if they might kiss at any moment.

…

Since Mabel had decided to leave, the first thing she needed to do was resign. But after signing that confession, she didn't even need to. The hospital had already sent a notice that she was being fired.

Early the next morning, she went to the hospital to pack her things.

Even after years of working there, she had almost nothing at the office. The only thing that mattered was a medical notebook in which she had recorded important cases for future research.

Just as Mabel walked out of the hospital with her things, something hit her.

"You quack! You killed my dad! Pay with your life!"

"Heartless doctor! Murderer! Pay with your life!"

All kinds of trash flew toward her. One bottle struck her forehead before she could react, making her stumble.

Up ahead, Lennon had his arm around Jessie as she arrived for work. His tall, commanding frame completely shielded her in his embrace.

He stood at the edge of the crowd, watching everything coldly.

"It wasn't me." Mabel tried to explain, but an enraged family member shoved a notice in her face.

"The hospital already released the statement. Your mistake killed my dad!"

The notice had been issued by the hospital itself. It explained the medical malpractice incident and placed Mabel's photo beneath it, declaring she was responsible.

Jessie's name never once appeared in the statement.

Mabel clenched her fists. Across the angry crowd, she locked eyes with Lennon.

After a moment, he turned away and walked off with Jessie.

As they passed by, someone slapped Mabel, sending her crashing onto the ground. Through the gaps between people, she saw Lennon stride past them, looking straight ahead.