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…

and she would be violating that agreement if she

to vomit, though that moment lasted for a brief

taking a break, she tried to send her resume to other hospitals, but all of them rejected her

felt the might of a

many friends

while, she eventually

call him, and he picked

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

quickly agreed to

at a restaurant, and Irene left the hospital soon after washing

impression that Irene was worried about

yet...” he said

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

did that

couldn‘t tell you in time.” Zachary blinked, but became relieved as he said, “Well, did the surgery go

that she still appeared to be dispirited. “What‘s

other option, she admitted, “I‘m

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

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

“Who did you offend?

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

Irene nodded.

Was it Whitney Cox?” Zachary asked,

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

either–which was why Whitney was