“Dr. Gonzales has already assigned a new attending physician to Zahra Thomas. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to reach out to her.” Elizabeth didn’t even bother to look up as she slid the consent form across the desk to Baker Bryant. She handed him another document as well. “Sign this one too.”

The words “Divorce Agreement” hit Baker like a slap. He froze mid-signature, his expression turning to ice. “What is this? Because I changed Zahra’s doctor, you’re asking for a divorce?”

Elizabeth kept her eyes down. “If that’s how you want to put it.”

Baker’s jaw tightened, clearly pissed off by her cold shrug. “Zahra got hurt near your hospital, so I brought her here. I changed her doctor just to avoid any awkwardness.”

Elizabeth finally lifted her gaze to meet his. “Awkward for whom?”

A flicker of irritation crossed Baker’s eyes. “Elizabeth, whatever happened with Zahra is ancient history. We’ve been married for seven years, and we have a son together. You don’t need to use her as an excuse—no one’s ever going to replace you as Mrs. Bryant.”

Elizabeth almost laughed. Did he honestly think she gave a damn about being Mrs. Bryant? She closed her eyes, swallowing down the bitterness, and when she looked at him again, her stare was pure ice. “Just sign it. Miss Thomas is still waiting for you inside.”

Baker glanced toward the hospital room. Zahra looked pale and fragile, curled up in the bed like a wounded bird, radiating helplessness.

He pressed his lips together. “We’ll talk about this at home.”

Elizabeth watched him walk in without a second thought, then turned and headed back to her office. Her phone buzzed—a text from the nanny: “Mrs. Bryant, Sam said he isn’t coming straight home today. He wants to stop by the hospital. He won a trophy and said he wanted to share the good news with you. The driver is bringing him over.”

Elizabeth smiled. Her son, Sam, was the one bright spot in this marriage. He could be a handful, sure, but he had a good heart. Sneaking a break, she went down to the entrance to wait for him.

Half an hour passed. No Sam. A knot of worry formed in her chest, and she was about to call him when she passed by Zahra’s room. Through the window, she spotted Sam inside—beaming, holding up his trophy like a little champion.

“It’s all thanks to Auntie Zahra! If she hadn’t come to the sports meet with me and Dad, I never would’ve won! I love Auntie Zahra the most!”

He was all over her, chattering nonstop, practically glued to her side.

“If Auntie Zahra were my mom, she wouldn’t make me study boring subjects or eat junk I hate. Unlike my mom—she can’t even play video games, and she’s always telling me not to play!”

He rolled his eyes with that shocking, almost adult-like disdain. “Why is mom so annoying?”

Then, with a maturity that cut deep, he added, “Dad, don’t you find her annoying too? Why don’t you just divorce her?”

At that moment, something inside Elizabeth cracked wide open. Her own son—the boy who always told her he loved her—was saying this? She stood frozen outside the room, fists clenched so hard her nails bit into her palms, trying to hold back the sting behind her eyes.

She remembered his last birthday party. She’d asked what he wished for, and he’d grinned, “I wish Auntie Zahra could be my mom.”

She’d always figured “Auntie Zahra” was his teacher. Kids crushing on teachers was normal. She never thought twice about it.

Until now.

Standing outside that hospital room, she watched her husband and her son crowd around another woman—faces lit up with a warmth and joy she’d never seen directed at her. It hit her like a freight train, leaving her numb, hollow.

Her son, the one she carried for nine months, raised with every ounce of her heart for seven years—now openly wishing for a new mom. And that new mom was none other than her husband’s unforgettable first love.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Seeing her standing there, Sam’s expression soured. “What are you doing here? Are you gonna do something to Auntie Zahra?”

His young face was twisted with suspicion.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to explain, but the hostility in his eyes choked off her words. So this wasn’t about coming to see her after school—it was about rushing to his beloved Auntie Zahra.

“Sam, don’t talk to your mother like that,” Baker snapped.

“Baker, don’t be hard on Sam. It’s my fault.” Zahra’s voice drifted out, soft and weak. She added, “Is that Dr. Boyd? I’m so sorry—Sam was just being protective of me. Please don’t blame him.”

“Sam is usually a good boy. I apologize on his behalf.”

With a few gentle words, Zahra painted Elizabeth as the villain.

Sam ran over and shoved Elizabeth hard. She stumbled back, hitting the wall—a sharp, searing jolt shot through her back.

Sam pointed at her, furious. “Go away! Stay away from Auntie Zahra! You’re so mean to her! I don’t want you here—just LEAVE!”

Sam’s outburst drew stares from other patients. Curious eyes bore into Elizabeth, turning her embarrassment into a hot, burning flush. Not wanting to cause a scene at work, she turned and walked away.

From behind her, Zahra’s voice carried: “Baker, you should go after Dr. Boyd. Comfort her.”

