Chapter 4

Scarlett lowered her eyes, focusing on her duties as she began packing up the medical kit. She addressed Wayne with a steady, professional tone. "The wound shouldn't get wet for now. Disinfect it once a day, and try to wear loose clothing to avoid irritating it."

Placing down a couple of bottles, she continued, "This one is for oral use, and this one is for external application."

Wayne didn’t turn around, his back tall and straight, with only a faint, dismissive "Hmm" in response.

Scarlett felt the silence grow awkward but held her composure, giving a quick nod. Without another word, she picked up her kit and exited the room. As she stepped outside, the cool night air hit her, a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the room behind her.

Moments later, she climbed into her car and began driving back to the hospital. It was almost eleven o'clock when she arrived. The long day had worn her down, but she knew she'd need to keep her strength up, so she grabbed a quick meal in the hospital cafeteria. Just as she returned to her department, one of the nurses approached her.

"The director wants to see you in his office," the nurse said gently, looking at Scarlett with a mix of sympathy and curiosity.

Scarlett felt a flutter of nerves as she made her way to the director's office. She had been anticipating an upcoming training opportunity, and the director had hinted she was in line for it. But as she entered his office, his expression was unusually serious.

"I’ve decided to send Belinda Carl to the training at the Second District Hospital," he announced, his tone firm but uncomfortable, as if he had something difficult to convey.

Scarlett blinked, surprised. "Wasn't I supposed to go?" she asked, unable to mask the confusion in her voice.

The director sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Scarlett, all the high-tech medical equipment in our hospital was donated by Gray Corporation. President Gray personally requested that we look after Dr. Belinda. It’s not something I can refuse."

Wayne Gray. Hearing his name made Scarlett’s heart clench, though she tried to hide it. Although she was his wife in name, arranged through family alliances, they had never officially met. Her knowledge of him was limited to what she’d seen on television and in financial magazines—a powerful, elusive figure whose influence reached far and wide.

Wayne and Belinda? A strange feeling settled in her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed. "Is that so?" she replied, managing a polite smile.

"Yes. We have full confidence in your professionalism and medical skills," the director said, attempting to soften the news. He had always admired Scarlett’s work ethic and dedication.

Scarlett looked down, absorbing the situation. "I understand," she replied quietly, though her mind raced with unspoken thoughts.

She knew the truth: as a wife forced upon him by family obligations, she was nothing more than a formality to Wayne Gray. It was foolish to think she’d hold any real significance in his life.

After a pause, she added, "I have surgery scheduled this afternoon, so I’ll get back to my rounds."

The director offered a small, sympathetic nod, recognizing her professionalism despite the circumstances. "Of course. Take care, Scarlett."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Scarlett threw herself into her work, performing two surgeries that left her exhausted. Finally, after scrubbing out of the operating room and shedding her blue surgical gown, she sank into a chair in the break room to catch her breath.

It was then that Belinda walked in, a bright, slightly smug smile on her face.

"Dr. Norman," Belinda greeted her warmly, as if they were closer than they actually were. "How about I treat you to dinner?"

Scarlett forced a polite smile. "I’ll be too tired by then. I’d really rather just go home and rest." She and Belinda had never been close—just colleagues from the same graduating class, with little in common. Belinda thrived in the spotlight, competitive and eager to prove herself, while Scarlett preferred the quiet, steady focus of her work.

“I see,” Belinda replied, her smile faltering slightly. After a moment of hesitation, she added, “Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Scarlett got up and took her coat, barely glancing at Belinda. "Make it quick, then."

For reasons she couldn’t explain, knowing about Belinda's connection with Wayne made Scarlett feel distant, detached.

"You’ve probably heard by now, right? About the training?” Belinda’s tone was apologetic, but Scarlett could sense a trace of self-satisfaction. "I’m really sorry—I didn’t know the director would..."

Scarlett cut her off. “It’s fine. You deserve good things, too.”

Belinda’s expression shifted, her eyes downcast as if embarrassed. "Also, could you not mention me being out of the hospital last night? I’m about to start an internship at the main hospital, and I don’t want any complications."

Scarlett nodded, indifferent. Covering shifts for colleagues was a normal part of hospital life. "I won’t say anything," she replied simply.

As Scarlett left, the evening sky had darkened, and streetlights glowed against the city’s bustling backdrop. A sleek white SUV was parked at the hospital entrance, inside of which Bryan leaned back in his seat, chatting away.

"My friend’s medical skills are exceptional! Bravo!" he exclaimed, still impressed.

Wayne, who was lounging in the passenger seat, couldn’t help recalling the calm, efficient manner in which Scarlett had treated his wound earlier. He hadn’t expected such expertise, and her quiet confidence had left a stronger impression than he cared to admit.

"Miss Carl," Christopher reminded him from the driver’s seat, breaking his reverie.

Wayne rolled down the window as Belinda approached. Bryan spotted her and raised an eyebrow. "Belinda?" he said, surprised.

"You know her?" Christopher asked, glancing at Bryan.

Bryan nodded, chuckling. "She was my classmate in medical school."

Wayne looked up with sudden interest, a curious light flickering in his eyes. Was this the woman who’d tended to him last night, the one who treated his wound today?

Christopher shot him a teasing look. "Is Cupid finally awake?" he murmured, glancing meaningfully at Wayne. "Is our dear President Gray showing interest in someone for once?”

Bryan raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What on earth are you talking about?"

“President Gray,” Christopher whispered, leaning in as if revealing a secret.

At that moment, Belinda reached the car, interrupting their exchange.

“President Gray,” she greeted Wayne with a practiced smile, oblivious to the lingering tension in the vehicle.

Wayne offered a polite nod, but his mind was elsew

here, haunted by a pair of steady, calm eyes that had somehow left an unexpected mark.