After being given the wrong allergy shot by Chase Gordons young apprentice, I almost went into shock and lost my life.
Out of guilt, Chase agreed to go with me on a long-hoped-for trip to Norway for our third-anniversary celebration.
But right as the plane was about to leave, I got a message from him. [A patient suddenly came in at the hospital. Dont wait for me.]
A moment later, I saw his apprentices Instagram Story.
It was a picture of her wearing Chases white shirt, holding black tea, her long legs stretched out in a cute pose.
Caption: [My period just came, and Chase is acting all dramatic. Being looked after like this is sweeter than brown-sugar ginger tea.]
Under it were likes and comments from all our shared friends, full of good wishes.
I stared at it for a few seconds.
Then, keeping the act, I tapped like, turned off my phone, and went on the plane.

The two-week Norway trip ended.
When I got ready to go back home, I switched my phone on.
More than a hundred missed calls finished showing on the screen.
Right after that, Chases call came in.
Before I could think, I accidentally picked it up.
Astraea Grant, Zaria Quinn is just a harmless, sweet young girl. You hit like on her Instagram Story on purpose. Are you trying to make people talk about her?
Because of your foolish and selfish moves, you upset her so much she dropped half a kilo in two weeks.
Come back right now and say sorry to Zaria.
I quietly heard him speak, then opened my phone, found that post, and removed the like.
Sorry, tell her from me that this kind of slip wont show up again. If shes still unhappy, Ill stop by tomorrow to say sorry face-to-face.
Chase was left stuck for words by how I spoke.
Only then did he seem to recall that I had been overseas for half a month.
As my fianc, his very first call wasnt to ask if anything risky had happened to me, or when I would get home, but to stand up for his soft, harmless little apprentice.
Realizing he had slipped up, his voice dropped a bit.
I didnt go with you to the airport that day because Zaria suddenly had her cycle and felt awful. You know Im a doctor. I cant abandon a patient.
A patient from her period.
Thinking of the bright-cheeked girl in Zarias Instagram Story, all of it suddenly felt pointless.
Hmm, I get it.
He paused, his tone shocked. Youre not upset?
Why would I be upset? You laid it out; doctors look after people first. I get what you mean.
It made sense.
Back then, I would have already thrown a tantrum, crying and pushing for a reason.
I used to be foolish, thinking that the one who cries gets a treat.
But I forgot that someone who truly cares gave you the treat even when you stay quiet.
Quiet hung on the other end for a long beat.
Tonight Ill come get you. Wait for me at the airport.
The ride from the airport to home took an hour and a half.
I didnt turn him down.
By the time the plane touched down, it was already past 1 a.m.
Outside the airport, lightning cracked, and rain poured in heavy sheets.
I looked around but didnt spot Chase.
I checked my screen, and the flight info that I had sent him ahead of time was right.
I rang his number.
Eight tries, yet no reply.
I stayed another thirty minutes, then finally waved down a taxi.
Inside the taxi, I slept and woke again as the car bounced along the road.
Jolted awake by a loud burst of thunder, I naturally stared out the glass.
Through the heavy downpour, this wasnt the route home.
My chest tightened.
I reached into my pocket, grabbed my phone, and quickly pressed my emergency contact.
The call connected at last, yet what came through was a loud crowd cheering.
I passed my probation period today! Chase says hes paying for everything tonight!
Someone teased, You work in the morning. Dont drink too much.


Then tomorrow our whole team should just take the day off. Chase, is that fine?
Chases voice sounded warm. Okay. Tonight, you all just need to keep Zaria cheerful and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow Ill let everyone take a group day off.
Wow, Director Gordon is powerful. Guess this is what its like when someone is your family.
Stop messing around, quit talking nonsense! If Astraea catches wind of this, Im doomed. Shes super cold.
Before I managed to speak, the call cut off by itself.
Cold sweat slid down my spine. Staring at the now-dead phone, I pushed calm into my tone.
Hubby, Ill reach home in ten minutes. I already sent you the plate number, right? Wait for me at the entrance.
As I lowered the phone, my eyes met the drivers through the rearview mirror.
Thin, slanted eyes held nothing but clear bad intent.
Miss, this storms too strong, the roads are rough. I had to swing around a long way, so the cost
I didnt even dare draw a loud breath. Its fine, Ill hand you another five hundred. Were close. My husbands waiting at home. Drop me at the next intersection.
Right after I stepped out, I didnt even try to grab my suitcase.
I bolted across the empty, rain-soaked block.
The taxis beams stayed locked on me for a long time before finally pulling away.
My knees gave out, and I sank onto the curb, wrapping my arms around myself as my whole frame shook.
I couldnt tell if the wet on my cheeks came from the storm or from crying.
My screen lit up.
Zaria sent a photo. A guy rinsing off behind fogged bathroom glass.
[Astraea, I asked Chase to head back, but he said the thunder outside might scare me, so he wants to stay with me. Dont misunderstand.]
Barely five seconds later, Chases text arrived. [I need extra hours. Come back alone.]
Both messages sat side by side.
I wiped my face and let out a breathless, quiet laugh.
By the time I reached home, it was already 3 a.m.
My whole frame swung between cold fever.
Propped against the entry cabinet, I stayed still for a long stretch before my phone rang.
Chases furious voice crashed into my ear.
Astraea, if youre not well, go see someone. Zaria kindly called to ask if you got home, and you dared call her some trashy temptress? You even know she has a weak heart?