2
365words
“Maggie,you’re here?”She seemed surprised.
“I heard you were sick,so I wrapped up work early and flew back.”
I handed her a peeled orange.
She’d always been kind to me,part of why I didn’t confront Ethan on the spot—I didn’t want to break her heart.
I opened my mouth to gauge her thoughts on divorce when Ethan returned,Lily trailing him,her face still flushed.
Seeing me,Ethan froze.“Maggie,you didn’t tell me you were coming?You don’t take me seriously.”
I smirked.If I’d warned him,I wouldn’t have caught his little show.
I stared silently.
His tone sharpened.“What,mad because I didn’t reply?You’re too spoiled.”
Before I could speak,Lily chimed in,“Mr.Brooks,don’t get upset—it’s bad for you.”
“Maggie,how could you talk to him like that?He’s so good.Don’t take him for granted,or someone else might steal him.”
She draped herself on Ethan’s chest,“comforting”him.
I laughed,glaring at her.“Who gave you permission to speak?You’re just a caregiver I paid for.”
Lily flinched,cowering into Ethan’s arms.
Pitying the“fragile”girl,Ethan smashed a cup,shouting,“Maggie,take it out on me,not a defenseless girl!Apologize to Lily.”
He stood against me,his face cold.
This was the man I’d shared a bed with for six years,who’d once vowed to love me forever.
He used to speak softly,always shielding me.
Now,he protected Lily.
I met his eyes,firm.“And if I don’t?”
He waved dismissively.“Then leave.Lily’s caring for Mom,and I don’t want her upset.”
A crowd gathered,nurses stepping in to manage the scene.
Humiliation and disappointment flooded me.
“Ethan,don’t regret this.”
My voice trembled slightly as I stormed out.
The rain hadn’t stopped.
Tears or rain streaked my face.
The slick ground worsened my aching ankle.
I slipped,collapsing in the wet.
My strength drained,I couldn’t stand.
The hospital’s back entrance was quiet.
A black umbrella appeared above me.
I turned to see a tall,handsome doctor in a white coat.
Pitying my state,he offered his hand,his voice clear.“You’ll ruin your health like this.”
When I didn’t respond,he scooped me up single-handedly.
His firm chest and clean scent warmed my fingertips.
My cheeks flushed as his hair brushed my face.
He left me the umbrella.
“If you feel unwell,come see me anytime.”
He slipped me his card.
Ryan Mitchell.
I memorized his name.
