Leave Me Alone, Ex-Husband！

"Paging Dr. Smith to the ER...Dr. Smith to the ER, please."

The familiar intercom sound rang throughout the hospital corridor.

iona Smith, a twentyfouryearold female doctor, was accustomed to the bustling scene at the Rende Hospital.

The antiseptic smell wafting in the air, the people talking in hush voices, the sounds of intercoms, the cries of the bereaved.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until she was called to the emergency room.

However, 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.

She stood motionlessly in front of the emergency room, taking in Alice Miller's desperate situation. Blood covered Alice's thighs as she painfully clutched her protruding stomach.

At this moment, Fiona's mind went completely blank as her heart sank at the realization that her husband, whom she had loved for years, had cheated on her. Worse, they even had a child together.

Seeing Fiona remain unmoving, the nurse beside her frowned and asked, "Dr. Smith, what's the matter with you?"

Fiona didn't respond, so the nurse shoved her, saying with a hint of urgency in her voice, "Dr. Smith, snap out of it! The mother is in a dire state. If we wait any longer, she and her unborn child will be in danger!"

Hearing this, Fiona finally came out of her trance and glanced at the nurse for a while before saying in a hoarse voice, "You're right. Send her to the operating room."

Fiona composed herself and walked toward the operating table.

Meanwhile, despite the excruciating pain in her lower region, Alice could still recognize Fiona even though the latter wore a surgical robe and mask.

"Fiona Smith?! How could it be you?!" hysterical, she exclaimed.

Fiona could say the same. She also wanted to know why she had to be the one summoned to the ER among the doctors on call tonight.

She had loathed Alice for years, and this woman looked down on her as she relished the attention her husband was giving. But now, the tables have turned. Alice was lying on the hospital bed, needing her help so that she and her husband's spawn could survive. What a ridiculous twist of events!

'Why do I have to save my husband's mistress and their baby?' She thought bitterly, and a humorless chuckle escaped her.

Of course, she had to. Fiona was a doctor, and her duty was to save her patients, even if that patient was her husband's mistress. She had never imagined that the profession she had been proud of would one day bring her so much pain.

Seeing Alice's situation turning grim as time ticked by, Fiona regained her composure, adjusted her surgical gloves, and ordered the nurses, "Be ready. We will have an emergency operation for the patient."

When no one seemed to hear her words, Alice suddenly became agitated and shrieked, "No! No! Get out!" Although the pain in her abdomen was getting severe, and the blood was still flowing between her legs, Alice didn't seem to mind it.

"Do you hear me? I said get out! I don't want you to be my doctor! Ask another doctor to come here!" Alice screamed desperately. Her eyes looked wild as she pointed her fingers at Fiona.

Seeing Alice's condition worsening, Fiona turned deaf to Alice's demands as she ordered the nurse, "She's too agitated. Administer some sedatives."

Alice's energy was depleted, so she couldn't resist when the nurse grabbed her arm and injected her with a sedative. Her antics laid low, but nothing could seem to shut her mouth. Her eyes were pinned on Fiona, who looked calm as she examined her body. Suddenly she burst into mocking laughter.

"Do you know who this child belongs to? Of course, it's Kahl!" Alice tauntingly asked and paused.

Before losing consciousness, she added, "How pitiful of you! You're not even aware that I'm already carrying his child..."

Fiona didn't listen to Alice's provocation. She remained indifferent. Like a heartless machine, her fingers mechanically moved and operated Alice, doing all her best to save the mother and child.

However, halfway through the operation, the head nurse concluded, "Dr. Smith, the patient is only six months pregnant. There were a few mishaps before she was sent here, so I'm afraid we can't save the child. If we don't concentrate on saving her life now, there's a bigger chance of losing them both."

Fiona was also aware of this. She sincerely looked at the unconscious Alice, weighing the decision in her mind. The light on the operating table made her face ghastly pale. She had to make the call before their time ran out.

Fiona drowned in silence for a while. No one could guess what she was thinking. Then, Fiona said calmly, "Let's try our best to save the mother."

"Okay, doc," the nurses nodded.

After the operation, Fiona felt exhausted. She couldn't tell whether it was because she was physically or mentally exhausted from the shock she had received earlier. She took off her bloodstained surgical gloves and mask and left the operating room, despondent.

Her world entirely froze when she walked out of that door and noticed a familiar figure waiting in the corridor.

It was none other than her husband, Kahl Brown.

Kahl's hawklike eyes were locked on Fiona with his thin lips slightly pursed. He gave off an invisible sense of oppression, prompting Fiona to stand there, not knowing if she should approach him or not.

