Honey, Let's Get Married

Being a doctor for quite some time, Fiona had seen all the gruesome details—or so she thought.

Fiona Smith was no stranger to the hospital's stressful environment. At twentyeight years old, she grew familiar with the smell of disinfectant and the soft whirring of medical equipment that filled the air.

It was all normal for her.

That was until she had just finished her lunch when the intercom boomed again in the hospital's corridors.

And this time, their paging sounded different.

The nurse's voice was shaky, and her words were hurried. "Attention to Dr. Fiona Smith: Please report to the emergency room immediately."

Fiona's heart skipped a beat as she heard the announcement over the intercom. In a hurry, Fiona dashed into the emergency room while still in scrubs.

She had never once imagined that she would encounter the most ironic situation she would come across as a doctor, being entrusted with rescuing her husband's mistress, who was pregnant with their child.

Fiona rushed to her patient in the crowded emergency room and saw nurses clustered around the hysterical pregnant patient.

"Where the fuck is your doctor?!"

"Dr. Smith is on the way, ma'am," said the attending nurse.

With that, Fiona drove through the chaos and urgently asked a nurse, "I'm here. Give me the details."

The attending nurse cast an eye on the woman. "Dr. Smith, thank goodness you're here! Anyway, the patient is experiencing severe abdominal pain and bleeding. We've already administered IVs and fluids."

"Okay, let's get her to trauma one and start a full workup. Has she had any prenatal care?" Fiona probed.

"Not that we are aware of, Doc."

"Move out of the way!" Fiona gave instructions.

As she walked toward the pregnant woman, Fiona's eyes widened. She always believed that she had witnessed every possible medical emergency.

What she saw, however, was more than she had bargained for.

Fiona had never once imagined that she would encounter the most ironic situation she would come across as a doctor, being entrusted with rescuing her husband's mistress, who was pregnant with their child.

Alice Miller.

There, lying in bed, was her husband's mistress, pregnant with their first child. Her thighs were covered in blood as she clutched her bulging stomach in agony.

"Please help my baby! I can't lose him! Please, Doc—" Alice gasped, her mouth parted as she gazed at Fiona. "Fiona?!"

Fiona was terrified when she discovered that her husband, whom she had loved for years, had cheated on her with a younger woman and even had a child. Although she knew the facts of their relationship, the reality that he was a cheater still cut to the very core of her soul.

"How could it be you?" Alice gritted her teeth, her face scorning in a fury.

Fiona could say the same.

"How could it be you?!" Alice cried, her wails resonating throughout the emergency room.

She wondered why, out of all the doctors, she was chosen to be assigned to her husband's mistress. Fiona didn't know what to feel—whether or not she should be angry or sympathetic about Alice's situation.

Alice continued crying. She glared at Fiona. Please, I can't lose my baby. Give me another doctor! I don't want this bitch!"

The nurse beside Fiona frowned when she saw she didn't move and inquired, "Dr. Smith, we need your instructions now. The patient is bleeding excessively!"

However, Fiona still didn't respond. She was frozen before Alice, gazing at her longingly while her hands formed into tight fists.

"Earth to you, Dr. Smith! The patient is in a critical state!" The attending nurse called her out.

Fiona quickly snapped out of her trance and looked at the nurse. "Ultrasound her and check the baby's condition."

Right then, Alice went berserk. "Not her, please! Just anyone but her!"

Fiona couldn't believe what was happening. Alice was in the hospital, needing help for her and her unborn child's survival. God! How their situation had changed so quickly!

'Why do I have to save her?' A bitter thought crossed her mind.

But as a doctor, it was her duty to save every patient, even if it meant swallowing her pride and putting her personal feelings aside.

Meanwhile, the nurses tried to calm Alice, holding her arms as they gave her an ultrasound. As soon as the blackandwhite imaging popped up on the screen, the nurse said, "Doctor, the fetal heart rate is dropping."

"Alright, we're going to have to go in. Get the OR prepped and call the surgical team," Fiona instructed them.

Alice sobbed. "NO! I'm not due yet!"

Fiona didn't answer her and said to the nurse as she pierced a gaze at Alice. "Tell them this is an emergency surgery."

"You're not taking my son from me!" Alice writhed in pain. "Get out of here! You're not my doctor!"

Fiona's heart sank as she saw the desperation in Alice's eyes. She knew that time was of the essence, and any delay could be fatal. With a quick nod to the nurses, she took charge and began to prep Alice for surgery, her mind racing as she tried to stay focused.

"Are you deaf? I told you to leave! I refuse to have you treat me! Give me a more qualified doctor!" Alice let out a piercing scream at the nurse.

When Fiona noticed Alice's condition worsening, she ignored her and instructed the nurse, "Get her some oxygen and dose it with tranquillizers."

"Right away, doc!" The nurse grabbed Alice's chin and put on the oxygen mask. Thankfully, her antics were covert.

Despite that, she kept her eyes on Fiona, who seemed at ease. Alice carefully glanced at Fiona from head to toe before laughing sarcastically. "I was wondering if you knew my son's father. It's your husband, Kahl, Fiona!"

And just before the sedatives entirely took her consciousness, she mumbled, "You look pathetic, Fiona. He's pregnant with my child, and you have—"

Fiona disregarded Alice's desperate provocation. She was only concerned with saving Alice's life and the baby's.

While in the operation room, Fiona's fingers moved with mechanical accuracy like an inanimate machine. But halfway through the operation, the head nurse delivered a crushing blow.

"Dr. Smith, the patient is only seven months pregnant. She has a premature rupture of membranes and uterine contractions," she said solemnly. "Her heartbeat fluctuates every second. We can't save her and the child."

Fiona's heart sank as she looked down at the unconscious woman on the operating table. She knew the risks, and she had to make a decision quickly.

After a few minutes of contemplation, Fiona spoke calmly. "We'll proceed with an invasive hysterectomy. Scalpel."

She continued the surgery and focused her attention on Alice. Despite dreading the aftermath of the operation, she had no choice but to terminate the baby. It was the best thing she could do to save Alice's life as her doctor.