“No need. She’ll be fine by tomorrow.”

Elizabeth’s heart twisted. It was true—she never stayed angry for long. But this wasn’t anger. It was something deeper, a crushing sense of defeat she couldn’t shake.

She’d barely made it back to her office when Dr. Gonzales knocked.

“Elizabeth, your family issues aren’t really my business, but they’re causing quite a stir here at the hospital. Would you consider taking a month off?”

Elizabeth set her jaw, eyes cold. “Is this the hospital’s decision—or Baker Bryant’s?”

Since the hospital was part of the Bryant empire, Baker had all the authority.

Dr. Gonzales hesitated, and that pause told her everything. Baker wanted his first love to recuperate in peace, so he was pushing Elizabeth out.

“And if I refuse?” Elizabeth asked.

“Elizabeth, you know you can’t fight city hall. You and Baker are family—there’s no need to make this ugly. But if you insist on going against hospital policy, I’m afraid… termination might be your only option.”

“Fine. I quit.”

Leaving the hospital, Elizabeth knew Baker wouldn’t let go of the marriage easily—not when his reputation was at stake. So she went to see a lawyer.

She gave up her shares and custody of Sam, asking only for five million dollars and a clean break.

When she got home, a new photo caught her eye on the TV stand—Sam, Baker, and, standing a little apart, a woman. She looked closer. It was Zahra.

It hit her then: without her even noticing, another woman had already slipped into her family.

Elizabeth let out a dry laugh.

“Keep your hands off my photo!”

The second Baker walked in with Sam, the boy spotted the picture in Elizabeth’s hand and shot toward her like a little rocket. He snatched the photo and pressed it tightly against his chest.

Elizabeth’s face went pale. Her fingers twitched, almost involuntarily.

“You’re a terrible mom! You can’t even stand Auntie Zahra’s picture! Just like Dad said, you’re petty and unreasonable!”

Baker’s expression flickered, and he opened his mouth to scold Sam.

But Elizabeth cut him off. “If you’re free today, let’s get the divorce filing started before the family court clerk’s office closes.”

She laid out the divorce terms to Baker, matter-of-fact and cold.

Baker stayed silent for a long beat.

Sam, listening closely, shot a suspicious look between his parents. “Are you really going to divorce my dad?”

Elizabeth glanced down, a flicker of concern for Sam stirring in her chest. She wanted to comfort him.

The next second, Sam’s voice rang out, full of delight.

“Good! Then you can leave! I’m gonna tell Auntie Zahra! Maybe she can live with Dad and me instead!”

And just like that, he ran off to make the call, all too eager.

Elizabeth gave a bitter smile, her eyes slowly turning cold.

Finally, Baker spoke, his tone sharp with displeasure. “If you don’t want to take time off, I’ll arrange for Zahra to be transferred by tonight. Does that settle it?”

It took Elizabeth a second to grasp what he was getting at.

Did he actually think she was jealous?

She let out an incredulous laugh.

Seeing her reaction, Baker softened his voice. “Zahra just got back. She doesn’t have many friends or family here. I was only trying to help her—”

While Baker rambled on, patiently explaining himself, Elizabeth found every word grating on her nerves.

She asked, “If Zahra only recently came back, why is Sam already so familiar with her?”

It hit her then—Baker had always assumed she was naive.

Elizabeth couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore. She pushed, “Just sign the papers. The sooner we divorce, the sooner you can be with her.”

Baker’s face hardened. “Must you be so relentless? I’ve told you, Zahra and I are in the past. No one can threaten your position. Why are you making such a fuss?”

Elizabeth, exasperated, threw out one last line. “If you won’t sign, then we’ll see each other in court.”

With that, she walked out.

Baker watched her leave, a tangled mess of emotions settling heavy in his chest.

He thought he’d compromised enough. For seven years, he’d been faithful, giving Elizabeth and Sam every material comfort and social standing. Sure, he hadn’t been around much because of work, but he figured she understood that.

He couldn’t wrap his head around why something as small as taking Zahra to the hospital had blown up like this.

Baker sipped his coffee, planning to sort things out with Elizabeth again later that night.

But when he went back into their bedroom, she wasn’t there. The room felt off, even though it was the same space. When he opened the wardrobe to grab his toiletries, he realized Elizabeth’s clothes were gone.

Was she planning to sleep in a separate room?

Anger flared up inside him, and he stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Not long after, Sam’s cries echoed from the neighboring room, calling for his dad.

Instinctively, Elizabeth wanted to go comfort him, but she held herself back. From now on, he’d have to get used to life without her.

Sam cried his heart out.

Unable to sleep from the noise, Elizabeth went downstairs to get a glass of water.

She found Sam standing barefoot at the front door in his pajamas, sobbing. He’d never had the strongest immune system, and before, she would’ve been worried sick about him catching a cold after a night like this. But now, she pretended not to notice, drank her water, and headed back to her room.

