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Benjamin and I grabbed dinner before heading back.
He carried the report, seemingly expecting to meet Adrian.
After yesterday's scene, Adrian hadn't called, but hadn't signed either.
I knew he wouldn't give up easily.
Sure enough, approaching my apartment building, he stood waiting.
Seeing me with Benjamin, fury ignited. "Emma Wilson! We're still legally married! Couldn't wait to replace me?"
"Are you insane? Get lost!" I snapped.
Benjamin held me back. Silently, he offered the report.
Adrian looked confused, then angry. He snatched it and threw it back at Benjamin. "Ben Cole! What's your game?"
"You think she seems healthy?" Benjamin retrieved the report calmly. He flipped to the end, to the detailed photos of my scars. He held it inches from Adrian's face. "What about these?"
"She's my wife! Whatever her condition, it's none of your damn business!" Adrian's face contorted with rage. "Ben Cole! What are you trying to do? Play the white knight? You want her? You're years too late!"
"If I'd known you'd exploit her like this," Benjamin's voice was icy, "I'd never have entrusted her to you back then."
"This is a human being, Adrian. Just like you and me. Did you see her as your personal doll? Something to manipulate?"
"With actions like yours, do you deserve anyone calling you 'Professor'?"
Adrian's eyes flickered back and forth over the photos of my scars. He seemed lost for words.
"Adrian Miller, you still won't let her go? Have you no shame?"
Benjamin finished speaking, took my arm firmly, and guided me away.
We walked a long distance.
I glanced back.
Adrian remained frozen in place, unmoving.
I murmured my thanks to Benjamin.
He shook his head. "If only I'd waited back then... waited until you woke up... maybe everything would be different now."
I gave him a small smile. "From now on, I'll protect myself. Regular checkups. This won't happen again."
Six years ago, he saved my life.
Six years later, he saved me once more.
Perhaps that is the true duty of a doctor.