After the successful sevenhour operation, Fiona exited the surgery room. As she glanced up at the waiting area, her body froze as she spotted a familiar figure.

It was Kahl Brown, her estranged husband.

Kahl's gaze was intense, almost predatory. Fiona felt like she was at the mercy of a dangerous predator. She stood before him, unsure of what to do or say. Fiona tried to read the emotions in Kahl's eyes for a long moment, but they were as inscrutable as ever.

Attempting to shatter the deafening silence around them, she mustered up the courage to say, "Mr. Kahl Brown, you're here..."

Kahl had never been this gravely concerned about her when they were still together. The man had always been busy throughout their marriage.

He was unfaithful but letting Alice carry his child was almost unbearable. She didn't know whether to hit or confront him about his betrayal. God! It was only because of Alice that Fiona learned of his infidelity.

Right then, Kahl finally spoke, "How is she?" His voice was cold and indifferent. "Is the baby fine?"

Fiona was taken aback. She had been expecting anger or defensiveness, but Kahl's detachment was almost worse. It was as if he didn't care about her at all. For a moment, Fiona was tempted to lash out at him, but then she remembered Alice, who was carrying Kahl's child, and she felt sympathy.

"Kahl, listen, Alice is fine now, but"

"But what?" he sternly demanded. "What happened to my son?"

When Fiona remembered Alice's bad condition, she tried to hold back her emotions and be professional while caring for the patient.

"Alice is out of danger, but the child couldn't make it. I'm sorry, Mr. Brown. Your girlfriend's and your son's conditions are critical. We must take him out, or both of them will die," Fiona answered professionally.

"Youwhat?!" Kahl gritted his teeth; his voice was quivering in anger. "You killed him?"

Fiona tilted her chin and faced him squarely. "We have to take him out, or Alice would have"

"Fuck!" he cursed out loud.

She bit her lips as she watched him bury his face in his palms. Feeling empathetic, Fiona said, "Kahl, I suggest—"

"What did I just hear, huh?!" A familiar voice interrupted her from behind.

It was Laura Davis, Kahl's mother.

She appeared out of nowhere just as Fiona spoke. The woman quickly stormed over to them with the babysitter, Megan Johnson.

"Mom!" she gasped. Fiona's heart sank as she saw fear and dread etched on their faces.

Laura wasted no time confronting Fiona. "What did you mean? "How come you didn't save the baby?"

Of course, Laura knew about Alice and the baby. It's unlikely she didn't know about Laura's pregnancy.

Fiona explained, "It was a complicated surgery, and unfortunately, we couldn't save the baby. She underwent premature labour, and we had to extract him before both died."

But Laura was having none of it. Her anger seemed to grow with each passing moment. "You're a doctor, for Pete's sake! How can you not save my grandson?" she demanded.

Fiona was taken aback. Did they think she could perform miracles just because she was a doctor? She couldn't help but feel like they were expecting too much from her.

"As I told Kahl, Mom, Alice was in a critical state. We have done what we could do to save her," Fiona calmly explained, despite the anger bubbling inside her.

"Save her? You didn't manage to save my grandson, Fiona! How could you say the operation was successful?" Laura screamed, catching everyone's attention in the corridor. "You call yourself a doctor but couldn't even save my grandson! How pathetic!"

Fiona felt a lump form in her throat as the words hit her. She couldn't believe what her motherinlaw had just said. Of all the people, she thought Laura would understand her.

She was Kahl's legal wife, and Alice was his mistress! Why were they blasting at her when she had more reason to be irritated than them?

"Mom... I know you're mad, but if—"

Laura interrupted her again, "Stop calling me mom, Fiona! No one needs a daughterinlaw as useless as you! You can't even save my son's kid?"

Taking a moment to compose herself, Fiona quizzically probed, "Can you believe your son was cheating on me? I'm his legal wife, while Alice is simply his other woman."

Laura scoffed, "A mistress? There's no comparison between you and her. Well, at least Alice is fertile enough to have his kid, unlike you!"

"Like how I couldn't give him a son?" Fiona argued, finally having enough of Laura and her prejudiced antics. She couldn't believe the audacity of it all. She was Kahl's wife, yet she was treated like an outsider.

"How dare you talk back to me? It's because of you that Kahl had Alice, Fiona!" Laura retorted, her lips pursing in contempt.

Fiona couldn't believe how twisted Laura's mind was. She shook her head and crossed her arms. "So, it's my fault that your son had a mistress and can't get his cock out of the bitch's pussy?"

However, Laura relentlessly protected her son, which Fiona found nearly impossible to counter. The situation seemed to escalate until Kahl stepped in, his voice acting like the blocking agent amidst the chaos.

"That's enough!" His firm command made them abruptly halt, realizing they had crossed the line. "If the two of you are going to fight, take it outside the hospital."

Without another word, Kahl turned and left, leaving Fiona without any explanation. His coldness left Fiona reeling, and she felt despair washing over her as she watched him walk out.

"We're not yet done, Fiona..." Laura grimaced and pointed her index finger at her before leaving Fiona in the corridor. She then followed her son, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

While watching their backs vanish from her sight, Fiona felt a shock wash over her. Fiona couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal, both from Kahl and Laura. She was the last to know about Alice's pregnancy.

Even worse, she was the reason Kahl's son died!

Fiona had married him, thinking she was building a life with the man she loved, only to find out that he was cheating on her and expecting a child with another woman. The weight of it all was suffocating her.

Realizing the gravity of her situation, Fiona fell to her knees, her sobs echoing through the hospital hallway.

Its walls felt like a prison, trapping her in a life she no longer recognized.

Despite being emotionally spent on the day's events, Fiona returned to work out of a sense of duty. She regained her composure after the jarring encounter with Alice, Kahl, and his mother and pretended nothing had happened.

Her colleagues began asking her questions incessantly, wanting to pry into her personal life, but she remained quiet. Instead, Fiona focused on her work as she treated her subsequent patients.

Thanks to the hospital's chaos, she was temporarily distracted from her personal issues.

