After marrying my boss (Anna)
Chapter 32

Chapter 32

“Hey, don't keep thinking about work. As a woman, you can't focus solely on your career.”

My mom knew I took my career seriously. Therefore, my excuse didn't raise her suspicion, but shegazed at me with much concern.

“I got it, Mom. Don't worry about me. I'll take good care of myself.”

Flashing her a faint smile, I couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt within my heart.

The surgery was scheduled in the afternoon, so I kept my dad company, chattering with him in the wardthe entire morning. A lump formed in my throat at the sight of his grey hair.

A long while later, my mom pulled me aside and questioned, “Anna, what happened between you andJustin? Why did you cancel the wedding out of the blue?”

Previously, I had only informed my parents over the phone that the wedding had been canceled. Ihadn't bothered explaining the reason behind the cancellation as I didn't want to worry them.

“Nothing much. It's just that we're not compatible with one another, so we canceled the wedding.”

At the mention of Justin's name, my heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't bring myself to meet her gaze.

My relationship with Justin was over, so I didn't want my parents to get edgy because of me and thatscumbag.

“I know you're lying to me. You're my daughter. I know you from the inside out. Over the years, you've

been head over heels in love with Justin. How could you suddenly realize that the two of you areincompatible with one another? Are you hiding anything from me?”

Undoubtedly, she understood my personality, that I had always been one who suffered in silence. Thatwas why she didn't believe in a single word I said.

The woman clearly knew how smitten I was with Justin, and how I used to yearn to tie the knot withhim. With that, anyone would suspect the abrupt cancelation of the wedding, let alone my parents.

Under her interrogation, I spilled the beans that Justin had an affair with Mabel. I also told her that theyeven had a child now.

Infuriated, she jumped to her feet in a flash. “He's too much! How could he do that to you? Anna, youmust have been blind to have fallen for a jerk like him!”

“Mom, calm down. Let bygones be bygones. It's pointless to get all worked up for such a man.” I tookher hand and comforted her.

The mere thought of Justin filled me with repugnance. The man could no longer affect me emotionally.Perhaps I had truly gotten over him.

“I'm not angry. I'm just worried that you might be upset. After all, you've been together with him for solong, and I can tell you love him deeply. How could he do such a horrible thing to you!” My mom sighedin distress.

“Mom, it's all in the past now. Let's not dwell on the matter. I'll ask the doctor about Dad's condition.” I

patted her shoulder and dropped the subject.

Striding out of the ward, I breathed a long sigh before heading toward the office of my dad's attendingdoctor.

My heart was set at rest once I found out from the doctor that my dad's condition was ideal for surgery,and the risk was rather low.

Later, I bought lunch near the hospital. On my way back, I bumped into Natalie at the entrance.

Initially, she was supposed to come together with me in the morning. However, her supervisor didn'tallow her to take a day off, so she could only pay us a quick visit at noon.

As the two of us sauntered toward the ward, Mabel's voice sounded behind us unexpectedly.

“Anna Garcia!”

Natalie and I stopped in our tracks in unison, turning around to look at the woman, who was struttingtoward us arm in arm with Justin.

It had been a long time since I last met the couple. Knowing that Mabel was up to no good, Idisregarded her, took Natalie's hand, and marched away.

Nevertheless, there was no way Mabel would let me off so easily. Sure enough, her sardonic voiceechoed in the air right after we took two steps ahead.

“Anna, why are you avoiding Justin and I like the plague? Aren't you going to greet us? We're your

long-time friends after all.”

Despite my annoyance and her attempt to pick on me, I refused to deal with her now. My dad wasgoing to undergo surgery later, so I wanted to steer clear of any trouble.

However, the short-tempered woman beside me grabbed my arm and turned around to glare at Mabel.

“Oh, it's you, homewrecker! Are you here to show off that you've climbed up the ladder?” Nataliesnapped mercilessly with a contemptuous expression.

In a split second, Mabel's face contorted with fury, and she gave Natalie a death stare.

“Natalie, this is none of your business. Why must you meddle in our affairs every time?”

Displeased by Natalie's protectiveness, the woman shot daggers at her.

“Anna's business is mine too, and I'll always have her back. I can't stand your ugly, mean-looking face.Justin must be out of his mind to choose a woman like you!”

Though Mabel was malicious, Natalie wasn't an easy target. With both hands on her hips, the latterstomped forward, pointing at the other woman's nose with her index finger. Disdain was written all overher face, as though Mabel was the most despicable person she had ever encountered.

Without saying a word, my gaze riveted on Justin's face. His expression turned awkward when helocked eyes with me.

Mabel's irritated face turned as white as a sheet. Raising her hand, she aimed it at the face of the

woman facing her. Aghast, I turned to glance at Natalie.

Thinking that she was going to be slapped, I was troubled, but it was too late for me to stop her now.

However, Natalie seemed to have anticipated her move. Fuming with anger, she caught and grippedMabel's hand in mid-air.

“Mabel, what the heck? Did you just try to slap me?” she questioned in a frigid voice.

Flinging Mabel's hand away, Natalie lifted her hand and gave the woman a tight slap on the face.

Slap! A resounding smack reached our ears. Instantly, a red palm print appeared on Mabel's fair cheek.

Other than Natalie, everyone present was nonplussed, and I was no exception. Never in my wildestdream had I expected Natalie to hit Mabel. All of us were in utter disbelief.

Mabel was stunned for a moment, but she soon recollected herself, and her face contorted with rage.”Natalie, who the hell do you think you are? How dare you slap me!”

She shot daggers at my friend. Her ear-piercing voice attracted the attention of many people aroundus, and they all turned to stare at us, who were causing a commotion.