Chapter 8
Pushing through the crowd, I saw Jaxson shielding Caroline protectively.
He had intercepted a family member’s hand mid–swing before it could strike Caroline, who cowered fearfully in his arms with a pitiful
expression.
The family member seemed intimidated by Jaxson’s imposing presence.“Who… Who are you?” he stammered.
Jaxson pushed the man back firmly.“Can’t we resolve this without violence?”
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“Ask her!” The man pointed angrily at Caroline.“My son just survived major surgery, and this doctor had the nerve to call his wound disgusting during rounds! If she can’t handle it, she shouldn’t be a doctor!”
“That’s not what happened,” Caroline protested tearfully, looking up at Jaxson.“I felt nauseous because of something I ate this morning, not because of the patient.”
Jaxson nodded.“I’ll handle this.”
He turned to the man.“She was genuinely unwell, not being disrespectful. I’ll cover all hospitalization expenses to make up
for it.”
The offer immediately diffused the tension, and the man reluctantly returned to the patient’s room, muttering about bad luck.
“I’m sorry for causing trouble, Jaxson,” Caroline said with heartfelt concern. “You didn’t have to intervene. What if you’d gotten hurt?”
Jaxson smiled slightly.“Your safety was what mattered.”
“Ms. Warren, is Mr. Hamilton your boyfriend?” someone asked.
Caroline lowered her eyes demurely.“No, don’t talk nonsense…”
“Come on, you two look perfect together!” The onlookers joined in teasing.
As the crowd laughed, Jaxson’s gaze found mine across the room.
My heart clenched painfully when our eyes met, a bitter taste filling my mouth.
There stood my husband, the picture of compatibility with another woman.
I didn’t belong here.
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