After her sixteenhour shift at the hospital, Fiona returned to the Browns' residence, only to be met with eerie silence and darkness.

"Hello? Anyone here?" Fiona asked, her voice echoing through the large hall of the living room.

She walked in and was met with silence. No one was there to greet her. Then she surmised Laura was with Alice in the hospital, and everyone there handled her with care.

Considering this disparity, Fiona tasted the bitter pill in her mouth. She was forgotten while Alice was being treated like a queen. Frustrated and downcast, Fiona stomped on the stairs without turning on the lights.

As she reached the stairs, she heard a faint metallic sound. The living room was filled with the sound of a lighter igniting. Then and there, a familiar figure appeared from the shadows, his lighter flame illuminating his handsome face.

It was her husband, Kahl.

'What is he doing here? Shouldn't he be with Alice?"

Even after being married for so long, Fiona still felt a jolt of surprise and curiosity whenever she saw him. Despite her confused emotions, she couldn't deny how attractive he was, despite her better judgment.

"Kahl..." She gulped and continued, "I thought you were in the hospital. It's already late. Why are you still up?" Fiona hooked her handbag tightly in her arm as she gazed at him while he sat languidly on the recliner.

Her heart couldn't stop pounding fast when she watched her dastardly husband smoking nonchalantly. She hadn't expected him to be at home, and her grip on the handrail tightened as she tried to steady her emotions. Despite the anger bubbling inside her, she remained silent and let him speak.

"You can see that Alice was carrying my baby. Do you need me to explain this to you?" Kahl's voice was distant and cold, and his words cut through the heavy silence like a knife.

Fiona's fingers turned pale as she tightened her grip on the handrail, her heart racing with mixed emotions. She wanted to hear an explanation. Who wouldn't if anyone was in her shoes?

'More than anything, I deserve to know the truth,' Fiona pondered.

Her husband betrayed her, and everyone else seemed to know about it. But with Kahl's insincerity and impatience, she knew there was no point in asking for one. All she could do was try to salvage her little dignity.

Trying to mask the pain in her voice, Fiona said calmly, "You don't have to do that. I understand. Besides, I'm tired, and I need to sleep."

Kahl smashed the cigarette into the ashtray, ascended from the couch, and dropped the bomb on her. Standing before Fiona, he blatantly said, "Well, that's good because I don't think there's anything to explain, either. Whatever the case, I'll have Attorney Rafael draft the divorce agreement."

"Divorce?" she asked, her eyes blinking in disbelief and her voice trembling. "What do you mean?"

Kahl's eyes met hers, and she could sense the coldness in his gaze. "You heard me, Fiona. Divorce." He confirmed it; his voice was devoid of any emotion.

At that moment, Fiona felt like her entire world was crashing. The room's darkness seemed to close in on her, suffocating her. She wished she could sneak inside Kahl's mind to know what he was thinking, but she could only make out his silhouette.

And then, as if driving the knife deeper into her chest, Kahl continued, "Looking at things now, I think it's time we ended things between us. There's no point in staying married to each other." His voice sounded as though they were discussing one of his business meetings.

"So you can marry your mistress and make your relationship legal, am I right?" Fiona's voice was hoarse, and her heart was heavy as she finally asked what had been gnawing at her for so long.

She had tolerated his infidelity while he openly flirted with the bimbo, but hearing him say he was done with her felt like a slap in the face.

Perhaps Fiona had known this day would come a long time ago. Even so, she was surprised by how fast it happened. This shock of sobering reality was more than she could handle.

Kahl's eyes darkened with a hint of anger at her bold gesture. "That's none of your business," he sneered, his words dripping with disdain. "All you have to do is agree to the divorce and sign the papers."

Fiona felt like she had been punched in the gut. She tried to suppress the pain and sorrow that threatened to overwhelm her, but it was difficult to hold back the tears in front of the man she had loved for so long—now deliberately hurting her in the cruellest way.

"Alright, just send me the papers after it's been drafted," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kahl's lips twitched. "Okay. I will." Then his lips curled up, seemingly shocked. "I'd never thought you'd agree so quickly. I've always counted on you to turn a blind eye to my relationship with Alice.

He was right. Fiona had stayed silent throughout their affair and let him do as he pleased. But she had had enough of him this time and finally accepted their impending divorce.

'What's the sense of waiting for something already doomed from the start?' Fiona pondered.

Clearing his throat, he fiddled on the buttons of his sleeves and asked blandly, "So, lay out your terms for me."

His words were calm. But Fiona was taken aback when she saw his eyes were filled with anger, frustration, and maybe even a hint of guilt.

'But why would he?'

He was the one who brought up the subject of divorce.

"So tell me what your conditions are, Fiona." Kahl's voice echoed inside Fiona's ears like an icy wind devoid of emotion or warmth.

Fiona suppressed a shiver as she met Kahl's piercing gaze. She knew her demand would shock him, but she wanted to hurt him as much as he had hurt her.

Of course, she was not the type to back down.

Lifting her chin, Fiona's eyes flashed with defiance as she challenged him. "Conditions? Why should you bother?" she mocked.

She knew he would attempt to manipulate her words to find a flaw to exploit, but she refused to give in.

"You never cared about what I wanted or needed. Why start now?" Fiona scoffed.

Kahl's expression flickered with irritation, but he didn't say anything. Fiona could see the anger simmering beneath his controlled exterior, but she didn't care.

She had nothing left to lose.

"Even though you haven't done anything for my family, I've been engaged to you since you were ten years old..." Kahl paused as he smacked his lips.

Fiona felt a surge of bitterness rising in her throat. She had been a toy to him, a convenient way to maintain his family's image and reputation. She had given him everything, but he had never reciprocated her feelings.

"However, I'm willing to comply with any requirements you have for that," Kahl said, his voice icy.

When Kahl offered to meet her conditions, Fiona's smile widened, and hope flickered in her heart.

'Anything I want?'

"Fine," she replied, her voice hardening. "Then hand over all your family's property, including yourself."

