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.

After Elizabeth left, the office fell into a suffocating silence, Baker Bryant’s expression dark enough to cast a shadow over the whole room. He yanked at his tie in irritation, memories clawing their way back—Elizabeth standing by him, her laughter contagious. Was it really such a big deal that he’d swapped Zahra Thomas’ doctor? Age had clearly dulled his sense of what actually mattered.

Determined to prove a point, Baker convinced himself Elizabeth needed a reality check: without him, she’d be nothing.

Outside, Elizabeth drifted through the hospital corridors she knew like the back of her hand, an unexpected wave of relief washing over her—like a weight she’d been carrying for years had finally slipped off. She let out a soft breath, pressing a hand to her chest. A heart that once raced for Baker now felt light, almost foreign. It was a sign. That chapter was closing.

Seven years of emotions, she realized, weren’t as impossible to let go of as she’d thought. She’d given so much, sacrificed even more, only to be met with Baker’s endless indifference and quiet cruelty. She should’ve seen it ages ago—the relationship had turned toxic, and holding on would only drag her deeper into the hurt.

No more letting the past dictate her future.

With only twenty-five days left in the statutory waiting period before the divorce could be finalized, she found herself actually looking forward to the final decree. After that, she’d leave the country for good.

For years, her whole world had revolved around Baker and Sam, leaving zero room for herself. Now, free from the weight of love and ready to walk away from this life, it was the perfect moment to reconnect with old friends, maybe throw herself a little farewell party.

Lost in a lively chat on her phone, Elizabeth didn’t notice the figure approaching from behind until a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Elizabeth, are you sure you want to divorce Baker?”

Her smile evaporated, replaced by a mask of cold composure. She turned around to face Zahra Thomas—pale, trembling, her eyes shimmering with barely-contained tears.

“I’m so sorry, Dr. Boyd. This is all my fault. I never thought my friendship with Baker would cause such a misunderstanding. If you’re upset, please take it out on me—just don’t let it ruin what you and Baker have. Sam is still so young… he needs his mother.”

Zahra’s voice came out as a fragile whisper, every word dripping with pleading. She even dipped into a small bow, though she looked unsteady as she straightened up.

Elizabeth nearly laughed at the pathetic damsel-in-distress act. “Baker’s not here, so you can drop the performance.”

She crossed her arms, her tone laced with sarcasm and barely-veiled contempt.

Zahra’s face went even paler, visibly rattled by Elizabeth’s bluntness. Her whole body trembled, tears spilling before she could stop them. “Dr. Boyd, I… I didn’t mean to—” she stammered, voice cracking with helplessness and hurt.

But Elizabeth had zero patience for her little charade. “Zahra, just because I never called you out on your connection to Baker doesn’t mean I’m blind. If your relationship with him was as innocent as you claim, would you be calling him ‘Baker’ so sweetly? Would you keep showing up when you know he’s a married man? But soon I’ll be his ex, so whatever happens between you two is none of my business. But if you pull this victim act in front of me again…”

She didn’t get to finish. Zahra quivered, lowered her head, and finally let the tears fall—each drop hitting the floor with a soft, almost theatrical splash.

Her voice shook even harder now. “I’m truly sorry, Dr. Boyd. I really, really didn’t mean to…”

Elizabeth’s patience was wearing razor-thin as Zahra kept whimpering in that weak little voice. But before she could snap back, a sudden force shoved her hard against the wall.

“Elizabeth!” The voice thundered right in her ear. Baker Bryant loomed over her, his face a mask of fury, looking like he was two seconds from losing it.

Stunned by the shove, Elizabeth’s back slammed into the wall, a sharp hiss escaping her lips. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

She pressed a hand against her aching arm, eyes blazing with anger.

“I’m losing it? Elizabeth, look at what you’ve done!” Baker’s eyes burned with righteous indignation as he stepped closer, his voice low and accusatory.

In his arms, Zahra hung limp and pale—the picture of wounded innocence. She looked like the real victim here. She glanced at Elizabeth through wet lashes, biting her lip, then tugged feebly at Baker’s sleeve. “Baker, don’t be mad… it’s not Dr. Boyd’s fault. She just… she just—” Her sentence dissolved into fresh sobs, tears dripping onto Baker’s hand, adding to her fragile charm.

Baker’s expression instantly softened. He patted Zahra’s back gently, like comforting a frightened child. “Don’t worry, I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Then he turned back to Elizabeth, his eyes narrowing, sharp enough to cut. “Elizabeth, what did you do to Zahra? I get that you’re not her biggest fan, but she’s a patient. As a doctor, where’s your professional integrity when you’re picking fights with a patient?”

Elizabeth met his disappointed stare, her chest heaving with fury. She’d always known Baker would choose Zahra over her, but it still stung—just not as much as it used to.

Holding his gaze, she spoke slowly, deliberately. “Baker, does your hospital need a reminder that the hallways are covered by cameras?”

She shot an amused glance at Zahra, who flinched slightly at her words. “If you really want to know what happened, check the surveillance footage. See who started this. Or are you just going to convict me based on Zahra’s word alone?”

She had no interest in playing along with Zahra’s little melodrama. Having said her piece, she turned to walk away.

As she turned, a strange sense of finality settled over her. In the past, Baker’s attitude would’ve shattered her, maybe left her in tears. But now, all she felt was relief—and a quiet, steely resolve.

Baker Bryant, maybe I once hoped you’d understand me, trust me. But now I see clearly: it’s Zahra you truly care about. There’s no point in sticking around any longer. Your love doesn’t hold me back anymore—and it sure as hell isn’t going to stop me from moving forward.