“It was Sloane who asked for a divorce.”
“Of course,” she chuckled bitterly. “What the fuck did you expect?”
“I’m pursuing this, Car. This relationship with Evie. She cares about me. I’m happy with her.”
“You keep saying you want to be happy.” She shook her head, looking at me as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Go chase that happiness, then. But I’ll tell you something, Cam. In a relationship, happiness isn’t the same with someone you don’t love. And you said you still love Sloane.
This woman, whom you’re determined to replace, won’t be able to fill that void if your heart is still with Sloane. What you’re doing is stupid, reckless, and childish.Because this separation wasn’t right, it was cruel and abrupt. Sloane will always hate you for that. And your Evie will always worry you’re not fully committed. Remember that, Cam. And one day, you’ll see that I’m right.”
She paused, taking a steadying breath, clearly struggling to keep from shouting.
“And Harper—God, I feel sorry for that little girl.” She let out a sharp exhale, then tapped my arm. “But don’t worry. Harper will still have her mother, grandmother, uncle, and aunt. She’ll find love in other ways.”
“I’m not leaving Harper,” I said through clenched teeth. “I’m leaving Sloane.”
“Well, I’m not sure that’s any different, Cam. But when Harper starts asking questions, you’d better have the right answers.”
She gave me a hard, unwavering look, shook her head once more, then turned and walked out, leaving me alone with the pounding in my head and a tight twist in my chest.
I stayed there, trying to steady my emotions and collect myself before finally stepping into the hallway, only to find Caroline standing there, staring at something.
I walked closer, and that was when I saw it.
Sloane was talking with the new surgeon, Dr. Gabriel Carver. They stood facing each other. He said something, and she laughed.
He made her laugh.
Caroline glanced at me, then gave a knowing smirk. “I guess I don’t need to worry about her, do I? Look at them. I can even feel their chemistry from here.”
Then she walked away, leaving me still standing there, still staring.
Four surgeries today were successful, even though my head was still throbbing. The medication I took hadn’t eased thepain at all. I was coiled with anxiety, snapping at people who didn’t deserve it, and all I wanted was to go home.
But where the fuck was that now? Home?
Was it the studio where I lived? Evie’s place? Or... was it Sloane’s and mine?
I stepped into the locker room, grateful for the quiet. I didn’t see anybody there. The shift had dragged, and my shoulders ached from standing in the OR most of the day. I peeled off my scrub top and tossed it into the chute, already thinking about the hot shower waiting just a few steps away.
I scrubbed quickly, trying to wash away the weight of the day along with the sweat. The voices in my head—fragments of conversation, tension, second-guessing—refused to quiet. I shut off the water, reached for my towel, and stepped out of the cubicle. The chill of the locker room hit my skin as I sat down in front of my locker.
When I looked up, Gabriel was walking out from the back, a towel slung low around his waist while he dried his head with another. He caught my eye and gave a nod. I returned it, brief and wordless. Just two tired surgeons sharing a quiet moment at the end of a long shift.
I’d decided to ignore him, but then he walked over and spoke.
“Dr. Davis, right? Cameron Davis.” He extended a hand.
I took it without standing.
“Gabriel Carver. Nice to meet you.”
I gave him a short nod. “Welcome to the team.” That was all I offered.
He sat down beside me. “I noticed there are a few Davises around. Caroline, Caleb, Sloane, and you. Are you all related?”
“They’re my siblings.” I paused. “Except Sloane.”
“Oh, she’s not?”