Kahl's eyes widened in surprise, and Fiona felt a flicker of satisfaction for a moment. But then, his expression darkened, and she knew she had pushed him too far. Despite that, she approached him, her grip tightening on his wrist.

Her hope turned into desperation.

"I said, give me everything that belongs to the Brown family, including you," she demanded, her voice low and husky with emotion. "Your heart, your soul, your very being. Can you do that, Kahl?"

Kahl's muted response was deafening.

Fiona felt her heart drop into her stomach. She watched Kahl struggle to find the right words. She felt a pang of guilt briefly after seeing doubt and uncertainty in his eyes.

But then, she remembered all the times he had belittled her and made her feel small and insignificant. She squared her shoulders and held his gaze.

"I'm waiting, Kahl," she said, her voice steady. "Do you agree with my conditions?"

Fiona knew she had to take a chance. She had to ask for everything, hoping he would give it to her.

'Is she out of her goddamn mind?' Kahl couldn't help but laugh.

He was astonished. Fiona's outrageous request made him furious. He put up with her for years, pretending to love her while secretly wishing she would disappear. But now, Fiona had crossed a line that he couldn't ignore.

Offended by her sudden brazenness, he shoved her hands. Kahl was about to speak when the door burst open.

With the babysitter, Laura stormed inside the room. Her expression showed that she had overheard Fiona's demand and was unhappy.

"What did you say?!" Laura bellowed. "How dare you demand such things? You haven't done our family any good since you married my son!"

Kahl noticed how Fiona flinched at his mom's voice, knowing she was about to face the consequences of her actions.

Laura continued, her eyes burning with rage, "You wanted everything that belonged to us? And yet you failed to keep Kahl's son and have the cheek to demand everything that belonged to us? How much do you think you're worth?"

She didn't stop as she poked Fiona's shoulders. "You're worth less than a penny to us! Even if you added up all of our properties, you still wouldn't be worth enough to have them all!"

"Mom..." Kahl intervened

Laura couldn't take Fiona anymore. She looked at Kahl and said, "I've had enough of her, Kahl! She killed my grandson—your son! The woman doesn't deserve to be given anything!"

"Just so you know, Laura, Kahl asked for my terms," Fiona tersely replied.

Laura shot her a bewildered expression.

"Mother, can you please let the two of us talk this out?" Meanwhile, Kahl rushed to his mother's side to keep her from running amok. The humiliation he felt while in the hospital was too much to bear.

Laura dissented, her head shaking. "No! What do you mean by terms, Kahl? What did you give this woman?"

Raking his blacktousled hair, he replied, "I asked her conditions for the divorce."

"You conniving gold digger!" Laura snapped back.

At that precise moment, Megan activated the lights. Fiona, startled by the sudden brightness, closed her eyes. When her eyes adjusted, Laura was towering over her, her hand raised.

Before she could say anything, Fiona felt a searing pain on her cheek as the slap echoed through the silent living room.

"So you took advantage of the situation and demanded Kahl give you everything? Oh, the audacity!" Terror flashed in Laura's eyes.

Fiona instinctively reached up to touch the spot where Laura had struck her. Looking at their eyes, she couldn't help but wonder if she had made a terrible mistake.

Had she been foolish to think that Kahl would ever truly love her?

"Did you murder Kahl's son on purpose because you were jealous of Alice?" Laura's voice shook as her hands curled into fists.

Fiona stumbled back. The accusation was like a slap in the face. "I swear, mom! I didn't–" She tried to speak to defend herself.

Laura interrupted. "How could you be so cruel? You killed an innocent baby just because you're jealous of Alice? What kind of monster are you?!"

Her face scrunched up, giving Fiona a dirty look. "We've taken care of you for over a decade. I don't understand why you won't let Kahl have a child with another woman when you can't even give him a son!"

Fiona's eyes filled with tears as she struggled to find the words to defend herself.

"It's not true," Fiona managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alice was bleeding, and I did everything I could to save her."

But Laura was relentless as she poked Fiona's shoulders. "You lying hypocrite! That's complete bullshit! You don't even deserve to have my son!"

Nothing Fiona could say at that moment would convince Laura otherwise. It broke her heart, but maybe Kahl was right.

Their relationship was beyond repair.

Laura's voice was furious as she shouted at Fiona, "Alice tripped accidentally! There's no way she miscarried because of it! You're just incompetent! Did you know how devastated Alice was when discovering she had lost her son? God, I could still hear her scream because of the heartless thing you did!"

"Please, hear me out, Mom..." Fiona exasperatedly sighed.

Despite Laura's sympathy for Alice, her frustration with Fiona was evident. "Just admit it! You're jealous of her, so you killed her baby! You've robbed me of my grandson!"

Fiona's body shook with fear, begging her mother, "Mom, please, listen to me."

"We have always been good to you. Steve loved you like his own daughter," she shrieked, grabbing Fiona's hair and pulling it viciously. "How could you betray us like this? Is this how you repay us for all we've done for you?"

Laura's finger was digging into the scalp of her hair, and the anger in her voice chilled Fiona's blood. She could only look at Laura with a desperate plea. Fiona felt a heavy weight in her chest, knowing Laura's pain after losing her grandson.

"Mom!" Fiona cried out, trying to pull Laura's hands away. "Agh! You're hurting me!"

Despite her best efforts, she couldn't escape Laura's grip. Kahl's mother only became more agitated. With a sudden burst of strength, Laura slammed Fiona's head against the wall, her voice rising to a fever pitch.

"Return my grandson to me, you bitch! Give him back to us! I want my grandson back!" She screeched, her eyes wild with fury.

The impact left Fiona dizzy, her senses numb with pain. She could barely register her surroundings due to the blurriness. Conversely, Kahl remained unmoved, refusing to intervene in his mother's madness.

Fiona looked up at Kahl for support, pleading with him to intervene and stop his mother. She met his gaze blankly, and Fiona's stomach dropped. She didn't fully grasp how heartless Kahl was until she really needed him.

As the situation spiralled out of control, Megan sprang into action, getting Laura off Fiona and dragging her away from the living room.