Kahl didn't seem to notice her struggle and just gazed at her apathetically as if she were a stranger. While Fiona stared at him for a while, lost in his captivating ocean eyes that she had fallen in love with years ago.

An oppressive silence fell between Fiona and Kahl. None of them attempted to break it as they looked at each other, preoccupied with their thoughts.`

Fiona had always known that Kahl had a mistress. But it wasn't until Alice took the initiative to confront her then that she knew who she was.

However, that confrontation didn't hold a candle to Fiona's pain and sorrow when she knew that Kahl had let Alice carry his illegitimate child for six months.

Seeing how Fiona remained silent, Kahl coldly asked with his eyes full of indifference, "How is she?"

If not for wanting to know Alice's condition, Fiona was sure that Kahl would not take the initiative to talk to her.

Seeing Alice's critical condition earlier, Fiona suppressed her emotions and forced herself to be professional while attending to the patient. Now, faced with Kahl's concern toward that woman, Fiona didn't know what to feel anymore. She could only answer quietly, "Alice is out of danger, but the child couldn't make it. I'm sorry."

Laura Davis, Kahl's mother, just so happened to arrive at this moment and heard Fiona's words. Laura immediately rushed over and exclaimed, "What?! You failed to save the baby?!"

Fiona quickly turned her head and saw her motherinlaw and Megan Johnson, the nanny of the Brown family, rushing over.

Her heart turned cold upon seeing fear and dread on their faces. A wry smile curved on her lips. Of course, Laura knew Alice was Kahl's mistress. It would be strange for her not to know she was pregnant with his child.

Laura furiously charged at Fiona and madly accused her, "You're a great doctor! How can you not save their baby?"

Honestly, after knowing Fiona was the doctor in charge of the emergency operation on Alice, Laura felt a little ashamed for hiding Alice's pregnancy from Fiona. However, as soon as she heard what Fiona had said, her embarrassment vanished, and she blew her top.

Fiona couldn't believe how ridiculous they thought of her. Did they think she was a martyr that they could easily trample on? How could Laura demand her to save Kahl's mistress and their child like it should be a given?

"Mom..." Fiona grievously mustered.

"Don't even call me mom!" Laura hissed, "I don't have a useless daughterinlaw like you! You can't even save Kahl's child."

Fiona smiled dryly and pretended to be calm as she asked, "Mom, have you known all along that your son is having an extramarital affair with Alice? I'm your son's nominal wife, the Brown family's daughterinlaw, and that woman is nothing but a mistress."

"A mistress?" Laura shrieked and continued to scold her, "She's much better than you! Alice can at least carry his child. I'm warning you, watch your mouth!"

Standing on the side, Kahl abruptly exclaimed, "Enough!" His tone was icy, rooting the women before him to the floor. No one dared to go against his words. "If you are going to bark at each other, go back. We're still in the hospital."

After saying that, Kahl turned around and left, not bothering to give Fiona an explanation.

Fiona suddenly realized how foolish she was. Alice, her husband's mistress, had been pregnant for six months, and she was the last to know. Perhaps if not for Alice's mishap, Fiona would never know this fact until the child was born.

Knowing this, Fiona lost her strength and slumped against the corridor wall. An overwhelming sense of depression racked her insides as weak sobs escaped her lips.

It was an eventful night. Though feeling crushed, Fiona still had to return to work. The swarm of patients and critical hours had momentarily pulled her mind out of the mire. Somehow, the pain and grievances of families had calmed the bitterness in her heart.

When Fiona arrived at Browns' villa the next day's evening, only darkness and silence greeted her. Even after she had walked inside, Fiona didn't see anyone.

Laura accompanied Alice to the hospital, and it seemed that the Brown family's entire staff was assigned to look after Alice.

Thinking of this, Fiona couldn't help but inwardly mock herself. The difference in the treatments she and Alice received was quite apparent. Everyone would value Alice, yet they would ignore Fiona, Kahl's nominal wife.

Not in the mood to turn on the lights, Fiona headed directly to her bedroom upstairs.

But just as she reached the stairs, Fiona heard the faint metallic sound of the lighter igniting, and it came from the couch in the living room.

She slowly turned her head and saw a vague figure in the darkness.

The small fire from his lighter illuminated his handsome face as he lit the cigarette hanging between his thin lips.

It was Kahl.

Fiona didn't expect that he would be at home. She paused and tightly clutched the handrail, but she remained silent and let him speak.

