Julian was really just caught between a rock and a hard place honestly, he’s been more than decent to you.
“Yeah, I know.” Niamh nodded to Lana.
“And Peter’s been even better. Honestly, both of them put your sorry excuse for a husband to shame.”
At the mention of Jonathan, Niamh’s face darkened.
“Seriously, you got into a car accident and ended up in the ICU, and Jonathan didn’t show up once–not even for a second. I swear, even a stray dog would have more compassion than that man. I’ve never seen such a cold–hearted bastard in my whole life! You’re his wife. Even if there’s no love left, you’re still family… Ugh, it’s disgusting. Makes my blood boil!”
Hands planted on her hips, Lana grew more and more worked up, grinding her molars in fury.
“You have no idea. I even asked Julian about it. He said he thought he was already late getting to the hospital, but Jonathan? Not even a trace of him. And I bet most of your medical bills were paid by the truck driver who hit you…”
Lana’s anger was genuine; her pretty features were twisted in outrage. Niamh managed a bitter smile.
“It’s because I’m divorcing him. If my mom hadn’t gone missing, I would’ve been driving to city hall instead of getting in that accident.”
“Divorce him!” Lana slapped the table. “Guys like that? Good riddance! There’s a whole world out there–you’re bound to find someone who actually deserves you. If you ask me, Peter’s not a bad option at all.”
Niamh just shook her head, still wearing the same strained smile. Lana was always trying to play matchmaker, but Niamh had long since stopped believing in second chances at love.
If she could just get a second chance at her career, she’d count herself lucky.
The doctor had told Niamh to rest and recover quietly, but with Lana around, that was easier said than done.
From the moment Niamh woke up, Lana had been railing against Jonathan day and night.
1/2
He hadn’t come when Niamh got into the accident.
He didn’t show up when she was rushed to the ICU.
He wasn’t there during her surgery.
And now that she was awake, he still hadn’t visited.
To say Niamh felt nothing would have been a lie.
No matter what, she and Jonathan were still married, if only on paper.
But the way he’d treated her made them little more than strangers.
Lying there in that hospital bed, Niamh wondered if it was the removal of the ventilator that left her chest feeling so tight, or just the weight of disappointment.
Night fell.
At the Imperial Dragon restaurant, Jonathan was hosting a dinner.
“Thank you again, Professor Grover,” Jonathan said, pouring a glass of top–shelf Scotch for his guest.
Grover raised his glass, smiling. “Come now, you asked me personally–how could I turn you down? Besides, I’m retired. For you to come to me, it’s flattering.”
Jonathan shook his head modestly. “You’re the most respected ICU specialist in the country, Professor Grover. Retirement or not, your reputation speaks for itself. Without your expertise, my… my friend might not have made it.”
Jonathan’s flattery brought a pleased smile to Grover’s face.
The “friend” Jonathan referred to was none other than Niamh.
gone
The day of her accident, before rushing to the hospital, Jonathan had first to Grover’s house to persuade him out of retirement.
When it came to critical care, nobody surpassed Grover.
Jonathan had brought him straight to the hospital, asked him to take charge of Niamh’s treatment, signed off on every document, covered every medical expense, and once her condition stabilized, left Prescott at the hospital to keep him updated on any changes.
By the time Julian arrived at the hospital, Jonathan was already out there, driving the city streets, searching for someone.
14:58