Adamant, Laura yelled to Fiona, "I want this bitch to know the pain she's done to my family!"

"I swear, mom, I'm not lying." Fiona beseeched. "If you could just listen to me, Mom—"

"Get the hell out of here right now, you worthless bitch! Don't you dare show your face again, or else I'll make you regret it!" Laura bellowed, her voice dripping with venom.

Megan pulled her away as she dragged Laura to her room. In the meantime, Kahl stormed out of the living room. Fiona felt a chill run down her spine as she watched Kahl's retreating figure.

She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the cold that seemed to seep into her bones. Numbly, she went to the nearest couch and collapsed, her eyes unfocused as she tried to understand what had just happened.

'Oh, God! What have I done?' Fiona screamed inwardly.

For what felt like hours, Fiona lay there, her mind racing as she tried to come to terms with the reality of her situation. But eventually, she rose to her feet and trudged upstairs to gather her belongings.

'I can't do this anymore. I'm tired of them!'

She'd been deluded into thinking Kahl would change his mind and realize how much he loved her. However, he had broken through that façade, leaving her with nothing but despair and heartache. Fiona slung a large duffel bag over her shoulder and left the Browns' villa.

As Fiona boarded the bus to Chester, she knew this was the end of her life with them. When she arrived at her apartment building, she stood outside her door, her hand hovering over the doorbell. With a deep breath, she pressed the door alarm.

A sweet little boy greeted Fiona when she opened the door. At first, he greeted her with a smile, but then his cute little button nose and lips scrunched up into a frown.

"Mommy?"

The doorbell startled Aaron, and he ran to see who it was. He quickly dragged a chair over and stood on it to see her better. As he opened the door, he saw her battered face.

"Why's your face puffy and looking like a tomato, Mommy?" Aaron frowned.

Fiona breathed deeply, her voice cracking with emotion as she struggled to speak. "It's... It's nothing. I just got kicked out, honey. But Mommy is okay now."

The boy's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief at her claims. He saw her set the duffel bag on the table and sit on the couch. Hopping beside her, Aaron looked at Fiona with a solemn expression that made him appear like an adult.

He knew something was wrong, but Mommy hid it from him.

Who could have hurt her?

Because of that, Aaron asked, "You're not okay, Mommy. You're crying, and no one cries if they aren't hurt. Did he hurt you?"

The pain in her son's eyes broke Fiona's heart. Unsure of what to say, she hesitated to reply. Even though she didn't want to blame Kahl, she couldn't deny that he had caused her pain. She kept it from her son. Despite that, she kept it from her son.

With her voice barely above a whisper, she lied, "No. He didn't hurt me. I got bitten by a dog, sweetie. But don't worry about Mommy. I'm alright now."

Her cheeks were slightly swollen, and she was bruised black and blue. A dog could not have left that handprint near her neck, which even the blind could see.

Aaron's eyes scanned her face, taking in the bruises and cuts. "Are you going to leave him, Mommy?"

Fiona's eyes swelled up with tears, threatening to spill over. Keeping her emotions in check, Fiona firmly answered. "Yes, baby."

Aaron stepped closer to her and wrapped his tiny arms around her. "It's okay, Mommy. You still have me. I'm going to take care of you, I promise."

Fiona felt warmth and comfort washing over her as he patted her head.

She parted from him and cupped his cheeks. "Oh, honey! I should be the one taking care of my prince. Mommy is sorry for always crying. I promise that I won't cry again."

"I'm here for you, Mommy. I won't hurt you as he did," he said while wiping her cheeks.

"Thank you for being here, baby. Mommy loves you. I love you so much, sweetheart." Fiona's lips curled into a weak smile.

Despite her heavy heart, she kept smiling while holding Aaron tightly.

As Fiona and her son entered her bedroom, Aaron took the duffle bag from her and placed it on the table before going to the drawers. When he reappeared, a small medicine kit was clenched tightly in his tiny hand.

"Oh, honey! Mommy is fine." She sighed heavily as her heart wrenched at seeing her son caring for her.

"You said it's very important to clean wounds so they won't get infected, Mommy." Aaron sat beside her and opened the medicine kit. Just like how she cleaned and sanitized his wounds before, Aaron did the same process consistently. "You're a doctor and should follow your own advice."

The young boy sat beside Fiona and carefully treated her wounds, putting ointment on her swollen cheek and bruises. He did this with fierce determination in his eyes.

Fiona's lips curled in the corner of her mouth. "Do you want to become a doctor like me, sweetheart?"

Aaron shrugged as his eyes focused on her bruised cheeks. "Yep, so I can treat you better, and you'll stop crying every night."

"Ow! Careful, honey..." Fiona winced in pain as the little boy applied ointment to her numerous bruises and swollen cheek. However, Aaron refused to stop until he had covered every last spot.

Her boy was just like her—so keen and determined. Despite getting his good looks from his father, Aaron's personality resembled Fiona's.

After he finished, Aaron returned the ointment to the kit and looked at Fiona with concern.

"Mommy, do you want to eat?" he asked gently, his eyes betraying his worry for his mother's wellbeing.

Fiona nodded absently, her mind reeling from the events of the day. The news of Alice's pregnancy and her confrontation with Laura had left her emotionally drained and physically exhausted. She hadn't eaten in hours, but the thought had not even crossed her mind until now.

As Aaron saw the blank expression on his mother's face, his face became dejected. With a heavy sigh, he shook his head. "He didn't want us, did he?"

"No, honey. That's not what happened." She forced a smile, trying to look perfectly fine in front of Aaron.

"Then, did he give up on you?" Aaron's eyes cast a dejected look.

Fiona's heart twisted as she recalled Kahl's cold and dismissive demeanour. Knowing Aaron was very wise for his young age, Fiona gave Aaron a ruffle in the hair after turning to him. He grasped her and Kahl's complex relationship. Aaron also knew how much Fiona loved Kahl, despite his indifference.

She considered telling Aaron about what happened today but ultimately decided against it to not upset him. However, she reassured him with an adequate response.