Kahl didn't look at her and continued smoking. After an unknown time passed, he faintly said, "As you can see, Alice was pregnant with my child. Do you want to hear an explanation from me?"

Despite the words coming from his mouth, Kahl's voice sounded distant, revealing his indifference and impatience toward her.

Fiona's hand gripping the handrail turned pale as she tightened her fingers around it, her eyelashes quivering a little. Of course, she wanted to hear an explanation! Her heart was not of stone. Her husband had a child with another woman, and everyone except her was aware of it. She couldn't possibly remain unaffected after what happened.

However, with Kahl being insincere, getting an explanation from him was no longer needed. The least she could do was keep a little dignity to herself.

"No need. I want to have a rest," Fiona calmly replied.

Crushing the cigarette butt in the ashtray, Kahl got up from the couch and put his hands inside his pocket before dropping a cold emotional bomb on her. "Good, I don't think there's anything to explain either. Anyway, I'll have the lawyer draft our divorce agreement."

"Divorce?" Fiona repeated in disbelief, wishing that she had misheard Kahl's words.

"Yes, divorce." He emotionlessly confirmed and turned to her.

Shrouded in darkness, Kahl could only roughly make out Fiona's silhouette. But his eyes didn't miss the injured expression that momentarily flashed across her face when their eyes met. However, Kahl didn't seem to care.

"Given how things are, it's time we end this marriage," he continued, his tone akin to discussing a business deal.

Trying to keep her emotions at bay, Fiona asked hoarsely, "So you can marry Alice and give her a title, right?"

Perhaps Fiona had expected this to happen long ago. Still, she did not anticipate it to come so quickly. This sudden slap from reality was a little brutal for her to take in.

Kahl's eyes darkened slightly. He said with disdain, "It's none of your business. You just need to sign the divorce agreement."

Fiona felt her heart quiver. Suppressing her heart's sorrow, she softly whispered, "Alright."

Her reply dumbfounded Kahl. He didn't expect Fiona's decisiveness this time. Even though she knew he was having an affair, she always turned a blind eye to avoid arguing with him. Unbeknownst to him, it took all her energy to utter that single word.

Disbelief lingered in Kahl's eyes as he looked at Fiona. But he pretended it was nothing and covered it up, asking blandly, "Tell me, what are your conditions?"

Kahl's tone was monotonous, but Fiona could still discern his hidden contempt toward her.

Fiona didn't mind it. She raised an eyebrow at him and challenged, "Conditions? Why, will you really give me whatever I want?"

Kahl looked at her, trying to guess what Fiona was thinking. He spoke nonchalantly, "Although you haven't contributed to the Brown family in any way, you've been my fiancée since you were ten. For that, I will meet whatever condition you want."

Fiona's smile widened from hearing it. "Fine."

Suddenly, Fiona walked toward Kahl and grasped his wrist to make him look at her. After meeting his eyes, Fiona pointed at his chest. She solemnly said, "Then, give me everything that belongs to the Brown family, including you."

Kahl didn't say anything, obviously surprised by Fiona's straightforward demand.

"I want you, your heart, your everything," Fiona added and smiled lovingly at him. The moonlight seemed to accentuate her warm smile, yet, the pained look in her eyes as she looked at him magnified when Fiona uttered hoarsely, "Can you give them all to me?"

For a moment, Kahl didn't know what to answer. He had never thought that Fiona would say such brazen words to him. He gazed at Fiona, looking for that considerate and obedient girl in his memory.

Ten years ago, that little girl constantly followed him despite being driven away and his obvious dislike toward her. Kahl shouted and ridiculed her just to get her to leave, but Fiona never cared and still clung to him. That Fiona was indifferent to anything that had nothing to do with Kahl.

Kahl couldn't help but feel surprised. Fiona never asked him for anything except to stay quietly by his side. This time, when Fiona finally told him what she really wanted, a trace of ridicule floated in the corner of his mouth. So that was what Fiona always wanted; the Brown Family's wealth. Feeling disgusted, Kahl pushed her hands away from him.

However, before he could say anything, an angry curse rang outside the door, making Kahl and Fiona simultaneously turn their heads in that direction.

An angrylooking Laura appeared, followed by Megan.

"What did you say?!" her motherinlaw exclaimed.

"You wanted everything that belonged to the Brown family? How dare you say that?" She added, gritting her teeth as she glared at Fiona.

"You failed to keep Kahl's child, and you have the cheek to demand everything that belonged to Brown Family? Do you think you're worth that much?" Laura disdainfully blamed her.

