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 that agreement

sick and wanted to vomit, though that

send her resume to other hospitals, but all of

very moment, she genuinely felt the might of

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

while, she

him, and he picked up soon enough.

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

agreed to it

to meet at a restaurant, and Irene left the hospital soon

arrived, he was still under the impression that Irene was worried

donor yet...” he

the perfect timing anyway, Irene told him,”

“When did that happen?

you in time.” Zachary blinked, but became

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

no other option, she admitted, “I‘m going to

again, Zachary soon became indignant. “What? Is

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

Zachary pressed. “Who did you offend?

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

Irene nodded.

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

They never held a wedding, and since there was no publicity and Isaac did not acknowledge it anyway, only a select few

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