After Elizabeth left, the office fell into a suffocating silence, Baker Bryant’s expression dark enough to cast a shadow over the whole room. He yanked at his tie in irritation, memories clawing their way back—Elizabeth standing by him, her laughter contagious. Was it really such a big deal that he’d swapped Zahra Thomas’ doctor? Age had clearly dulled his sense of what actually mattered.
Determined to prove a point, Baker convinced himself Elizabeth needed a reality check: without him, she’d be nothing.
Outside, Elizabeth drifted through the hospital corridors she knew like the back of her hand, an unexpected wave of relief washing over her—like a weight she’d been carrying for years had finally slipped off. She let out a soft breath, pressing a hand to her chest. A heart that once raced for Baker now felt light, almost foreign. It was a sign. That chapter was closing.
Seven years of emotions, she realized, weren’t as impossible to let go of as she’d thought. She’d given so much, sacrificed even more, only to be met with Baker’s endless indifference and quiet cruelty. She should’ve seen it ages ago—the relationship had turned toxic, and holding on would only drag her deeper into the hurt.
No more letting the past dictate her future.
With only twenty-five days left in the statutory waiting period before the divorce could be finalized, she found herself actually looking forward to the final decree. After that, she’d leave the country for good.
For years, her whole world had revolved around Baker and Sam, leaving zero room for herself. Now, free from the weight of love and ready to walk away from this life, it was the perfect moment to reconnect with old friends, maybe throw herself a little farewell party.
Lost in a lively chat on her phone, Elizabeth didn’t notice the figure approaching from behind until a familiar voice cut through the air.
“Elizabeth, are you sure you want to divorce Baker?”
Her smile evaporated, replaced by a mask of cold composure. She turned around to face Zahra Thomas—pale, trembling, her eyes shimmering with barely-contained tears.
“I’m so sorry, Dr. Boyd. This is all my fault. I never thought my friendship with Baker would cause such a misunderstanding. If you’re upset, please take it out on me—just don’t let it ruin what you and Baker have. Sam is still so young… he needs his mother.”
Zahra’s voice came out as a fragile whisper, every word dripping with pleading. She even dipped into a small bow, though she looked unsteady as she straightened up.
Elizabeth nearly laughed at the pathetic damsel-in-distress act. “Baker’s not here, so you can drop the performance.”
She crossed her arms, her tone laced with sarcasm and barely-veiled contempt.
Zahra’s face went even paler, visibly rattled by Elizabeth’s bluntness. Her whole body trembled, tears spilling before she could stop them. “Dr. Boyd, I… I didn’t mean to—” she stammered, voice cracking with helplessness and hurt.
But Elizabeth had zero patience for her little charade. “Zahra, just because I never called you out on your connection to Baker doesn’t mean I’m blind. If your relationship with him was as innocent as you claim, would you be calling him ‘Baker’ so sweetly? Would you keep showing up when you know he’s a married man? But soon I’ll be his ex, so whatever happens between you two is none of my business. But if you pull this victim act in front of me again…”
She didn’t get to finish. Zahra quivered, lowered her head, and finally let the tears fall—each drop hitting the floor with a soft, almost theatrical splash.
Her voice shook even harder now. “I’m truly sorry, Dr. Boyd. I really, really didn’t mean to…”
Elizabeth’s patience was wearing razor-thin as Zahra kept whimpering in that weak little voice. But before she could snap back, a sudden force shoved her hard against the wall.
“Elizabeth!” The voice thundered right in her ear. Baker Bryant loomed over her, his face a mask of fury, looking like he was two seconds from losing it.
Stunned by the shove, Elizabeth’s back slammed into the wall, a sharp hiss escaping her lips. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”
She pressed a hand against her aching arm, eyes blazing with anger.
“I’m losing it? Elizabeth, look at what you’ve done!” Baker’s eyes burned with righteous indignation as he stepped closer, his voice low and accusatory.
In his arms, Zahra hung limp and pale—the picture of wounded innocence. She looked like the real victim here. She glanced at Elizabeth through wet lashes, biting her lip, then tugged feebly at Baker’s sleeve. “Baker, don’t be mad… it’s not Dr. Boyd’s fault. She just… she just—” Her sentence dissolved into fresh sobs, tears dripping onto Baker’s hand, adding to her fragile charm.
Baker’s expression instantly softened. He patted Zahra’s back gently, like comforting a frightened child. “Don’t worry, I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you.”
Then he turned back to Elizabeth, his eyes narrowing, sharp enough to cut. “Elizabeth, what did you do to Zahra? I get that you’re not her biggest fan, but she’s a patient. As a doctor, where’s your professional integrity when you’re picking fights with a patient?”
Elizabeth met his disappointed stare, her chest heaving with fury. She’d always known Baker would choose Zahra over her, but it still stung—just not as much as it used to.
Holding his gaze, she spoke slowly, deliberately. “Baker, does your hospital need a reminder that the hallways are covered by cameras?”
She shot an amused glance at Zahra, who flinched slightly at her words. “If you really want to know what happened, check the surveillance footage. See who started this. Or are you just going to convict me based on Zahra’s word alone?”
She had no interest in playing along with Zahra’s little melodrama. Having said her piece, she turned to walk away.
As she turned, a strange sense of finality settled over her. In the past, Baker’s attitude would’ve shattered her, maybe left her in tears. But now, all she felt was relief—and a quiet, steely resolve.
Baker Bryant, maybe I once hoped you’d understand me, trust me. But now I see clearly: it’s Zahra you truly care about. There’s no point in sticking around any longer. Your love doesn’t hold me back anymore—and it sure as hell isn’t going to stop me from moving forward.