While hearing Laura's furious yelling, Megan went to turn on the light. With a "click," the entire living room brightened.

The sudden light blinded Fiona, who had grown accustomed to the darkness, so she quickly blinked her eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness.

When Fiona got used to it, it was already too late. A resounding slap echoed across the living room, rendering her stunned. Fiona traced the stinging sensation on her cheek and looked at Laura stooped. It felt so painful that her tears almost fell.

Laura, too lost in grief, harshly accused her, "Tell me, did you intentionally kill that innocent baby just because you're feeling jealous towards Alice?"

Fiona staggered a few steps back. Her face looked paler by the second. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Mom–" She tried to defend herself, but Laura's blasting voice beat her to it.

"Don't call me mom, you murderer!" Laura shouted, pointing her trembling finger at Fiona's face. Anger twisted her expression terribly.

"Fiona Smith, we have raised you for more than ten years. If you can't get pregnant with Kahl's child, why can't you let him have a baby with another woman? How could you kill Alice's baby? How can you be so vicious?!"

Fiona's body shook with Laura's constant accusations.

"No! Believe me, Mom. Alice had already lost too much blood when she was sent to the hospital. It was too late for the baby. If I didn't save Alice, she and her unborn child would be in grave danger," she voiced.

"Bullshit! Alice only tripped accidentally; she couldn't have miscarried because of it!" Laura shouted. Just thinking of the depressed look on Alice's face after learning that her baby was gone distressed Laura deeply. Even Alice's suppressed cries still echoed in Laura's mind.

With her face full of anger, Laura continued, "Admit it! You're jealous of her, so you killed her baby! You've made me lose my grandson!"

Fiona's blood turned cold. She shook her head, saying in a pleading tone, "Mom, listen to me..."

But the anguish of losing her grandson had utterly consumed Laura's reason. No matter how hard Fiona explained at this point, it would be all for naught.

With her blazing eyes locked on Fiona, Laura marched toward her and suddenly went frenzy.

"The Brown family has always been good to you. When my husband, Steve, was alive, he doted on you most. How can you treat us like this, you ungrateful wench? Is this how you repay us?" she yelled, pulling Fiona's hair ceaselessly.

Fiona struggled to free herself from Laura's grasp, which only agitated her even more. Laura smashed Fiona's forehead against the nearest wall and maniacally screamed, "Bitch, give me back, my grandson! Give him back! Give him back to me!"

Dizziness came over Fiona upon the impact. Soon, her senses started to turn numb. Nothing registered to her mind except the agony she felt from Laura's accusations and Kahl's indifference. Despite seeing his mother beating her, he remained unaffected, not intending to stop Laura's madness.

Still, a tiny voice inside Fiona made her believe that Kahl would help her. So, she looked at him desperately only to meet his uncaring eyes, as if she was some stranger to him. Her face turned pale, her heart sank, and the light in her eyes began to dull at that sight. It wasn't until today that she realized how heartless Kahl was to her.

When things started to get out of hand, Megan took action and peeled Laura off Fiona as she continued to beat her daughterinlaw. However, it took the nanny all her strength before she could drag her madam to the stairs.

Laura clutched the handrails, unwilling to leave, and her threatening shouts echoed in the living room. "Bitch, get out of here right this instant! Don't let me see you again, or else..." Laura couldn't finish her sentence when Megan continued to drag her upstairs.

At the same time, Kahl also left the villa, not in the least concerned with Fiona's state.

Feeling somewhat cold, Fiona couldn't help but shiver. Dragging her sorry self to the nearest sofa and slumped down. Her eyes stared dazedly at the ceiling. No one could guess what she was thinking.

After some unknown time, Fiona got up and went upstairs to pack her belongings. She heard this family's will loud and clear. There was no point in staying there anymore. She had been stuck in this meaningless dream for years, but now, it was time for her to wake up. The despair she had received today forced her to accept the harsh reality that Kahl would never love her, no matter how much she wished for it to happen.

So, with a duffel bag in hand, Fiona decisively left Brown's villa and boarded the bus to her apartment building in Cester. When she arrived in front of her apartment door, Fiona pressed the doorbell and waited patiently for the door to open.

When the doorbell suddenly rang, the adorable little boy inside frowned.

"Who is it?" His voice chimed.

Then, he dragged a chair in front of the door and stood on it to look through the peephole. Quickly recognizing the person outside, the little boy got down from the chair and opened the door.

He popped his head out as it opened and narrowed his eyes as he assessed her pitiful state.

Before Fiona could speak, the little guy sternly asked, "Mom, what's going on?" His delicate little finger pointed to her duffle bag.

