After submitting my resignation, I began packing my belongings. Surveying the apartment Gian and I had shared for three years, I couldn't escape a wave of sadness. Gian was my first love; once we were together, he became the center of my universe.

That was until I discovered the encrypted photo album on his phone, filled with intimate pictures of him and Mariam. When I confronted him, seeking clarity, he lashed out, accusing me of invading his privacy and claiming I had no trust in him. This sparked a month-long cold war between us. In the end, it was I who had to swallow my pride and apologize to earn his grudging forgiveness.

But from then on, he was less discreet in his favoritism toward Mariam. When I was bedridden with a high fever, he left me alone because she called. On my birthday, he hosted her for a lavish dinner, leaving me behind at the restaurant until closing time. He repeatedly shared my research findings with her to help her advance. I didn't remain silent—I argued, but every time it ended with him saying, "If you're not happy, then let's break up."

I could overlook many things, but my research on ankylosing spondylitis was the dream driving my medical career. It wasn't just about academic achievement; it was for the countless patients in need. So this time, I wouldn't back down.

Packing didn't take long, as I didn't have much. Just as I was about to leave with my suitcase, the door swung open, and Gian walked in with Mariam.

Feigning surprise, Mariam asked, "Dr. Olson, are you really leaving for Europe to study?"

Gian shot me a disdainful look and said, "Francesca, stop pretending. You're not fooling anyone."

"With your mediocre background, you think you can study in Europe? I bet you can't even afford a plane ticket!"

"You better get back to the clinic with Mariam while you still have a chance to patch things up. Don’t worry; Mariam isn’t as petty as you. She’ll speak up for you."

Mariam, clearly enjoying herself, chimed in, "Yes, Dr. Olson, if you apologize to me publicly at the staff meeting, it’ll all be forgotten. Once I become Dr. Sullivan’s student, I’ll put in a good word for you."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Mariam, where do you get the nerve to ask me to apologize?"

"Put in a good word for me with Dr. Sullivan? You're scared I'll leave for good!"

Hearing my blunt reply, Gian glowered protectively at her. "Mariam’s father is the director of a major hospital. To me, she’s leagues beyond you; you couldn’t compare to a single hair on her head."

"You better do as Mariam says, or forget about me forgiving you ever again!"

The boyfriend I'd cherished for three years had finally shown his true colors. Gian was right; my background couldn’t match Mariam’s. But he had no clue I was the only doctor both domestically and internationally capable of performing ankylosing spondylitis repair surgery. Patients were flocking to me, with the highest treatment fees exceeding a million dollars. Mariam and her father, the director of a small-town hospital, weren't even qualified to fetch me a cup of coffee.

Initially, I had planned to reveal all this to him and marry him once the project was complete. Now I see, he doesn't deserve it.

In that moment, all my love for Gian evaporated. I looked at him coolly and said, "Really? Good riddance."

"I hope you both continue to be so smug in the future."

With that, I picked up my suitcase, walked past them, and officially said goodbye to three wasted years of my life.

At the airport, I managed to book the next available flight to the United States. Just before boarding, a colleague sent me a screenshot from an online forum. It was Mariam Castro's latest comment:

"Dr. Francesca is an exceptional physician. I've always admired her. I believe she made an error in a moment of confusion, and I'm ready to forgive her and give her another chance. Francesca, please return. I hope we can continue to work together!"

I scoffed at her bold words. She only missed the results I delivered. Even in her desperate plea, she had to coat it with a layer of self-righteousness. I turned off my phone, deciding to ignore it.

Once at Harvard University, I found myself among the brightest minds from across the globe. Here, I had access to cutting-edge medical research and the most advanced medical technology. It struck me how naive I had been to once sacrifice opportunities for Gian Olson. I committed myself fully to my studies, determined to excel further.

My mentor, the world-renowned Dr. Tobias Wheeler, was quite pleased with my progress. Three months later, I accompanied him back to attend a symposium on arthritis patient rehabilitation.

As soon as we arrived in Washington, D.C., I saw Gian Olson approaching with his usual charm. He smiled warmly at me, saying, "Francesca, I knew you were coming back today, so I came to pick you up!"

I narrowed my eyes slightly and replied coolly, "What do you want?"

He stepped closer, casually placing an arm around my shoulder, "You're my girlfriend. You left for three months without a word; you have no idea how much I've missed you."

Girlfriend? If he hadn’t mentioned it, I might have forgotten we hadn’t officially broken up. I stayed silent as Gian tightened his grip on my shoulder.

"Francesca, I saved your life once, so you have to help Mariam with her clinical trial this time," he insisted. "Otherwise, don't blame me if we break up!"

The reason I was so fond of Gian was that I tolerated Mariam's presence because of him. Beyond the striking first impression he left, the key factor was that he once saved my life.

It happened around graduation when I was so engrossed in my experiments that I didn't notice the thick smoke pouring from the neighboring lab. Gian's timely phone call alerted me and prevented me from being trapped in the lab fire.

I always believed the fire was caused by a faulty machine, as the university reported. That is, until I found out that Gian had stolen my recommendation letter. In a hurry, I went home, and it was there, right outside my door, that Gian and Mariam revealed the truth.

That evening, Gian had snuck into the lab for a secret meet-up with Mariam. In their fervor, Mariam forgot to turn off the machine, causing it to short-circuit and ignite.

Gian called to warn me, not out of kindness, but to ensure the university would downplay the event since their "star student" had narrowly escaped disaster. He assured Mariam that with this "life-saving favor," I would feel compelled to hand over my recommendation letter if asked.

Thinking about it, I muttered, "What do you want me to do to help her?"

Gian grinned, "Simple. Just like before, you’ll perform the surgery under Mariam's name."

Mariam and I are similar in height and build. With a cap and mask, it's hard to distinguish us unless we speak. I've helped Mariam like this before, letting her quickly make a name at the hospital.

Watching Gian's smug grin, I stayed silent for a long time. Growing impatient, Gian's smile faded, and he frowned, "Francesca, I'm talking to you. Are you listening?"

"You'll help her whether you want to or not, because you owe me your life!"

"Relax. Help Mariam this time, and we’ll make sure you’re not left out."

"You must be living quite frugally overseas. If you help Mariam with tomorrow’s surgery, I’ll wire ten thousand pounds right away."

I snorted, "Ten thousand?"

Thinking I found the sum too small, Gian scoffed, "Francesca, wasn’t money always beneath you, something you treated as worthless? Now you think it’s too little?"

"I'm telling you, you..."

Tired of his attitude, I cut him off, "Keep your money. I’ll do the surgery tomorrow."

Gian, delighted, said, "Glad you’re smart about it!"

"Tomorrow, Mariam and I will be waiting at the hospital."

He then eagerly texted Mariam on his phone. Before leaving, he reminded me to be discreet when going to the hospital and not to draw attention.

Just then, Professor Tobias appeared from the airport.

He curiously asked about the young man. Watching Gian walk away, I smirked.

"Just a guy asking for directions!"

"By the way, Professor, my old workplace is performing an ankylosing spinal surgery tomorrow. Would you like to join me and observe?"

Professor Tobias's eyes lit up with excitement, "Really? We should definitely check that out."

Finally, the mud that Gian and Mariam had thrown on me was about to be washed away. As I lifted my eyes to the bright sunlight, a wave of relief washed over me.