Chapter 67: Inhaler
Patricia had sensed something off about the middle-aged woman from the moment she looked at her, and now everything was starting to make sense. God knows what kind of terrible things Michelle must have said about her to earn that kind of reaction.
"Oh, that must be inconvenient for you," the woman said with a stiff smile, then turned fully to Patricia.
"Fortunately, your fiancé brought an extra hand. I am sure you know her." She gestured toward Patricia as she spoke, her smile fading once again. The tone she used was clipped, dismissive, barely acknowledging Patricia’s presence. But what they didn’t know was that Patricia had no interest in being acknowledged. They could all keep their forced civility.
Michelle turned, completely unfazed, confirming Patricia’s suspicion, she already knew Patricia was here. That little performance earlier had been for show. She intentionally came over to make that report just to get a reaction out of her aunt. Applaudis!
"Oh yeah, she would do. After all... she saved my heart," Michelle replied, heavy sarcasm dripping from every word, especially the last one. Patricia’s jaw tensed. Was that her way of saying she had broken her heart by stealing her man?
"This way," Michelle said, gesturing ahead, and Patricia followed her in silence, letting her lead.
"Here," Michelle said, handing her a white coat and a pair of gloves. "I will brief you once you are done." Then she stepped aside, giving Patricia space to change.
Michelle’s eyes slid to Patricia’s bag, and a dark idea crept into her thoughts. A mischievous grin curled her lips. If Patricia was so determined to destroy every chance she had with Roman, then she had no right to blame her for what was coming.
Michelle had been with Roman first. If not for her weak heart, they would have been married long before Patricia ever showed up. Patricia had stolen the life that was supposed to be hers. She was never going to let her take her place, not without a fight. She had been destined to marry Roman since birth, and if her parents were still alive, none of this would have happened. But even Grandpa Blackthorn was no longer on her side... which meant they were planning to accept Patricia as Roman’s legal wife.
Over her dead body.
"I am done," Patricia said, snapping Michelle out of her vengeful spiral. Michelle handed her a file and began explaining the patient’s condition with a smooth, practiced tone.
Once the briefing was over, Michelle left without another word, leaving Patricia alone with the patient, a man who wouldn’t stop groaning about his chest pain.