Prescription for Mistress Trouble

I had been in a relationship with Zachary Dawson for seven years and engaged for three when, out of the blue, Ruby White, the daughter of his mentor, moved into our home.Sitting casually on the bed that Zachary and I shared, Ruby lounged with an air of nonchalance, her voice playful and teasing. "Zachary, the dental god, sure has a nice bed," she remarked with a smirk. "I can only imagine what it would be like to spend the night with him in this bed."I captured the scene on my phone and sent the video to our family group chat with a brief message: Looks like Zachary might have a new girlfriendZachary rushed home, wrapping his arms protectively around a tearful Ruby. He pointed at me, his voice seething with anger. "My mentor's dying wish was for me to take care of Ruby! If you can't accept that, then move out!"Honestly, my brows furrowed deeper than the wrinkles on the bedsheets Ruby had sat on.Fine.I didn't need the bed, and honestly, I didn't need a fiancé anymore.*I

Zachary stood there, stunned, as if he hadn't expected me to actually mean it. He grabbed my arm again, his tone almost pleading. "Al, don't do this. I'm just trying to repay my mentor's kindness, that's all—""Kindness?" I yanked my arm from his grip, my voice dripping with contempt. "Do you think I'm that naive? If you really wanted to repay him, build a building for the school in his name, erect a statue, or whatever. I'd fully support you. But look at what you've brought home—a pathetic excuse for gratitude."I pointed at Ruby, who flinched at my words. "Lonely? Helpless? She's far more cunning than she lets on. Playing weak is an easy act. Besides, my house is no charity home!"Zachary's face darkened, his embarrassment turning into anger. "You've said enough, Al!""Enough? Not even close!" I scoffed, my voice laced with icy disdain as I grabbed the glass from the coffee table and slammed it onto the floor. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room. "Zach, who gave

After that, Ruby started posting subtle but obvious hints about Zachary on her social media.Dr. Tricia Meyers, from my department, practically treated their rumored relationship like a guilty pleasure. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she said, "Al, look! Ruby posted on her Instagram again."I glanced at the screen. There it was—the passenger seat of Zachary's car, his jacket tossed casually in the background. Dr. Meyers couldn't contain her delight as she gushed, "She's sitting in the front seat of Mr. Dawson's car, isn't she? And look! That's his jacket! It's so obvious! How sweet!"I gave it a passing glance. Zachary had already liked the post—first one to do so, no less.It seemed Ruby wasn't satisfied without my acknowledgment. She had the audacity to post another selfie in the hospital staff's group chat.In the photo, she wore a bright, beaming smile, but what stood out most wasn't her expression—it was Zachary's unmistakable profile reflected in the full-length mirror b

I could hardly believe the absurdity of her words, a mix of anger and disbelief bubbling within me. "A small matter? Someone's life is on the line! Is that still what you consider small?!"Dr. Meyers fell silent, rendered speechless by my outburst. All she could do was cry and mutter apologies, but I didn't have the luxury of time to entertain her remorse. My focus needed to be solely on saving this child's life.Drawing in a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down, returning to William's side as I continued the life-saving compressions: one, two, three… Each second felt like an eternity. My forehead slick with sweat, I pressed on, yet with each passing moment, the boy's lack of response weighed heavily on my heart.Suddenly, the sharp wail of a siren broke through the tension. The ambulance had finally arrived. A team of medical personnel rushed into the treatment room, moving with frantic efficiency as they hoisted William onto a stretcher.Yet, as one of the doctors perfor

On the day of Ruby's trial, as I passed by the courthouse's back entrance, I heard a familiar voice. It was Zachary."Ruby, I can't help you this time. You shouldn't have gotten involved," his voice sounded worn and weary."Zach! How can you say that, after all that my father had done for you in the past?" Ruby's tone was sharp, laced with disbelief. "What did you promise my dad?"Zachary's tone turned icy. "I've done all I could to help you—letting you stay with me and even work in the hospital."He paused, his voice steady but firm. "You simply shouldn't covet what isn't yours.""What?" Ruby's voice rose an octave in anger. "Are you saying it's been a one-sided love all along?"Suddenly, her voice softened, tinged with a hint of tears. "That night, you told me you loved me!"I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh; I had anticipated this confrontation long before.Just then, my father approached from behind me. His complexion was pallid, and his gait unsteady. He looked clea