Fiona casually said, "This? Oh, I got kicked out."

The little boy furrowed his brows, not convinced by her words. His serious expression made him look like an adult.

"What happened to your face then?" He then asked, pointing his finger at her wounds.

"I got bitten by a dog, Aaron. You have to be careful when you meet one," Fiona lied without blinking.

She was battered black and blue, with her cheeks slightly swollen. Even a blind person could tell a dog couldn't have left that handprint near her neck.

Aaron's little heart ached just by looking at Fiona. He asked, "Are you going to divorce at last?"

Fiona slightly lowered her eyes and whispered, "Yes."

Seeing the sadness in Fiona's eyes, Aaron came forward and gently hugged her. "It's okay. Just forget him, Mom. You still have me! I'll be with mom forever," he said, sounding like an adult, and patted her on the back. "Don't worry, mom, you're so great. I'm sure you'll soon find the right one for you."

Listening to Aaron's words, Fiona's eyes turned misty. How great would it be if forgetting Kahl was as easy as Aaron said? In the end, Fiona remained quiet and only smiled bitterly.

After the two got inside the apartment, Aaron took the duffle bag from Fiona's hand and carried it inside the bedroom. Once he reappeared, there was a medicine kit in his tiny hand.

The little boy sat beside Fiona with his furrowed brows and carefully applied the ointment on her bruises and swollen cheek. Fiona let out occasional groans and hisses, but the boy didn't stop until he felt assured he didn't miss out on anything.

Aaron returned the ointment in the kit before turning to ask her, "Are you hungry, Mom?"

Fiona nodded blankly, suddenly realizing that she hadn't eaten anything for hours. Learning about Alice's pregnancy and her and Laura's confrontation, a lot has happened that she didn't have time to settle down. She was busy pretending as if nothing had happened that she even forgot to eat.

Seeing her blank look, Aaron knew that Fiona was still thinking about Kahl. He sighed before asking, "Haven't you given up on him yet, Mom?"

Fiona went silent. Her lovely and painful memories with Kahl flashed in her mind. She loved him so much that she didn't care about her dignity while living with the Brown Family. Giving up on him was easier said than done.

She turned to Aaron and ruffled his hair. Despite his young age, Aaron was quite sensible. He could understand Fiona and Kahl's relationship well and knew that Fiona had deeply loved Kahl for years while the latter treated her coldly. As she thought of this, Fiona decided not to tell Aaron what happened today, lest it would bother him. But to assure him, she gave him a satisfying answer.

Fiona sighed and solemnly said, "I've given up."

Earlier, Laura accused her of killing her grandson because she was incapable of having a baby. Unbeknownst to Laura and the Brown Family, she already had one six years ago.

It was kind of bitter, but luckily, they showed little interest in what was happening in her life and hadn't discovered Aaron's existence yet.

The little boy looked at her flatly for a moment and said, "Stay here and don't leave. I'll cook something for you."

Fiona would assume she was talking to an adult if not for his tiny figure and adorable little face. She smiled in amusement and answered with a salute, "Yes, Sir."

Meanwhile, in his office, Kahl had been standing quietly in front of the floortoceiling window for an unknown time. He was gazing down at the streetlights, trying to calm the inexplicable restlessness inside him. However, to no avail, the image of Fiona being beaten by his mother kept appearing in his mind.

At that time, Fiona silently gazed at him. She didn't say anything, but her eyes seemed to convey what she truly felt inside. Kahl could feel her desperation and hopelessness as if Fiona was asking for help.

He crossed that idea off his mind immediately. Kahl knew Fiona was the sort of person who would never ask for help from others. But, that reason couldn't alleviate the restless feeling in his heart.

He reached out for a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, unknowingly remembering the memories of when Fiona silently followed him years ago.

After burning three sticks, Kahl took the key from his desk and left the building.

As soon as he returned to the villa, he quickly looked for Fiona, yet the latter wasn't in her bedroom. Perplexed, he immediately asked Megan when she passed by. "Where is she?"

"Sir Kahl, you mean Ma'am Fiona?" Megan asked back.

When she saw Kahl nod, she shook her head and answered, "No, I haven't seen her since her and Ma'am Laura's argument. I just heard she left after their fight."

Kahl frowned. He couldn't help but ask, "Did Fiona say where she was going?"

Megan answered honestly, "No, I was not present when she left."

After giving it some thought, Kahl guessed that Fiona might have stayed with her best friend, Sue Garcia.

Kahl signaled Megan to leave and went back to the master's bedroom upstairs.

