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…

would be violating

wanted to vomit, though that moment lasted for a brief

on her computer after taking a break, she tried to send her resume to other hospitals, but all of them rejected her the instant

she genuinely felt the might of

not have many friends

hesitating for a while,

call him, and he picked up soon

time? I want to meet you,” she said, trying to keep her voice normal instead

agreed to it

a restaurant, and Irene left the hospital

still under the impression that Irene was worried about getting a heart

can‘t get a donor yet...” he said as he sat

timing anyway, Irene

in surprise. “When did that happen? I had no

blinked, but became relieved as he said, “Well, did

nodded, but Zachary saw that she

admitted, “I‘m going to lose

soon became indignant. “What? Is Dr.

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

did you offend? I‘ll help you kick their

it anyway. “Isaac Jefferson.” Zachary almost spat out his drink. “Him? He‘s

Irene nodded.

Whitney Cox?” Zachary asked, since he could not think of any

like others, was unaware of Irene and Isaac‘s marriage. They never held a wedding, and since there was no publicity and Isaac did not acknowledge it

eventually anyway, did not tell Zachary either–which was why Whitney was the only