Sam suddenly rushed over, grabbing at her sleeve.

“It’s your fault! You made Dad upset, that’s why he left me! Why are you so horrible? Why wasn’t it you who left? I hate you! Get out of me and Dad’s house!”

Elizabeth calmly pried his fingers off her sleeve and told him, “Funny enough, I don’t like you either. Call your father and tell him to sign the divorce papers, and I’ll congratulate you on getting a new mom you actually like.”

Sam stared at her, shocked, completely at a loss for words.

Elizabeth shut the door, went back to her room, and slept. She didn’t hear Sam’s voice again after that.

When she got up the next morning, Sam was gone—probably taken to school by the driver. Elizabeth didn’t ask. She headed to the hospital to turn in her resignation.

Dr. Gonzales looked at her with a conflicted expression. “Elizabeth, this is just a small issue. There’s no need to make such a big deal out of it. If you’re uncomfortable, you could always take a leave.”

Elizabeth came from a family of doctors, practically raised around medicine. She’d quickly become a nationally respected surgeon specializing in neurotrauma and complex emergency care, and the hospital was not about to lose a doctor of her caliber.

But Elizabeth insisted on resigning.

It wasn’t about the hospital. She simply didn’t want any ties left to Baker.

In the end, Dr. Gonzales didn’t accept her resignation. Instead, he gave her a month to think it over.

Elizabeth couldn’t understand why everyone assumed she was acting on impulse whenever she brought up divorce.

Baker might have been a high-status, good-looking man, but if he didn’t love her, what was the point of staying tied to him?

Leaving him would only mean a better life for her.

But clearly, nobody believed that.

As she packed her things in her office, she passed by Zahra’s room and overheard voices.

“Baker, is Dr. Boyd still upset? Did you explain things to her?” Zahra’s apologetic voice trailed out. “Sam called me yesterday, saying you’re getting divorced. I’ve been feeling guilty ever since.”

Baker’s face was gloomy.

“Maybe I should talk to Dr. Boyd. You two can’t get divorced. Otherwise, it would all be my fault.” Zahra looked helpless, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have called you—”

“It’s not Auntie Zahra’s fault at all!”

“Dad, you should divorce Mom! I don’t want to stay with her. I want to live with you and Auntie Zahra!”

Elizabeth noticed Sam wasn’t at school after all.

Hearing his words, though, gave her a strange sense of relief.

Giving up custody of Sam had been weighing on her—she’d worried about leaving a negative mark on him. After all, he was her own flesh and blood, and she did care about him.

But now, it didn’t seem so bad.

She pushed the door open and asked, “Have you all decided? When can we finalize the paperwork?”

“You eavesdropped on us?” Baker’s voice rose with anger. Elizabeth merely smirked coldly. “You’re all loud enough. Hardly counts as eavesdropping. Baker, your reluctance to sign the papers—could it be that you’re not willing to let me go?”

She turned to Zahra with amusement. “Seems like you’re not charming enough, Miss Thomas.”

Zahra’s face froze.

Then tears started falling as she spoke. “Dr. Boyd, you misunderstood. There’s nothing between Baker and me… He hasn’t wronged you. And as for Sam—”

She looked on the verge of breaking down. “Dr. Boyd, shouldn’t you also reflect on why Baker and Sam aren’t fond of you? With such a good husband and son… if it were me…”

Zahra looked like a delicate flower, gazing at Baker with deep affection.

Elizabeth gave a dry smile. “As long as they like you, that’s enough. If he tried to hold on to both of us, he’d just be a two-timing hypocrite. But Miss Thomas, there’s something I’m curious about,” Elizabeth said with a cold, mocking smile, “If there’s nothing between you two, why would my son want you, a stranger, to be his mom? And ever since you came back, my husband’s late nights out have only increased. So tell me—where has he been staying?”

“Elizabeth, enough with the drama!” Baker warned, but Elizabeth just shrugged. “If we don’t finalize this divorce, I can make things even more unpleasant for you.”

“Fine! Let’s just end it. Don’t regret this later,” Baker snapped back.

Standing outside the family courthouse, Baker fixed his gaze on Elizabeth. “If you change your mind now, I can pretend this never happened. But once we file, don’t expect me to come begging for you back.”

Elizabeth found his words annoying and kept walking inside.

“Elizabeth, if we divorce, don’t think you’ll see Sam without my permission!” Baker called after her, his expression hardening as he followed her into the building.

He was hoping Elizabeth might reconsider.

“You’re filing by mutual consent, correct?” the clerk asked. “Once the petition is filed, state law requires a thirty-day waiting period before the court can enter the final decree. If neither of you withdraws, the remaining paperwork can be submitted after that.”