When he closed the bedroom door behind him, Kahl turned on the light. His eyes darted around, feeling that something was amiss. Usually, only Fiona slept here as he hardly shared a room with her.

But as he looked at the side table and open cabinet only then did Kahl realize that some of her personal belongings were missing. His brows creased. Somehow, this didn't sit well with him.

Even if they were married for years, Kahl never gave a damn about Fiona. But when she actually left this time, an inexplicable emptiness crept into his heart.

The following day at the Rende Hospital, while Fiona made her rounds and passed by Alice's ward, she accidentally overheard Alice expressing her grievances to Laura, making her pause in her step.

"Auntie did Fiona not save my baby because she couldn't accept that I was pregnant with Kahl's child?!" Alice wept in anguish. Viciousness flickered across her eyes.

Laura didn't notice it. She felt highly distressed just by looking at Alice's pale and haggard appearance. She held Alice's cold hand and said in a soothing tone, "Don't worry, I'll tell Kahl to get rid of that woman immediately. Moreover, you and Kahl are still young. You can have more children in the future."

Alice felt unwilling, so she deliberately asked, "Then, aren't we letting Fiona off just like that? My innocent baby…."

"Alice," Laura suddenly interrupted, her voice turning serious, "I already punished her yesterday. I understand where you are coming from. You lost your child while I lost my grandson. I'm in pain too. But it would be best if you understood my decision." She sighed.

"Fiona has lived in the Brown family for more than ten years. And my late husband had always doted on her. For my husband's sake, I can't punish her anymore. The only thing I can do is to kick her out and let Kahl divorce her."

Alice scoffed inwardly. Even with everything that happened, her position in the Brown family was still nothing compared to Fiona's. Although Kahl and Laura were indifferent toward Fiona, after all, Fiona had spent so many years living with the Brown Family. Kahl and Laura still felt some pity for her.

In the end, Alice didn't say anything, only nodding obediently at Laura. She knew it was not wise to instigate Laura to get back at Fiona now.

Outside, Fiona's eyes turned colder the more she listened to them. Then, when she remembered that she still had to go to her patient's residence, she decided not to waste her time and leave. However, just as she turned around, Fiona unexpectedly met Kahl's deep, intimidating blue eyes.

Fiona froze, not expecting that she would meet Kahl so soon.

Kahl stood near the corridor wall, his hands in his pockets. A cold aura surrounded him, so despite his handsome face, no one dared to go near him. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Fiona.

Fiona composed herself before looking at him calmly. "Hello."

Kahl didn't say anything and just examined Fiona. Though he wasn't sure if her forehead was bruised, Kahl didn't understand why he felt a sense of relief when he noticed that the swelling on Fiona's cheek seemed to subside.

For a second, Kahl was stumped for words. He didn't expect that there would come a day that he would feel worried about Fiona.

Seeing that Kahl didn't have the intention to speak, Fiona didn't intend to talk to him either. With her eyes staring ahead, Fiona calmly walked past him.

However, just as Fiona took a few steps, Kahl's slightly cold voice rang from behind, "Stop!"

Before Fiona could react, Kahl had already grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the corridor.

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 should be the one to ask you that," Kahl hissed. His towering figure seemed so intimidating that it gave Fiona a feeling of being trapped. Gazing down at her, Kahl smirked. "So, you seem to be looking forward to our divorce?"

Otherwise, why did Fiona not have the slightest resistance when Kahl brought up the topic of divorce? Instead, she seemed especially willing and agreed to it without hesitation.

Fiona met his gaze and smiled deprecatingly, "Isn't this what you always wanted?"

Kahl didn't answer and just looked at her intensely. When he saw the seriousness and determination in Fiona's eyes, Kahl asked in disbelief, "Are you serious? You really planned to divorce me?"

Initially, Kahl suspected whether the Fiona he had spoken yesterday was merely a figment of his imagination. But now, seeing her decisiveness, Kahl only then realized that Fiona had already made up her mind on this matter. However, didn't Fiona claim that she loved him? How could Fiona be willing to let him go just like that?

Hearing Kahl's questions, Fiona smiled in ridicule. Like she was looking at some stranger, she casually remarked, "Isn't that a good thing for you?"

"Good thing?" Kahl echoed, seemingly annoyed. His oppressive aura made the atmosphere seem colder.

Then, as Fiona seemed to realize something, she faintly said, "Oh, are you displeased because I quickly agreed to our divorce? If so, it's my fault. I should have acted sad and made a fuss."

