Chapter 2

There was a brief silence on the other end of the call before Seth Dawson's voice came through. "Greg, you've gone too far. Even if you're lying, you shouldn't joke about something like that happening to your mom."

Hearing that, Bethany lost her temper and screamed, "Gregory Harrington! You're unbelievable! Go ahead and play whatever dirty games you want. But I'd rather teach a complete idiot than teach you anything!"

I couldn't be bothered arguing anymore. Just as I was about to hang up, Bethany spoke again.

"If your mom's condition isn't that serious, then get back to work. I want you at the hospital tonight!"

"Why?" I asked.

"The patient from today's surgery suddenly developed severe post-op complications. We need you back here immediately."

I'd reviewed the patient's chart before. His overall condition and his vital signs had been stable.

Although the surgical technique Bethany had pioneered could save lives, it also carried a high risk of severe postoperative complications. But given the patient's condition, the chances of that happening had been extremely low.

Before I could say anything, she barked, "If you're not back before midnight tonight, don't bother coming home!"

With that, she hung up.

I stared at the darkened screen as emotions finally crashed over me. I crouched against the wall outside, smoking cigarette after cigarette until I regained my composure.

Then, I called a coworker and asked him to help me file my resignation paperwork with the chief. I told him to keep it quiet until everything was finalized.

By then, I didn't have the strength or patience left to deal with Bethany's constant drama.

…

I didn't go home that night. I turned off my phone too, and it wasn't until the week after Mom's memorial service that I finally returned with my luggage.

The moment I walked in, I saw Bethany curled up against Seth on the couch, tears streaming down her face.

Even after noticing me, Seth made no move to let her go.

"Look who finally came home," he said, his smile smug.

I clenched my fists and hissed through gritted teeth, "Get the hell out of my house! Don't pull this disgusting crap in my home."

The second he saw how furious I was, Seth quickly pulled his arm away from Bethany. Then, he switched to an innocent look.

"Dr. Olsen's been having a hard time these past few days. I just came by to check on her. But if you really don't want me here, I can leave."

As he got to his feet, Bethany stood too. In the next instant, she marched over and slapped me hard.

"You still have the nerve to criticize him? Do you even realize how badly you screwed everything up? If it weren't for you, that patient would still be alive!"

Seth jumped in at once. "Exactly. Your mom wasn't even critically ill, and disappearing from the hospital for days was irresponsible. Just because your mom mattered to you doesn't mean you can put another patient at risk."

I almost laughed from sheer disbelief. Apparently, they could pin any blame they wanted on me.

"Bethany, first of all, your patient's death had nothing to do with me. I took official leave and followed every protocol. You don't get to dump the blame on me.

"Second, this is my house. You and Seth can get the hell out! We're done!"

Bethany stared at me in disbelief. "Seriously, Gregory? My patient died. I've been devastated over it, and you disappeared for days. Instead of comforting me, you're breaking up with me?"

Without missing a beat, Seth piled on me further.

"Greg, I have to be honest. You've been an awful boyfriend. You weren't here when Dr. Olsen needed you the most. Now, all you ever care about is lying and trying to steal her techniques. If I were her, I would've broken up with you ages ago."

Bethany tried to hit me again, but this time, I grabbed her wrist and shoved her back onto the couch.