The Runaway Groom

Chapter 13

“What? Why would you ask that, sir?” Irene asked, a foreboding sensation hitting her just then.

“You should know what it means to be blacklisted...” the chief said hesitantly. “Your career as a doctor–including your accomplishments–would all be erased, and no hospital would hire you.”

Irene was left flabbergasted by the situation that struck out of the blue. She clenched and freed her knuckles repeatedly, until she finally said, “Sir, I really love this job ... I can‘t go without it.”

“I want to keep you, but there is nothing I can do for you.

In reality, the chief found it a pity–he acknowledged and admired Irene‘s professionalism and abilities, but he did not have the ability to help her.

“If you want to keep your job, you have to talk to Isaac Jefferson . Apologize to him if you offended him, and it just might save your career,” the chief told her earnestly.

“I...” Irene was hesitant to say anything.

After all, could Isaac‘s prejudice against her be that easily resolved?

She understood that he was coming for blood, not just

because he wanted to get back at her for touching something precious to him, but also because he was dissatisfied with marrying her. He probably would force her to ask for a divorce in the process as well.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “I understand.”

“You are on your own on this own,” the chief said, leaving her dispirited as she returned to her clinic.

She expected that things would not work out even if she begged Isaac for mercy, because he wanted her to divorce him…

an agreement with Henry, and she would be violating that agreement if she gave

and wanted to vomit, though

resume to other hospitals, but all of them rejected

felt the might of a

go without a job, and she did not have many friends either. In fact, the only one she could

for a while, she

he

meet you,” she said, trying to keep her voice normal instead

agreed to it anyway.

left the hospital soon after washing

Zachary arrived, he was still under the impression that

yet...”

the perfect timing anyway, Irene told him,” My mother had a transplant

did that happen? I had

Irene replied. “I couldn‘t tell you in time.” Zachary blinked, but became

that she still appeared to be dispirited.

admitted, “I‘m going to lose

surprise again, Zachary soon became

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

“Who did you offend?

Isaac, but eventually said it anyway. “Isaac Jefferson.”

Irene nodded.

you manage to offend him? Was it Whitney Cox?” Zachary asked, since he could not

and Isaac‘s marriage. They never held a wedding, and since there was no publicity and

would divorce her eventually anyway, did not tell Zachary either–which was why Whitney