When I got in, the scent of fruits hung faintly in the air.
Grace greeted me with a small smile. "Thank you for still having me back after what Tina did," she said a little unsure, "I thought it was over when we got arrested."
"Yeah," I said, kicking off my heels. "Sorry about that. The chef won't be coming back though. I like cooking, so we're fine."
She smiled. "So… what's on the menu tonight?"
"Later. I'll come down after."
Upstairs, I dropped my phone and stripped down, slipping into the hot tub. The water embraced me instantly — warm, soothing, bubbling against my skin.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. For a moment, everything then slowed. No parties. No paper marriage. No Tracy. No August. Just heat and water and silence.
Twenty-five minutes later, I went downstairs to prepare dinner with Grace. Being in the kitchen and cooking took my mind off things.
"This looks so good!" Grace said.
"I know right" I took a picture of the meal
After we ate, she went to sleep in the workers' quarters on the first floor.
Soon, I went to bed too.
By morning, the world felt lighter—or maybe I was just numb. I scrolled through my phone to check updates about my transfer. The hospital where I was doing my residency had been sold and merged with my grandfather's hospital.
All doctors and nurses were reassigned. And me?
I was being sent to his hospital—the biggest in the country.
I glanced at the group chat. Complaints buzzed across the screen—other residents dreading the move, the new rules, the top-ranked hospital that now awaited us. My chest tightened. Compared to our old facility, this place was a fortress of pressure. I set my phone aside, laced up my running shoes, and stepped outside. A morning run might not erase the dread, but at least it could give me a moment to breathe before facing tomorrow.
By the time I got back, sweat clung to my skin and my breathing was uneven. I slowed when I saw my grandfather standing with a team of engineers, inspecting the building.
That was… unexpected.
"Hi," I muttered, still catching my breath.
"Oh, my girl," he said, extending his arms for a hug.
I hesitated. "I'm sweaty, sorry," I laughed awkwardly, pulling out my earbuds.
He folded his hands behind his back. "Let's take a walk then."
"Sure."
"I see you're getting ready for tomorrow," he said.
"Oh yeah."
He stopped and turned to face me. "Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?"
"Uhm… we're both busy," I replied carefully. "I want to start with the other resident doctors tomorrow. Maybe later."
He nodded slowly. "Fair enough. Before you became a Sinclair, you were a Martin. If you need anything at the hospital, my office is open to you."
"I won't need anything," I said quickly. "I don't even want anyone to know we're related. And I'm not looking for special treatment."
"Oh, okay." He handed me an envelope. "An invite to my birthday party this weekend. You and your husband must attend."
I raised a brow. "Before my husband, my parents existed. So the four of us will be there."
His eyes lingered on mine. For a moment, I saw something shift — pride, regret, maybe both.
I knew he'd disowned my father years ago for marrying my mother. But maybe things were about to change.
"Okay," he said dryly. "Let's take the elephant out of the room then."
I chuckled.
"See you and your husband tomorrow at the hospital's orientation hall," he said, turning to leave.
I frowned. "My husband?"
He looked genuinely surprised. "You didn't know? He's starting work at my hospital tomorrow—as a full-time neurosurgeon."
My stomach dropped. It was like someone had poured ice water down my spine.
I started hiccuping. That was the last thing I was expecting, but I refused to let him see that.
"Are you okay?"
I covered my mouth.
"Uhm yeah…I just need to go get some water, see you this weekend"
Before he could say another word, I turned and ran
"What the hell?" My mind was racing
As soon as I got to my room, I called the person in charge of my transfer from the previous hospital. But he said there was nothing he could do — that the new hospital was "a better fit," "more advanced," and "a great opportunity" for me.
I sank onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Since it was out of my hands, I tried to focus on how to get through it — how to face 'him' again without losing my mind.
By morning, I'd convinced myself to hold my chin high. Even though part of me wished things could go differently, I wasn't about to back down.
Clarke FaceTimed me while eating breakfast.
"But you won't get to see him much though," she said, chewing loudly.
"I hope I won't see him at all," I muttered.
"Just avoid his department."
"Yeah." I ruffled my hair.
She squinted at me. "But what about your name? Are you using 'Sinclair'?"
"Hell no!"
"But you're legally married to him"
"Thanks for the reminder," I said dryly. "But yeah… I don't know."
"You risk people knowing you're a 'Martins' over using his name?"
Well, that's a risk I'd rather take."
She raised an eyebrow. "But wait — Tracy works at your grandfather's hospital, right? As an anesthesiologist?"
"Yeah, I know. She bragged about it yesterday at the party, but I wasn't paying much attention — not until I found out 'August' would be working there too."
Clarke sighed. "Brace yourself, girl. This could get messy."
I leaned back, looking at my reflection in the mirror one final time. My expression was calm — too calm.
"No, Clarke. They should brace themselves." I took a deep breath. "I've had enough."