Kahl said nothing. He didn't know why, but Fiona had been acting strange since yesterday, and he kept feeling a sense of unease.

"What a pity," Fiona continued, pretending to sigh, her smile devoid of emotion. "I'm not in a mood to let you see such a ridiculous drama."

Fiona had kept Kahl in her heart for so many years. Yesterday's torment made her realize it was time to let him go. After all, she had already experienced all there was to it—longings, sorrows, disappointment, heartache, and grievances. If she continued insisting on this feeling, wouldn't she be a masochist?

Moreover, if she were to divorce Kahl, she could focus her time on raising Aaron. Although he was mature for his age, Fiona knew that Aaron still longed to be with her.

So, after making up her mind about their divorce, Fiona believed that there was nothing for them to say. "I still have to go to my patient, so if there's nothing, I'll leave first," Fiona aloofly stated and left without waiting for his response.

However, she hadn't walked a few steps when Fiona heard Kahl's icy voice again accusing her, "You're so eager for our divorce, aren't you? Why? So you can finally be with that wild man?"

Fiona stopped abruptly. Her head snapped at him.

Kahl didn't wait for her response and sneered, "That lover you had six years ago?"

In Kahl's mind, only that could be the reason why Fiona was indifferent and decisive when it came to their divorce. If not for having a lover, why else did Fiona seem eager to divorce him?

Fiona's eyebrows slightly twitched. She didn't understand Kahl anymore. With a hint of anger, she questioned, "What do you mean?"

"Still playing dumb?" Kahl smiled in derision. "Right, you've been doing that for six years, so you are an expert at it."

After saying this, Kahl slowly walked toward her. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "But Fiona, remember this. Even if you divorce me for that wild man, you can forget being with him because, without my permission, you can never get rid of your relationship with me."

His deep, baritone voice sounded mesmerizing, as if Kahl was whispering sweet nothings to Fiona's ear.

However, his words sent a chill down her spine. Kahl was serious, and Fiona knew that he would never break them once he said something.

She had known Kahl for years and knew he could be the most formidable enemy one would hope they'd cross paths. No one could guess what he was thinking, which made him unpredictable. What was even more frightening, after what happened six years ago, Kahl became much more dangerous, and no one even dared to oppose him.

After that, Kahl walked past Fiona without bothering to say goodbye or glancing at her.

Nonetheless, Fiona stood motionless and watched his retreating figure. Worry flashed in her eyes.

Fiona wasn't that much concerned about Kahl's warning since she was never involved with another man, nor had this socalled lover. Kahl was the only person she loved in her life. What a pity that her love for him had unknowingly faded in the past six years. She didn't even realize it until she decided to let him go completely.

However, what caused her anxiety was what Kahl would do if he learned she had a sixyearold son.

Fiona took a deep breath to calm herself while trying to dismiss these thoughts.

When she glanced at her wristwatch, she remembered her appointment to see her patient, so she hurried out of the hospital.

When she arrived at her destination, Fiona stepped out of the cab and gazed at the iron gate of a modernstyle luxury mansion.

A handsome man stood in front of the gate from a distance, waiting for someone. After seeing Fiona and the medicine box she was carrying, he immediately knew that she was the doctor he requested from Peter Hopkins, the hospital director of Rende Hospital. Wanting to confirm his guess, he asked, "You are Dr. Smith?"

The man in front of Fiona seemed to be in his early twenties. Even though he was dressed in casual clothing and looked a little frivolous, it didn't hide his dignified aura.

Fiona bowed at him while she recalled Peter's words from earlier. After Peter called her to his office, he informed her she needed to attend to one of their VVIP patients in their house. His request came with a warning. This patient came from an influential background, and everything disclosed to her should be kept confidential.

Fiona agreed, not thinking much of it. However, when she felt Edgar staring at her with a strange look in his eyes, Fiona doubted whether this job would be as easy as she thought.

"I gotta say. You're way younger and more beautiful than I thought, Dr. Smith." Edgar praised her as though he didn't see Fiona's skeptical look.

"Thank you," Fiona modestly smiled and asked, remembering what she came here for, "How are you feeling, Mr. Clinton?"

That's right, the man standing before Fiona was Edgar Clinton, a wellknown figure in Cester. Besides coming from a prominent family, he was constantly entangled in several gossips. So, it was not so surprising for Fiona to know him.

After hearing her call his name, Edgar didn't look so surprised either. He approached her and took the medical bag in her hand. While motioning her to follow him, he clarified, "I'm not your patient. It's someone else. Let's go."