"Mommy has to step back." She bitterly grinned. "But it's all good now." Fiona got up on her bed and urged her son, "C'mon, let's eat."

The little boy stared at Fiona with an unwavering focus. "No, Mommy. You stay here, and I'll do it," he directed, his voice ringing out with authority.

Fiona arched her eyebrows, her lips beaming in amusement. "And what are you going to cook for Mommy, hmm?"

Aaron vigorously grinned. "I'll cook something for you."

Despite the seriousness of his words, Fiona couldn't help but find the sight of this tiny chefintraining amusing. With a grin, she raised a hand in mock salute and replied, "Yes, Sir Aaron!"

As she waited for him to return, Fiona's mind couldn't help but drift back to the confrontation with Laura a while ago. The Browns' accusations were vicious and unjustified. It was an assault on her character and her ability to have children.

Little did they know, Fiona had already given birth to a child six years ago—a fact that she had kept hidden from Laura, Steven, Alice, and most especially Kahl.

In his office, Kahl stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the widepanelled window, beholding the view of the city lights. He tried to calm the strange restlessness that was building up inside him, but the memory of his mother beating Fiona kept returning to him.

He remembered how Fiona gazed at him while Laura continued to beat her. Her eyes silently pleaded for help even though she didn't utter a word. He knew better than anyone that Fiona was fiercely independent and would never ask for help from anyone, but the feeling of helplessness continued to gnaw at his heart.

"Agh! Fuck it!" He reached into his pocket and withdrew a cigarette. The memories of Fiona's stubbornness from years ago flooded his mind. Kahl lit a cigarette and smoked three sticks before leaving his office.

When he returned home, he looked for Fiona, but she wasn't in their room. He turned to Megan, his voice edging toward urgency. "Where is she?"

"Are you looking for Ma'am Fiona, Sir Kahl?" Megan furrowed her brows.

Kahl nodded, his mind racing as he imagined where Fiona could be. Rubbing the back of his neck, he answered, "Yes. Have you seen her?"

"I haven't seen her since her and Ma'am Laura's argument. I heard she left after their fight," Megan said, her words only adding to Kahl's apprehension.

Kahl's frown deepened when Megan said Fiona had left after the fight with Laura without providing details about where she went. He clenched his teeth, knowing his mother had something to do with her departure.

"Did Fiona say where she was going?" Kahl's voice clipped as he struggled to control his emotions.

Megan shook her head once more, her eyes displaying signs of concern. "I wish I knew, Sir Kahl, but I was with Ma'am Laura tending to her needs when she left."

Kahl's mind raced with possibilities. 'Where could she fucking be?"

He couldn't help but be apprehensive about her sudden disappearance. They hadn't finished talking yet about the divorce, and Kahl needed Fiona's full cooperation to hasten the process. Given some time to think about it, Kahl concluded Fiona had probably visited her close friend Sue Garcia.

"Okay, thanks. You may leave," Kahl signalled to Megan and quickly returned to the main bedroom upstairs.

As he closed the door behind him, Kahl turned on the light and sat on the bed. Since he rarely slept with Fiona, their room had become her private space. Looking around, Kahl noticed some of Fiona's things were missing from the side table and open cabinet.

The thought of her leaving caused a deeper crease between his brows. Her absence bothered him for some reason. Despite his disinterest in her, he felt a pang of longing for Fiona.

Kahl found himself suddenly alone in the same room he'd avoided and sworn at so often since Fiona's arrival. He felt a terrible dread fill his chest.

Fiona would never leave without saying a word. This wasn't like her at all.

Fiona was making her rounds at Rende Hospital the next day when she heard Alice complaining to Laura inside the room. Their conversation caused Fiona to stop walking and lean beside the doorframe.

Alice wept bitterly as she stated, "That bitch caused my child's death because she couldn't accept that I was carrying Kahl's child. I won't forgive her for what she has done!"

Oblivious to Fiona's presence, Laura was distraught by Alice's dishevelled appearance. She took Alice's cold hands, pulled her closer, and hugged her. "Don't worry. I'll talk to Kahl and ask him to leave Fiona. You and Kahl are still young, and you can have more children," she said in a consoling voice.

Alice looked unsatisfied as she asked, "Are we just going to let Fiona go like this? What about my innocent baby?"

Laura's tone became serious. She sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "I made sure Fiona knew her place. She's out of the house now."

Alice sobbed, her voice croaking as she attempted to say, "It hurts so much, Lauta! Every time I turn to look in the mirror and see my flat stomach, I can't take it!"

"I understand you. You lost your child, while I lost my grandson. However, I can't do anything more than that. Fiona has been a part of our family for over ten years, and my late husband loved her dearly. For Steven's sake, I can't punish her any further. The only option is to kick her out and let Kahl divorce her," Laura comforted her, brushing her hair as she rocked Alice in her arms.

Alice sneered, "This is so unfair, Laura! Fiona's been with the Brown family for years and gets away with everything. Meanwhile, my position in the family means nothing. I'm just Kahl's mistress when I should be his wife instead!"

"Alice, that's not true! You mean everything to us, especially to Kahl. Kahl loves you, and I can see that," Laura replied calmly. " As for Fiona, I'm doing what I can to kick her out of the house. She won't hurt you or Kahl anymore, I promise."

Despite their animosity, Kahl and Laura put up with her for years because of her longstanding relationship with them. The realization that they only pitied her added to Fiona's despair. The Browns never really regarded her as part of their family.

Alice said nothing and simply nodded obediently. Fiona noticed how her lips pressed into a thin line as she balled her hands into a fist. Knowing Laura for ten years, Fiona knew it wasn't wise to retaliate against her.

As Fiona listened to their conversation, her eyes grew colder. When she remembered she had an appointment in a few minutes, she turned away from them. However, just as she was about to walk out, she stopped when she met Kahl's intimidating gaze.

Not expecting to meet him in the hospital, Fiona composed herself before calmly greeting him, "Hi, Kahl. What are you doing here?"

Even though he damn looked like a pinnedup model from a magazine, Kahl stood against the corridor wall with cold air around him. With his coiffed blacktousled hair and aquiline nose, his deep blue eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Fiona.