Baker sneered. “So this was your plan all along—use the threat of divorce to manipulate me? Elizabeth, you’re unbelievable.”

Elizabeth found his accusation absurd. She suddenly realized how anger can turn into laughter. She had no desire to waste more time on him. “Think whatever you want. Just remember that in thirty days, I expect you to sign whatever is needed for the final decree.”

Elizabeth packed all her belongings and moved into her new apartment. She was busy setting up new job opportunities when an unexpected call came from her mentor, Ephraim Reyes.

“I heard you’re looking for a new job? Finally decided to leave that inadequate place?” His voice was hopeful.

Elizabeth sighed softly. After completing her surgical residency and an elite fellowship under Ephraim’s guidance, he had recommended her to a prestigious hospital overseas, where she would have access to exceptional surgical training, clinical resources, and research opportunities. She had excelled in their assessments.

But then she got pregnant, and Baker was struggling in his career. Out of love and support, she abandoned the overseas opportunity to help Baker build his network and grow his career back home. Back then, their relationship was solid.

Over time, however, it felt as if a mountain had grown between them. She had tried to reach out to him, but he kept shutting her out.

She was exhausted and ready to let go.

“Professor, did you call just to rub it in?” Elizabeth chuckled bitterly, reflecting on how she, once the most promising student, had let everyone down.

Ephraim removed his glasses, rubbing his eyes. “Am I the type to kick someone when they’re down? That hospital hasn’t given up on you. I’ve been keeping the spot open all these years. Think about it again. This could be your last chance.”

His voice was filled with regret. “You were such a promising talent—what made you throw it all away for marriage and children?”

Elizabeth lowered her head in remorse. “I want to go.”

Ephraim, surprised, said, “Many would fight fiercely for this opportunity. But you were always so stubborn… Wait, what did you say?”

“I want to go!” Elizabeth repeated with determination, catching her mentor off guard.

Ephraim hesitated. “But what about your husband and child…?”

Elizabeth replied firmly, “We’ll finalize the divorce in a month, and then I’ll be ready to leave.”

After confirming with her mentor, Elizabeth asked him to speak to the Chief Medical Officer about her resignation. Ephraim, upset that his star student would be held back, immediately called the Chief Medical Officer, requesting her papers be processed.

When Elizabeth went to collect her resignation papers, she unexpectedly ran into Baker, who was there to pick up Zahra from the hospital.

“Dr. Boyd, are you back to work?” Zahra asked in surprise. She glanced at Baker with a gentle smile. “I feel guilty for causing trouble. Are you reconciling with Baker?”

Feigning innocence, she added, “I was worried you might really divorce him.”

Baker looked at Elizabeth with a steely gaze. “If you’re done with your antics, come home tonight to help Sam with his homework. He’s missed a lot of lessons.”

Though he wanted to ask where Elizabeth had been, pride held him back.

Elizabeth stared at them blankly. “Why hasn’t Sam been attending school? Did you use him to appease your ‘first love,’ and now that she’s lost interest, you hand him back to me?”

She laughed at the absurdity. “Remember, in twenty-five days, we’re finalizing the divorce. Sam’s custody is yours. As for me…”

“I’m just the ‘villain’ you cast aside. Your little family issue is none of my concern.”

With that, Elizabeth turned and left.

Baker frowned. Elizabeth had never spoken so sharply to him before. She was always quiet and gentle, always there when he needed her. When had she turned so bitter and unkind?

Noticing bystanders filming with their phones, he grabbed Elizabeth’s wrist, pulling her into his office. “We need to talk.”

Elizabeth didn’t want any confrontation. She hadn’t received her resignation papers yet and feared Baker might cause trouble.

Inside the office, Baker settled on the sofa, his voice low. “If you’re upset about me seeing Zahra too often, I’ll keep it in check. But I’m still her friend—I won’t cut contact completely.”

Elizabeth had to suppress laughter, his tone was so condescending. “I’ll let it slide this once, but don’t expect it again,” Baker declared.

Elizabeth chuckled and adjusted her posture in the chair, her voice heavy with sarcasm. “Don’t bother. Let’s just go through with the divorce. You’re free to see Miss Thomas. We’ll soon have no connection.”

Baker didn’t like Elizabeth’s attitude, and his eyes flashed with anger. “Elizabeth, do you really think I can’t replace you? If you weren’t Sam’s mother, someone else would’ve taken your place already.”

He hoped to see her hurt, but Elizabeth remained unmoved. “Then why haven’t you already used your leverage to divorce me? Surely, splitting us shouldn’t be a challenge for you.”

With a scornful smile, she added, “I’m waiting for your call to finalize the divorce.”

Baker was taken aback. Even after backing down so many times, Elizabeth remained steadfast. His eyes grew cold.

Would she remain this stubborn if she couldn’t find another job in this field?

He was determined to see her resolve crumble.