"Fiona, I heard you arguing. Please, don't fight with Senior Brother because of me. I can explain. He was reviewing your charts with me all day, and yesterday he performed surgery until dawn. You shouldn't be so—"
"The hospital shift ends at six." My voice cut through her rehearsed speech like a scalpel. "Dr. Preston, your acting surpasses your medical skills."
She froze.
She thought I didn't know the hospital had released staff early today. She thought I didn't know Adrian wasn't even on the schedule.
They used "my health" as a shield for their affair, performing this noble act while stabbing me in the back.
The color drained from Zoe's face. We both turned to Adrian.
"Adrian." I gestured between them. "Miss Preston clearly thinks the world of you. Why hesitate? Sign the papers. Consider it my final gift—making room for the two of you."
*Slap.*
The force snapped my head to the side. My cheek erupted in heat, a dull throb spreading through my jaw.
"Fiona! Apologize to Dr. Preston! *Now!*"
Zoe gasped, one hand flying to cover her mouth. Her eyes darted between Adrian's fury and my stinging face.
The performance was flawless.