"Are you here to visit Alice? She's waiting inside if you're here for her," she informed him, wanting to break the palpable tension between them.

Besides, Fiona had nothing to discuss with him, as their relationship had already ended the moment Kahl took his mistress.

Kahl heard Fiona clearly. Yet instead of responding, he looked Fiona over closely.

Even though he wasn't sure if Fiona's cheek was really bruised, he felt better when he saw that the swelling had gone down. For a moment, Kahl was at a loss for words. He never expected to feel concerned about Fiona's wellbeing.

Why would he, anyway? He'd had no interest in her since then. What the fuck made his sentiments about her change now?

Given that Kahl showed no signs of wanting to start the conversation, Fiona walked past him without a word as her gaze fixed steadily ahead. However, when Kahl realized she was leaving him, he stepped forward on his spot and blurted out, "Wait, stop!"

"Don't go yet, Fiona!" Kahl had already grabbed Fiona's arm and dragged her toward the hallway before she could do anything about it.

Annoyed, Fiona glared at him and forcefully freed herself from his clutches. She raised her eyebrows at him and asked, "Kahl, what do you think you're doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Kahl hissed, his towering figure making Fiona feel trapped. Gazing down at her, Kahl smirked. "So, you seem to look forward to our divorce?"

What else could explain Fiona's complete lack of reaction when Kahl first broached the subject of divorce? On the contrary, she seemed open to the idea and readily agreed.

Meeting his gaze, she responded with a demeaning smile, "Isn't that what you always wanted? To be free from me?"

Kahl didn't respond, staring at her intensely. When he saw the seriousness and determination in Fiona's eyes, Kahl asked in disbelief, "So, you're damn serious? After all this time, what you really want is to get a divorce from me, huh?"

"Let me get this straight, Kahl," Fiona said with a hint of annoyance. "You were the one who suggested divorce, and now you're acting as if I were the one who made the decision? Don't try to distort the situation, Kahl. I'm not the same girl you used to know!" Fiona crossed her arms and looked at him with frustration and disbelief.

At first, Kahl wasn't sure if the Fiona to whom he'd spoken the day before was real or just a product of his imagination. Now that he could see Fiona was set in her ways, Kahl understood she had already decided.

But didn't Fiona love him?

How could she be so casual about their divorce?

As Fiona heard Kahl's questions, she couldn't help but smile contemptuously.

"Isn't that a good thing? You'll finally have a chance to marry Alice. That's what you've been waiting for, right?" she asked calmly as if she were speaking to a stranger.

"So, you think it's a good thing, huh? That all of this is a fucking charade for you?" Kahl growled, his voice laced with annoyance. His stifling aura made the atmosphere feel less pleasant.

Why did he look so frustrated? He was the one who wanted to file the separation. Fiona only agreed to it! Shouldn't he be delighted?

At that moment, she seemed to have a moment of realization. With a creased forehead, she scoffed, "This is preposterous! God! I can't believe you!"

Fiona raised her nose in the air, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she asked, "Is this because I easily agreed to the divorce? Should I be distressed and act like a desperate woman, crying for a cheater like you? That is what you want, right?" She stepped forward, gnashing her teeth. "You always like it when women chase you like a damn bitch, Kahl."

Clenching his fists, Kahl didn't respond. Fiona noticed his uneasiness was growing increasingly uneasy.

"Well, what a shame, really!" Fiona continued, feigning a sigh with a smile that lacked any emotion. " As much as I want to play along with your foolish theatrics, I'm not in the mood. Unlike your mistress, I don't stoop to her kind."

Fiona had held on to her feelings for Kahl for a long time, but after yesterday's agony, she knew it was finally time to let go. All the joys and sorrows, heartaches and resentments, longings and disappointments that had characterized their relationship had passed her breaking point.

Who would she be if she continued to cling to someone who never wanted her?

She wasn't that stupid! For God's sake, she was a doctor! Fiona studied for years to get into her position, and she wouldn't allow Kahl to demean or ridicule her because of some foolish love!

Besides that, divorcing Kahl would free her to devote more time to being there for Aaron. Divorcing Kahl would free her to spend more time with Aaron. Fiona knew her son yearned to bond with her despite his young age and maturity.

After making the tough decision to get a divorce, Fiona felt like there was nothing left to say to her soontobe exhusband.

"Now, can you please move away?" She pushed him away and stood straight. "I have a patient to see, so if there's nothing else you need to say, I'll be on my way," she coolly stated and walked out without waiting for a response.

But before she could get more than a few steps, she heard Kahl's reproachful voice saying, "I take it you can't wait for our divorce to become official. I wager it's because of that asshole. So that you can finally be with him, right?"

Fiona stopped in her tracks, her head snapping back at him.

Without waiting for a response, Kahl sneered, "Your exlover from six years ago? Ring a bell? Or do you want me to jug your head so you can remember, Dr. Smith?"

It was the only reasonable explanation of Fiona's cold decisiveness during the divorce. Since Fiona seemed eager to divorce him, the only reasonable explanation was her ongoing affair with that damn bastard six years ago.

Fiona's eyebrows knit together in frustration and bewilderment. She was shocked that Kahl would make such a hasty assumption.

"What the hell do you mean?"

Kahl smiled snidely and said, "Still pretending to be ignorant?" He cocked his head and scratched his chin. "Ah! Since you've been successfully concealing him for six years, I assume you've become quite adept at it."

Fiona's body went still. She didn't know Kahl had been watching him the entire time. Her casual visits with Aaron must have given her the presumption that she had an affair!

Kahl walked slowly toward her. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Keep this in mind, Fiona—" His low baritone voice captivated her as if he were whispering in her ear, "—you won't be able to be with that crazy man without my consent, even if we get a divorce and you leave me for him."

As Kahl's words sent a shiver down her spine, Fiona knew he meant every word. She had known Kahl for years and knew his reputation as a formidable adversary. He was unpredictable, and after what had happened six years ago, he had become even more dangerous.

