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…

she would be violating that agreement if she gave in

suddenly felt sick and wanted to vomit, though that

her resume to

that very moment, she genuinely felt the might of a black

job, and she did not have many friends either. In fact, the only one she could go to now

while, she eventually

him, and he picked

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

to

were going to meet at a restaurant, and Irene left the hospital soon after washing up, so she

was still under the impression that

get a donor yet...” he

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

surprise. “When did that happen? I had no

couldn‘t tell you in time.” Zachary blinked, but became relieved as

she still appeared to be dispirited. “What‘s

other option, she admitted, “I‘m going to lose my

became indignant. “What?

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

“Who did you offend? I‘ll help you

anyway. “Isaac Jefferson.” Zachary almost

Irene nodded.

him? Was it Whitney Cox?” Zachary

marriage. They never held a wedding, and since there was no publicity and Isaac did not

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