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I had the divorce papers drawn up.
I signed them myself.
I instructed the lawyer to serve Adrian.
There was no response.
My attorney called him twice.
Adrian claimed he wasn’t happy with how the assets were split. He wanted to renegotiate.
Sophie lost it. She said he was just stalling and playing games.
I couldn't get ahold of him.
But Adrian kept showing up in Chloe Richards' social media posts.
A wristwatch, a profile shot, the back of his head.
Even that limited-edition Burberry trench.
I'd waited in line for three hours to buy it.
Back then, he complained my taste was tacky.
Said I only cared about labels, never understood what he wanted.
Now, that same coat was draped under Chloe's backside.
She was clinging to his arm, flashing a peace sign at the camera.
Caption, [#SoThoughtfulProfessor]
I stared at that photo of the coat for a long time.
Mostly, I regretted the money I spent.
I should have bought it for myself.
Two weeks later, I went to the hospital to get my stitches out.
The doctor commended me on being tough..
"Stitched up without anesthetic and didn't make a sound!"
"I was born without the ability to feel pain," I said softly. "I don't feel it."
His smile faded.
His eyes scanned the various scars on my arm.
He frowned. "That's not necessarily good news. People in your condition need more frequent check-ups to avoid injuries. Serious issues can go unnoticed."
I was stunned.
Adrian always said my condition made me the perfect live subject—saved on anesthesia.
No one had ever said anything like this to me before.
"I meant to ask you last time," he went on, serious. "That cut... was it an accident? It was too precise. Almost surgical. I nearly called the police."
His expression was grave. "There are unethical people out there, Emma. They seek out people like you for... experiments. You have to protect yourself. Don't let anyone take advantage of you."
Here was a stranger—a doctor like Adrian—warning me about the risks.
My own husband had pushed me onto his operating table over and over.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
A wave of bitter self-blame washed over me. How could I have been so blind?
Leaving the office, I remembered a friend worked in Obstetrics.
I thought I'd stop by and say hello.
But outside the clinic door, I saw Chloe and Adrian.
She was gazing up at him all lovesick, practically hanging off him.
Their hands were locked together.
They looked like a happy newlywed couple.
I slowed my steps.
I turned to leave, not wanting to see it.
Too late.
Adrian spotted me.
He jerked his hand out of Chloe's and rushed over.
Panic was all over his face. "Emma, don't get the wrong idea! Chloe wasn't feeling well. I just brought her in. She got scared, so I—"
Any desire to see my friend vanished.
I walked straight toward the elevators, cutting him off, "The lawyer says you’re refusing to sign. What's the problem?"
"Emma Wilson!" He grabbed my arm, furious. "It's been weeks! I've apologized! How long are you going to drag this out?"
"Let go!" I said, icy. "Your student is waiting. Go take care of her."
He froze.
I pulled my arm back and kept walking.
Distracted, I almost ran right into someone.
Strong hands steadied me. "You alright?"
I recognized the voice.
Dr. Benjamin Cole—the doctor who'd just removed my stitches.
Adrian sounded shocked behind me. "Benjamin Cole? What are you doing here?"
"Transferred here last month," Benjamin replied evenly. He nodded. "Long time no see."
Adrian's expression turned weird.
No happiness seeing an old classmate.
He mumbled something back, then his eyes shot back to me.
His tone became almost pleading. "Emma, please. Whatever this is, let's talk at home, okay?"
I was momentarily surprised by the sudden shift.
Then it hit me. Benjamin was a doctor too.
Adrian’s scared his live experiments might get exposed.
So hypocritical.
I ignored him.
I looked at Benjamin. "Dr. Cole, actually, I had some follow-up questions. Do you have time?"
Benjamin Cole's gaze swept over Adrian and Chloe behind him.
He nodded. "Of course."
I felt a rush of relief.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adrian try to follow, but Chloe held him back.
