chapter 5: what's left of her dignity

Bryan came here looking for Scarlett , hitching a ride with wayne.

When Belinda approached them, Bryan opened the car door and got out, saying, "I'm heading off."

After he left, Belinda got into the car and sat across from Wayne, feeling a bit uneasy. She realized that wayne might have mistaken her for someone else.

However, she also recognized the benefits of being close to him.

The dean had always admired Scarlett, and suddenly, the opportunity to intern at the Second District Hospital was given to her, all because of wayne.

Belinda decided to seize this man.

Such a good thing, such an opportunity, was rare. She felt that fate was favoring her, and she had to grab it.

"I won't lose this opportunity never," she said in her mind, lifting her gaze.

Wayne seemed surprised that she had made a decision so quickly. He shifted slightly, appearing casual but actually curious about her answer.

"I don't want anything."

For him to promise marriage, there must have been a significant relationship.

If she immediately asked for marriage or any other benefits, it would make her seem very greedy or rather suspicious

She took a step back, saying, "I just want to be ordinary friends with you."

Shane pressed his lips tightly together, his emotions hard to read, and his voice incredibly calm. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

Belinda nodded.

Maybe she had acted on impulse last night.

He wouldn't force her.

"I respect your decision."

...

At the hospital.

Scarlett was in the break room reading a medical book. After her shift, she didn't feel like going back to Wayne's place, and she definitely didn't want to go home.

So, she spent her time at the hospital, where she could read and learn, which she found quite nice.

Knock, knock—

The door was knocked on and then pushed open. Bryan saw her and asked, "Why are you hiding in here?"

"I'm not hiding."

Scarlett closed her book and placed it on the table, then stood up and walked over. ", what brings you here?"

"You helped me out, so I have to thank you, right?" He smiled. "Come on, let me treat you to something delicious."

She shook her head. "No, thanks."

"What's wrong? Are you upset?" Bryan noticed something was off about her mood.

Scarlett avoided his gaze and said, "No, I'm fine."

Bryan found it hard to believe her. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me. Or do you not trust me either?"

"No, it's not that," she hurriedly explained, then sighed. "I won't be working with you."

"Why?" Bryan frowned deeply, a hint of anger in his eyes. "Did the director change his mind? Who did he give the spot to? I'll go talk to him."

Scarlett grabbed his arm and shook her head.

"Isn't your dream to become an outstanding doctor? If you can't even get into the main hospital, how can you talk about dreams?" Bryan couldn't believe it.

She had worked so hard, studied so diligently, all to achieve her dream, hadn't she?

Scarlett lowered her eyes. It wasn't that she had given up on her dream; it was reality that had made things difficult for her.

Besides, she didn't want to cause trouble for Bryan.

Bryan pressed his lips together. "I understand."

Bryan forced a smile. "Let me treat you to dinner."

"Next time," Bryan replied, his mind clear as a bell. The spot was meant for her, but she got replaced. There had to be some underhanded dealings. Scarlett was letting it go because she felt powerless.

But he couldn't swallow this injustice.

"I just remembered I have something to do. I'll go first."

After saying that, he turned and left, fuming with anger.

Bryan stormed directly into the dean's office. He had the confidence to do so, not just because of his own merits, but also because he came from a wealthy family.

The dean was on the phone when Bryan barged in. Seeing him, the dean quickly ended the call abruptly, "That's all," and stood up with a smile. "Dr. willow, what brings you here?"

"The candidate for the main district hospital was supposed to be Scarlett, wasn't it? Why was it changed? Who bribed you because I am sure you were bribed to pull strings? If you don't explain this today, don't blame me for what happens next."

The dean looked troubled and sighed. "I had no choice in this matter. You see, President Gray instructed me to take care of Dr. Carl .What could I do?"

Hearing the name Wayne, Bryan's brow furrowed deeply.

He said to take of Dr.carl were you specifically asked to give Scarlett position at the internship to her?

"If you're unhappy about it, go talk to him yourself." The dean, trying to be clever, deflected the issue, knowing both parties were beyond his ability to handle.

Still angry ,Bryan turned to find Wayne. As he exited the hospital, he saw Belinda stepping out of a car.

He strode over.

Belinda greeted him with a smile, "Doctor."

Bryan didn't know what expression to put on.

He glanced inside the car and, out of courtesy, gave a brief nod.

After Belinda left, Bryan couldn't help but feel indignant on behalf of Scarlett. It irked him that this person, who had gotten in through connections, was on good terms with him.

wayne had never shown interest in any woman before.

But now, his special attention towards Belinda seemed to suggest something more.

Could he ruin his friend's chance?

It was rare for Wayne Gray to actively try to win a woman's favor.

"I don't get it. What do you see in Belinda?" is there something special about her I don't know about!?.

