“Have some self-respect. A little more dignity. It’s embarrassing to chase after a man, a married man like this. Really. And if you truly care about him, you wouldn’t try to create problems at his workplace. He loves it here. He built his career here. He’s a damn good surgeon with a bright future ahead of him. He left you. So move on peacefully and stay away from here.”
A slow smirk spread across her face. “So you think he’ll come running back to you?”
I shook my head, stunned by how stubborn and shameless she was.
“It doesn’t matter what he decides. If you care about him, you protect him. You protect his career. His future. The one he’sspent years building with effort, sacrifice, and dedication. And if you ruin that for him, I promise you, he’ll hate you for the rest of his life. Remember that.”
I turned to leave. I’d said what I needed to say.
“I’m not going to hurt him. I love him. He left you and came to me, Sloane,” I heard her say behind me. “There had to be a reason for that. He might have forgotten it now, but sooner or later, he’ll remember.”
“Yeah, sure...” I muttered, then walked out of the room.
As I made my way back to my floor, opting for the stairs over the elevator, my phone vibrated softly in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw the name Maria Torres flashing on the screen. My breath caught—my divorce lawyer.
I hesitated for a moment before pressing the answer button.
“Mrs. Sloane Davis? This is Maria Torres.”
“Yes, this is she,” I replied quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Thank you for reaching out to me,” she said briskly. “I received your email about your intention to file for divorce. You mentioned that he’s agreed to the divorce. Has he retained a lawyer yet?”
I paused, anxiety knotting my stomach. “I’m not entirely sure,” I admitted.
“Alright,” Maria said thoughtfully. “You also mentioned wanting to move forward as soon as possible. We can arrange a meeting with your spouse and their lawyer to discuss the important details, such as custody, alimony, and asset division. Would that be okay with you?”
I nodded to myself even though she couldn’t see it. “Yes. That sounds... good.”
“And do you think he’ll be open to that as well?”
“I believe so,” I said, though the confidence in my voice felt fragile.
“When would be a good time for you to meet? I understand you’re both doctors, so your schedules might be tight.”
“Cameron and I have the day off tomorrow,” I said.
“Perfect. I just had a client cancel, so I’m free at four. Does that work for you?”
“I’ll ask him first.”
“Okay, just text me once you’ve confirmed.”
“Sure,” I said, still feeling dazed.
“Have a good day, Mrs. Davis.”
“You too.”
I stood frozen, caught in the unbearable truth I was trying to grasp.
It was real. I was losing him for good.
The only one who stayed, even when I pushed him away again and again.
He would no longer be there for me. Not ever.
“Is he coming?” Maria asked, seated across from me in the meeting room of her office.
