Chapter 3

Claire's POV

This training program would keep me abroad for three full years, so early the next morning, I began preparations for my departure.

I first went out to handle my visa, then returned to the hospital to process my transfer paperwork.

But as soon as I arrived at the hospital, a colleague called me over, saying a patient had come for a follow-up and specifically requested me.

I quickly changed and rushed to the department, only to discover that the patient who'd requested me was Rachel Connors.

In the examination room, I forced down the churning emotions inside and tried my best to treat Rachel as just an ordinary patient.

But Rachel wasn't about to let me off that easily. After the examination, she spoke up. "Dr. Anderson, my body... it's okay, right?"

"Nothing serious. Just some swelling. Just avoid sex for the next few days."

Seeing my calm demeanor, a flash of surprise and unwillingness crossed Rachel's eyes.

"How can that work? My husband has a very high sex drive. Last night we even had a video call and..." She trailed off as if embarrassed. "But I was considerate enough to suggest he find another woman."

My hand froze as I removed my gloves.

Thinking of what happened last night, disgust and humiliation swept through my entire body.

"Dr. Anderson, are you alright? You look so pale."

Rachel's words seemed concerned, but her eyes couldn't hide her smugness.

"I'm fine. If there's nothing else, you can leave now."

I gripped the edge of the desk to steady myself as I issued the dismissal, but Rachel acted as if she hadn't heard.

She walked over to me, dropping the innocent and shy act she put on in front of Ethan. Her expression turned provocative as she spoke in a voice only the two of us could hear. "Dr. Anderson, do you know what Ethan says about you when he's with me? He says every time he thinks about you being married to someone else, he feels disgusted. He also said you're nothing but trash."

The malice in her words was obvious. My eyes widened and my pupils contracted sharply.

Just as Rachel thought she'd achieved her goal and turned to leave, I spoke.

"If he finds me so repulsive and likes you so much, why haven't you made him kick me out? Is it that you don't want to?"

Rachel choked on those words. The smug smile on her lips instantly froze, and her expression turned ugly.

"Don't get too proud! I'll replace you sooner or later. Just you wait!"

I didn't respond. Rachel slammed the door and stormed out.

After finishing the paperwork and handing over my duties, the sky had already darkened.

I stood by the hospital window, hesitating for a long time before finally dialing a number I hadn't contacted in ages.

"Claire? What's wrong? Did something happen?" On the other end, my father's voice sounded clearly surprised.

"Dad, I just wanted to let you know I'm about to move to another city for work. I probably won't be able to come home for the holidays."

"Why so sudden?" My father's tone held a note of probing. "Ethan... is he going with you?"

Hearing that name, I fell silent for a moment.

"No. Just me. We're... not husband and wife anymore."

We should never have been, actually.

Silence stretched on the other end of the line. After a long pause, he simply responded, "Alright."

After hanging up, I stood there for a while.

I remembered how my father used to love me when I was little.

But after my mother passed away and his company went bankrupt due to poor management, and after he started a new family, we grew more and more distant.

That's why, from my teens onward, I learned to take care of myself.

Later, when I met Ethan, I clung to him like a drowning person grasping at driftwood, loving him and giving everything for him.

At that thought, I let out a self-mocking smile and got up to gather my things.

But when I pushed open the door to my home, I unexpectedly heard Rachel's voice inside.

Ethan didn't even bother pretending anymore. Seeing me return, he actually smiled and asked.

"The girl was curious about where I live, so I'm letting her stay for a few days. You... don't mind, right?"