No one dared to cross him, not even her.

"I'll see you in the divorce proceedings. Be there," Kahl reminded her before he walked past Fiona without a word or a glance, but she stood rooted to the spot, watching him go with worry etched on her face.

'Good Lord! What was that about?'

Fiona wasn't worried about Kahl's warning since she had never been involved with another man, nor did she have a socalled lover. Kahl was the only person she had ever loved, but her love for him had faded over the past six years without her even realizing it. It was only when she let him go entirely that she came to this realization.

But what Fiona was worried about was that Kahl would find out she had a sixyearold son with him. Just thinking about that caused her chest to tighten and her nerves tense. Kahl would be absolutely fit once he knew Fiona was hiding his son.

'This can't happen! I won't let him have my son!' Fiona chanted mentally as she paced back and forth in the corridor. She took a deep breath and tried to dismiss the idea to calm herself.

Remembering that she had an appointment with her patients in a few minutes, she checked the time on her wristwatch. When Fiona realized ten minutes had passed, she rushed into the hallway, heading toward her office.

Fiona got out of the cab when she got to her destination and saw the iron gate of a luxury mansion built in a modern style. As she got closer to the gate, she saw a handsome man waiting for her in the distance.

She could tell he was a little wary when he looked at the medicine bag she was carrying before he approached her. Peter Hopkins, the directorincharge of Rende Hospital, asked her to see one of their most important clients. Her patient in question was somewhat at the pinnacle of high society.

As she made her way to the front porch, Fiona waited for the man to reach her. With his simple cotton shirt and black trousers, his eyebrows jolted up as he inquired, "You're Dr. Fiona Smith, correct?"

Now that she was beside him, Fiona guessed the man was in his early 20s. Although dressed casually, he exuded a dignified aura that belied his frivolous appearance.

"Yes. Our director, Dr. Hopkins, sent me for the checkup," Fiona replied professionally. She bowed at him, lowering her head and trying to keep herself in place.

"Great! We're just waiting for you, Dr. Smith. Anyway, it's nice meeting you." He extended his hand to her, which Fiona shook amiably.

"Pleasure is mine, Mr. Clinton."

Dr. Hopkins had told her that she would be working with one of their VVIP patients and would have to try to go to his home. He also warned her that he came from an influential background and that everything he disclosed to her would remain confidential.

What Fiona didn't expect was that her patient would be quite young.

Despite agreeing to the assignment without much thought, Fiona couldn't help but feel uneasy as her client's eyes bore her with a strange intensity. This job would be more challenging than she had anticipated.

"Dr. Smith, I must say, you are much younger and more beautiful than I had anticipated," he felicitated Fiona, seemingly unaware of her skeptical expression.

"Er, I'm grateful for the compliment. But I'd rather be recognized for my abilities than my appearance," Fiona replied discreetly, quickly refocusing on the conversation. "May I know how you are feeling now, Mr. Clinton?"

As it turned out, the man before Fiona was Edgar Clinton, a wellknown figure in Cester. Fiona knew who he was because he came from a prominent family and was involved in several scandals.

Upon hearing Fiona address him by name, Edgar did not appear to be taken aback. "As much as it is an honour to have a doctor like you, Dr. Smith, I'm not your patient." he clarified as he led her through the quiet and spacious villa.

Fiona felt a wave of disbelief wash over her when she realized Edgar wasn't the patient.

'Wait, so he's not my patient? Who is it then?' She couldn't help but wonder who could be important enough for him to handle this matter personally.

"Oh. "I'm sorry for being presumptuous, Mr. Clinton," Fiona apologized, nibbling her lower lip.

"Nah. It's all good." He smiled, dismissing Fiona's bold assumption. He approached her and took her medical bag, motioning for her to follow him. "Come inside. He's waiting in the room."

As they went up to the second floor, Fiona noticed there were no staff or other people in the villa. They eventually arrived at the master's bedroom, where Edgar instructed Fiona to wait outside.

For such a massive place, it was odd that they had no personnel working with them. Because of this, Fiona couldn't help but think of Laura, who was very stubborn about even the most minor, menial tasks being done by her assistants.

'They must be the type of people who revel in simplicity rather than ostentatiousness.'

She followed Edgar in silence to the second floor until they stood before the door of the master bedroom. "Wait a minute," Edgar instructed, turning to face her.

Fiona dipped her chin in response.

"Oh, by the way. I'll just give you a headsup to be prepared, Dr. Smith. He's a bit eccentric and moody, so keep that in mind." Edgar warned Fiona in a hushed tone before disappearing into the room.

Fiona could understand Edgar's warning because she had worked with many different kinds of patients in the past. "Thank you for telling me ahead of time, Mr. Clinton," she responded.

"Just call me Edgar. We can drop the formalities, Dr. Smith," he requested before he moved closer to the door. Edgar rapped on the door three times before he announced, "Hey, Dr. Smith is here. Open the door."

However, there was no response from within.

"Oi! She's waiting! What are you doing inside that you can't open the door?" Edgar knocked again but still received no answer.

Looking slightly abashed, Edgar turned to Fiona and explained, "I'm really sorry about this, Dr. Smith. He's quite aloof with people. But don't worry. He'll warm up just fine."

"It's fine. I understand, Mr. Clinton," she replied courteously while gripping tightly at her sling bag.

"Will you please open the door? Don't make this hard for us." Edgar sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation. He kept knocking, but the man inside was adamant about ignoring him.

"Ugh, damn this bastard!" Edgar cursed under his breath.

Fiona's curiosity about this patient was only piqued further. 'What could be his problem?' She can't bear to ask herself as she got curious about her patience's obstinate reclusiveness.

After knocking for a while, Edgar's patience wore thin. He raised his voice, his anger showing, saying, "Hey, Rodriguez, stop dragging this out any longer. I'll slam the door if you don't open the goddamn door right now! How can you act like this toward your best friend and this lovely woman?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the door creaked open from the inside. An irritable man popped before them as his chilling, threatening voice expressed, "How many times must I tell you, Edgar? I'm not ill! So, just go away!"