“Definitely not!” Emily responded instantly, her tone unwavering and devoid of sincerity.
Then, with a sweet smile, she added, “I wouldn’t want to trouble you, Mrs. Clark. But since you’re so generous, I’ll gladly accept your offer. Here’s my number…”
Jessica calmly saved Emily’s number in her phone and made a quick call to verify it. “All set, then. Miss Reed, anytime you feel unwell, even in the middle of the night, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Clark,” Emily said, her tight smile barely masking her frustration.
“You’re welcome, Miss Reed,” Jessica replied smoothly.
When Ethan returned with the fever medicine, he ensured Emily took it before leaving with Jessica.
As they walked away, Emily stood by the window, watching them disappear into the distance. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms.
She had underestimated Jessica!
The once weak and humble woman Emily remembered had transformed into a formidable rival—a strong adversary standing in the way of her pursuit of Ethan.
Her eyes burned with determination. If she didn’t act soon, she would lose Ethan to Jessica entirely.
________________________________________
The next morning, at the Cardiac Surgery Department of Grand Plains General Hospital, Jessica was assisting Deputy Chief Physician Darlene with patient rounds.
As they entered one of the rooms, Jessica noticed a middle-aged woman seated on a couch.
The woman rose gracefully as they stepped in. “Dr. Mitchell,” she greeted.
“Mrs. Singh,” Darlene replied with a polite nod.
The patient in the room, Oliver Brooks, was still asleep. He was the man who had collapsed at Jessica’s welcome banquet that fateful evening.
After discussing Oliver’s health and the arrangements for his surgery with Hannah Mitchell, Darlene and her team moved on to continue their rounds.
Once the rounds were completed, Jessica decided to return to Oliver’s room for a follow-up.
She knocked gently on the door before pushing it open.
Hannah looked up and hesitated, then asked with mild concern, “Is there an issue with my husband’s health, doctor?”
Jessica removed her face mask and offered a warm smile. “It’s me, Jessica.”
Hannah’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Jessica?” she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.
She paused, as if trying to reconcile the young woman before her with the person she remembered. Then, realization dawned.
“You’re Jessica? It was you who saved Oliver that night?” Hannah’s voice was filled with shock.
She hadn’t expected Ethan’ wife and Nathaniel’s goddaughter to be the same person.
“Jessica, you look so different now! I wouldn’t have recognized you if you hadn’t said so,” Hannah exclaimed.
Jessica smiled modestly as Hannah scrutinized her more closely. Although Jessica had lost significant weight and the dark mark on her face was gone, her distinctive features were unmistakable.
Hannah reached out, clasping Jessica’s hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Jessica. What you did for Oliver was nothing short of heroic. Without you, things could have turned out very differently.”
Jessica shook her head humbly. “There’s no need to thank me, Mrs. Singh. Any doctor in my position would have done the same.”
Before Hannah could respond further, a soft knock interrupted their conversation.
“Come in,” Hannah called out.
Both women turned toward the door, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor.
