“It’s fine,” she said evenly. “Don’t bother coming. I’ll handle it myself.”
This time, his pause lasted barely a heartbeat.
“…Alright,” he agreed. “Don’t rush. I made something special tonight. It’ll still be warm when you get back.”
The call ended.
Adriana remained standing in the dim corridor, the silence afterward heavier than the conversation itself. Her chest felt hollow, yet the ache inside only deepened.
Her fingers brushed against the folded transfer contract tucked safely inside her coat pocket.
How was she going to make him agree to her leaving the territory?
Leaning her shoulder against the stone wall for support, she forced herself forward. Each step sent a sharp pulse of pain through her ankle. By the time she reached the main road outside the infirmary grounds, sweat had dampened her clothes despite the cool evening air.
After what felt like forever, she managed to flag down a passing cab.
The moment she sank into the seat, she realized just how drained she was. Her hands were clammy, her skin pale.
The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “Miss, you look unwell. Shouldn’t you call your boyfriend to pick you up?”