Fiona looked at him in surprise. So Edgar was not her patient. Fiona felt a little intrigued. She couldn't help but wonder who could be so capable that Edgar chose to handle this matter personally.

She entered the spacious, silent villa with these thoughts running through her mind. Then she looked around but didn't see anyone—not even a maid or any employees.

Fiona quietly followed Edgar on the second floor, and when they arrived in front of the door to the master's bedroom, Edgar turned to her and said, "Wait a minute."

Fiona nodded.

"Oh, by the way, his character and temper are a little strange. So better prepare yourself," he added in a hushed voice.

Fiona had handled several kinds of patients, so she could understand what Edgar was saying. "Err… I got it," she responded.

After he took a step forward, Edgar knocked on the door, saying, "Hey, the doctor is here. Please open the door."

There was no response.

Edgar smiled sheepishly at Fiona before knocking again. "Hey."

Still, there was no response.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Edgar looked back at Fiona and explained, "He's shy."

Fiona was lost for words.

Now she was even more curious about this patient of hers.

After knocking for some time, Edgar finally lost his patience. Edgar raised his eyebrows and spoke angrily, folding his arms, "Mr. Rodriguez, please don't keep us waiting. I'll force my way in if you don't come out now! How can you treat a lovely lady and your closest friend like this!"

As soon as Edgar finished speaking, the door in front of him suddenly opened from the inside. Then, a cold and frightening voice rang out, "How many times must I say it? I'm not ill!"

At this time, a goodlooking yet intimidating man suddenly appeared at the door, seemingly very furious toward Edgar.

Despite his handsome appearance, Fiona would say that his looks were not the type that would make people fall in love at first sight. His cold aura and superiority deep within his bones made him so unattainable.

In particular, his eyes had an inexplicable sense of intimidation that he could frighten others without doing anything.

Seeing that Colin finally opened the door, Edgar whistled and teasingly said, "Hi there. Long time no see."

Colin's indifferent eyes swept Edgar coldly before turning to Fiona and saying directly, "Leave! Your presence is not needed here."

Fiona's eyes widened, not expecting Colin would be so rude.

Even Edgar was displeased at his impoliteness. "Hey, Colin Rodriguez, what the hell are you doing? It took a lot of effort for Dr. Smith to come here. Aren't you ashamed if you drive her away like this?"

Irritation flashed in Colin's eyes. Without a filter, he retorted, "I initially thought that you have no redeeming qualities except your IQ. I was mistaken. You're an idiot."

Fiona looked at Edgar with sympathy, thinking about how harsh Colin was.

Edgar didn't mind it, as he was long immune to Colin's barbed tongue. He simply responded, "Well, what do you want now? I have invited Dr. Smith here. Please, just cooperate, or else I will tell uncle about this."

Fiona stood there quietly. When Colin scrutinized her with his eyes, she became so tense that she almost broke out in a cold sweat.

What an intimidating man, indeed.

Colin commented, giving Fiona a distrusting look. "No, she's too young. Are you sure she's qualified to conduct an examination?"

Fiona frowned in dissatisfaction. She didn't like to be questioned when it came to her profession. She quickly reached out for a card from her breast pocket and handed it to him, saying firmly, "I'm already twentyfour years old, and I earned my medical license. If you still doubt my ability, you are free to ask Director Hopkins."

Her stance looked so confident that Edgar couldn't help laughing before he patted Colin on the shoulder. He teased, "Just accept it. Dr. Smith was capable since Director Hopkins of Rende Hospital recommended her. You have no excuse this time."

Edgar secretly laughed in his heart. Of course, it was the other way around. He purposefully asked the hospital director to send a beautiful female doctor when making an appointment.

Knowing he couldn't do anything about this matter, Colin remained silent and returned to his bedroom.

Seeing this, Edgar was inwardly pleased. It seemed that everything was going according to his plan. He playfully winked at Fiona and said in delight, "Good job, Dr. Smith. You can go in now."

Nodding, Fiona carried the medicine box inside while worrying whether Colin would really cooperate with her or not.

However, just as she entered the bedroom, Fiona noticed that Colin was taking off his belt and pants. Feeling shocked, she abruptly asked as she covered her eyes with her hand. "What are you doing?"

Colin narrowed his eyes and pointed to the thing between his legs before saying wickedly, "Didn't Edgar tell you? You will examine me here."

After Colin said this, Fiona slowly followed where he was pointing and couldn't help but feel horrified.

Fiona turned a deep shade of red. Of course, no one told her that she would need to examine Colin's private part! Otherwise, she would make excuses just to decline this job.