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

and wanted to vomit, though that

break, she tried to send her resume to other hospitals,

very moment, she genuinely felt the might

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

a while, she eventually whipped

call him, and he picked up

to meet you,” she

quickly agreed to it anyway.

were going to meet at a restaurant, and Irene left the hospital

impression that Irene

donor yet...” he

it was the perfect timing anyway, Irene told him,”

in surprise. “When did that happen? I had

in time.” Zachary blinked, but became relieved as he said,

but Zachary saw that she still appeared

other option, she admitted, “I‘m going

surprise again, Zachary soon became indignant. “What? Is

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

offend?

eventually said it anyway. “Isaac Jefferson.” Zachary almost spat out his drink. “Him?

Irene nodded.

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

others, was unaware of Irene and Isaac‘s marriage. They never held a wedding, and since there

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