Chapter 4

That morning, Kaylee was working at the outpatient clinic.

Honor Medical Center, being private, charged significantly higher fees than public hospitals, which meant fewer patients.

Only a year out of med school and working as a general physician, Kaylee's patient load was light. This morning, she had just four appointments.

After her last patient left, she was heading back to the ward when she overheard a conversation.

"It's just stomach issues. Write me a prescription - I have a meeting," a middle-aged woman snapped at her assistant from a bench in the lobby.

"But what about the chest pains you mentioned?" the assistant hesitated.

The woman waved dismissively. "That's an old problem. It's just acting up more lately. Forget about it."

Kaylee, almost out of the lobby, turned back.

"Hi, I'm Dr. Lawson from Cardiology," she introduced herself. "Your symptoms could indicate viral myocarditis. We should do a blood test to check your cardiac enzymes."

The woman, in an expensive business suit with a sleek bob cut, eyed her skeptically. "Are you just pushing unnecessary tests? What does an upset stomach have to do with my heart?"

"Actually, digestive issues are often a sign of viral myocarditis, which can be dangerous if untreated. Take something for your stomach, but let me cover the blood test. I really hope it's nothing serious."

The woman studied her, then agreed. "Fine, run your test."

The patient's name was Mary Nelson.

Her results were alarming - enzyme levels over 800, hundreds of times above normal.

It was indeed viral myocarditis, requiring immediate hospitalization.

Walking Mary to the cardiac unit through the hospital gardens, Kaylee felt watched. When she turned, no one was there.

After settling Mary in and handling her paperwork, Kaylee headed for lunch before her 2 PM surgery.

On her way to the cafeteria, Marianne called about Alex's dietary preferences.

Kaylee listed them, "He only eats poached fish, plain. Avocado toast with scrambled eggs once a week. No grilled asparagus..."

She'd never realized how many preferences she'd memorized just from his passing comments.

Now, telling Marianne, she was struck by his ridiculous demands.

And she'd catered to them all these years!

After Marianne finished noting everything, she added softly, "Miss Lawson... Mr. Morgan has a new girlfriend, but I think he still misses you..."

"That's all I can remember, Marianne. Mr. Morgan and I are done. His life isn't my concern anymore."

Kaylee hung up and walked into the cafeteria.

Honor Medical Center served the same food to doctors, patients, and visitors, just in separate dining areas.

Kaylee didn't hesitate to order the spicy beef stew.

She'd loved spicy food since childhood. During school, while careful with money, her one indulgence was spicy snacks from her allowance.

But Alex couldn't handle spice.

All these years, she'd centered everything around his preferences, never expressing her own tastes.

Well, that was over now.

If she had married Alex, she probably would have spent her whole life compromising.

-

Kaylee was on night shift. After her afternoon surgery, she checked on her patients before returning to her office to browse rental listings near the hospital.

Honor Medical Center was in North District - surrounded by either new luxury developments or aging apartment blocks from forty years ago that hadn't been demolished yet.

Their rents were worlds apart.

Though Kaylee's salary at Honor was generous, even higher than her classmates', she wanted to repay the Morgans quickly.

She'd kept meticulous records of expenses, though she might have missed some transportation costs and daily necessities. She'd noted down most expenses, wanting to reduce her sense of debt.

Kaylee found a one-bedroom apartment for $800 monthly, fully furnished.

The low rent was mainly because it was on the top floor without an elevator.

That didn't bother her.

Just as she was about to contact the agent to schedule a viewing after tomorrow's shift...

Her phone rang.

The caller ID showed "Aunt Susanne."

Alex's mother, Susanne Miller.

Kaylee's heart jumped.

During that home invasion years ago, only her mother and Susanne were home.

Her mother died from multiple stab wounds protecting Susanne.

Susanne had been good to her these years.

Four years ago, it was Susanne who suggested she date Alex.

"Aunt Susanne."

Kaylee took a deep breath, clearly nervous.

She worried Susanne was calling to reconcile her with Alex.

"Kaylee, Anne having heart problems. I'm bringing her to the hospital now. We're almost there."

Susanne sounded anxious.

Anne Leedon was Alex's grandfather's second wife.

"I'm on shift today," Kaylee said, already walking out. "I'll wait at the emergency entrance. Tell your driver not to rush - keep the speed steady."

"Thank goodness. We'll be there shortly."

Susanne clearly relaxed.

Kaylee arranged for a gurney at emergency. About five minutes later, the Morgans' car arrived.

She helped Susanne get Anne onto the gurney and took her for tests.

The results came quickly.

The ER doctor said, "She should be admitted for observation. Might need a cardiac stent." Then he turned to Kaylee, "What do you think, Dr. Lawson?"

As a cardiac surgeon, Kaylee's opinion carried more weight.

"Previous medication hasn't been very effective. A stent would be more suitable."

"But... doesn't that mean surgery? At her age... maybe we should wait for William to decide tomorrow," Susanne fretted, not wanting to make such a big decision alone.

"William?"

Despite her years with the Morgans, Kaylee seemed to be hearing this name for the first time.

"William Morgan," Susanne glanced at Anne, explaining, "Alex's uncle."