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

wanted to vomit, though that moment lasted for a brief

to other

felt the might of a

and she did not have many friends either. In fact, the only one

for a while, she eventually whipped

he picked up soon enough. “Irene? What‘s

she said, trying to keep her

quickly agreed to it

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

the impression that Irene was

yet...” he said as he

perfect timing anyway, Irene told him,” My mother

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

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

that she still appeared to

no other option, she admitted, “I‘m

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

“No, I‘ve offended someone.”

Zachary pressed. “Who did you offend? I‘ll help

since Zachary might be friends with Isaac, but eventually said it anyway. “Isaac Jefferson.” Zachary almost

Irene nodded.

manage to offend him? Was it Whitney Cox?” Zachary asked, since he could not think of

and Isaac‘s marriage. They never held a wedding, and since there was no

did not tell Zachary either–which was why Whitney was