Chapter 62
“Who on earth is so classless as to toss a bunch of cigarette butts on the doorstep?” By the afternoon, Caleb had emailed Leanne an electronic spreadsheet detailing an
impressive portfolio of real estate. Among the listed properties were a number of estates at Stonebridge and various other properties across the globe, including some in the exclusive enclave of Starlake. The listings filled several pages, each more impressive than the last.
On the phone, Caleb had pitched a few particularly charming Stonebridge houses Leanne, all turn-key ready. The prices were enough to make her head spin. It would take her a lifetime and a half of doctor’s salaries to afford even one.
“If you’re interested, I can show you around anytime,” Caleb had offered. “Just pick your favorite and I’ll have all the paperwork ready for a smooth transfer.”
Leanne had been on her way to a patient’s room when she hung up, and she found herself frozen in the hospital corridor, momentarily dazed, forgetting where she was headed.
Selina popped up from behind her. “Hey, what’s got you zoning out?”
Leanne, reminded of her task, started walking towards the patient’s room, with the sound of Selina’s wheelchair rolling behind her.
“What’s with the eyes? Been crying? Rough night with your hubby? Or did he give you a hard time again?”
Leanne retorted, “Are you from the CIA?”
“Nah, just a humble lover of the gossip grapevine,” Selina teased, bombarding Leanne with
questi
he
that your husband on the phone? What’s he transferring to you? A ny? Are you guys really getting a divorce?”
and couldn’t help but exclaim loudly, “Dr. Castillo, are you getting a
enly, the patients stopped their moaning and turned their heads with curiosity. “Dr. astillo, is it true?”
Leanne could only sigh.
In less than an afternoon, the entire ophthalmology department was abuzz with the news that Leanne was getting a divorce. Her slightly red eyes were all the evidence they needed. Sandra, another colleague, was oddly pleased at the news. “So did your poor husband dump you?” she taunted as she saw Leanne.
Leanne couldn’t fathom her delight. “Why so happy?” she asked nonchalantly, picking at her lunch. “Looks like you’re happier than my husband’s mistress.”
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11:55
The break room erupted in laughter as Sandra turned blushed, which nearly matched her scrubs.
Later, Leanne guessed Sandra must have complained to Ruben, because she found herself getting a stern talking-to, “Keep your personal life out of the hospital. It’s distracting the patients and your colleagues.”
Back when Leanne had first joined the hospital, Ruben wasn’t yet the head of the department. That title belonged to Mr. Marshall. There was tension between them, splitting the department into factions. Mr. Marshall was a renowned surgeon, while Ruben had secured his position through family connections.
Leanne and Sandra had started at the hospital around the same time. Sandra, being related to the hospital director, naturally aligned with Ruben. Leanne, a novice to the politics within the hospital, unwittingly became a thorn in Ruben’s side because Mr. Marshall had taken a liking to her.
When Mr. Marshall was promoted and left, Ruben took over. Leanne had since been a target of his ire.
Today, though, Leanne was in no mood to hold back “Why don’t you check the security
cameras to see if I’ve ever mentioned a word about my private life?” She retorted, “I can’t manage the patients’ curiosity, but maybe you can have a word with Sandra. Tell her there’s no room under my bed for her to keep tabs on my marital status.”
Ruben was livid. “Leanne, what kind of attitude is that?”
I
“I’m being respectful,” Leanne retorted, “If that’s not good enough, maybe should I kneel while I speak?”
When Ruben sent her out of his office, she caught a glimpse of Selina’s wheelchair zoomi
own the hall, almost sparking with the speed of her retreat.
er for the rest of the day, only approaching when it was time for her eye the examination, which showed no issues, Selina sheepishly apologized.
elled so loud,” she admitted.
your apology worth anything?” Leanne wasn’t angry. “You’re always causing me rouble.”
“I’m just concerned about you,” Selina protested.
After ensuring no one was around, Selina whispered, “Just get the divorce. Once it’s over, I’ll set you up with my brother!”
Leanne couldn’t help but release a cold chuckle at the offer, despite the chaos of the day.
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