Wayne lifted his gaze, his eyebrows slightly raised, exuding an aura of authority without even trying. "Hmm?"

Bryan gritted his teeth. "Fine, for your happiness, I'll swallow my pride."

wayne gave him a glance, his deep, calm, dark eyes unwavering. "Let's go."

Christopher started the car and drove off. Bryan felt he needed to do something for Scarlett. Just as he turned around to find her, he saw her walking out.

"Scarlett," Gabriel called out, stepping forward.

"I need to go back," she said with smile trying not to alarm Bryan

Bryan felt a pang in his heart. "Scarlett, about finding a matching heart for your mother, I'll do my best to help you find a suitable one as soon as possible."

Thinking about her mother made her heart clench tightly. She tried hard to hide her emotions, but her voice betrayed her, trembling slightly. "Really?"

A heart is not just any organ; it's incredibly difficult to find a match.

Some people wait their entire lives and never find one.

"Thank you, Bryan" she said, not knowing how to express her gratitude

Her eyes started to feel a bit warm.

"There's no need for thanks between us," Bryan said, feeling a bit embarrassed. If it weren't for wayne pulling some strings, she would be one step closer to her dream.

"I'll take you home," Bryan offered.

Scarlett quickly declined, "No need."

She wasn't heading back to the Gray Family estate, so she refused.

Bryan didn't insist.

After parting ways with Bryan, Scarlett took a cab back to the villa because she wasn't in the mood to drive.

Thinking about how Wayne would probably never set foot here, she felt much more relaxed. Even Mrs. Robert noticed she wasn't as tense as when she first moved in and asked with a smile, "Something good happen? You seem pretty happy."

Scarlett lowered her head as she changed her shoes at the entrance. "I really enjoy living with you, Mrs. Robert. Just the two of us."

Mrs. Robert, "..."

"So, am I the third wheel here?"

That voice...

Scarlett looked up to see a man standing in the living room. His demeanor was cold, and he looked down at her with hint of disdain.

If she hadn't seen him in financial magazines and on TV, she wouldn't have recognized him as her 'husband.'

She hadn't expected him to show up.

"Why are you... back?"

Scarlett was completely at a loss for what he was doing here. Didn't he despise this marriage?

He should be the last person who wanted to see her.

Wayne's face darkened, and his brows furrowed. "What, do I need your permission to come back?"

Scarlett lowered her head, realizing that he had indeed 'invaded' his territory.

"Sign it."

wayne threw a divorce agreement onto the table.

Scarlett glanced at the document. It was no surprise that he wanted a divorce; it was expected. But she couldn't agree to it right now—she needed to wait until her mother's surgery was over.

"Gray..." She started, unsure how to address him, "Can we..."

"Don't want a divorce?" Wayne cut her off before she could finish. He wasn't surprised by her reaction. If she had wanted to leave easily, she wouldn't have made such a desperate request for him to marry her in the first place.

"Fine, just don't regret it." wayne turned and walked away.

Clearly, he misunderstood her. Scarlett wanted to explain, but in her haste to catch up, she tripped over the threshold, and her bag fell to the floor.

Its contents scattered everywhere.

She quickly knelt down to gather her things, realizing something was missing. As she searched, she noticed it had fallen near Wayne's feet. Almost instinctively, she reached out to grab it, trying to hide it.

Just as she touched it, the blister pack was stepped on.

She looked up.

Wayne's face remained expressionless, but he seemed intrigued by her nervousness. He bent down, moved his foot aside, and picked up the item.

It was a small package.

He took out one pill and swallowed it.

One pill remained.

Turning the package over, he saw the name "Plan B" written on it. He might not have known exactly what it was at first, but the words "72-hour emergency contraception" made it clear.

If he didn't understand that, he'd be a fool.

His eyes lowered, staring at the woman sprawled on the floor in a panic. His face remained emotionless, but his tone was laced with mockery and sarcasm. "On your wedding night, you went looking for another man?"

At that moment, he felt utterly disgusted by this woman.

Scarlett's fingers curled slowly into a fist as she forced herself to suppress a tremble and slowly stood up.

She didn't argue against his taunts.

Because she couldn't.

"I never wanted to marry you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Her insincerity was revolting. wayne threw the package at her face, a sharp edge grazing her cheek and leaving a thin line of blood.

Scarlett instinctively closed her eyes. The pain on her face was nothing compared to the humiliation of his action. She bit her lip gently, bent down to pick up the pill, and clenched it tightly. The thin plastic package deformed in her grip, pressing painfully into her palm.

"You like men, huh? I'll make sure you get what you want." With that, Wayne walked away.

However, it only took one night for Scarlett to understand the meaning behind his words.

The next morning, as she was getting ready for work, Christopher showed up at the villa.