Chapter 3

Looking at the seriousness in Ethan's face, something in my chest gave way. I nodded.

He spoke softly.

"I'll wait for you."

Then he rushed out the door.

I was about to leave when Mochi started pawing at my ankle, over and over.

After a moment's hesitation, I gathered her up and took her with me to the clinic.

When I arrived, the front desk told me Ethan's schedule was completely booked for the day.

I frowned. "But he told me to come—"

The receptionist looked irritated, and was about to respond when someone behind her cut in.

Chloe looked up. "What's going on?"

The receptionist sighed with relief.

"Dr. Bennett, thank God you're here. This woman says Dr. Cole told her to come in, but today's fully booked."

Chloe frowned, about to speak—then her gaze caught the ring on my finger.

She'd seen the matching one on Ethan's hand.

A slow smile spread across her face.

"It's you, right? Ethan's girlfriend. He's really busy right now. Let me go ask if he has any time during his lunch break."

I hesitated, then nodded.

"Thank you."

Chloe had barely stepped inside before I heard Ethan's voice, sharp with impatience.

"I don't care who it is—no appointment means no cutting in line."

My heart sank, slow and heavy.

Chloe emerged looking apologetic.

"I'm sorry. Ethan's really swamped right now. If you want, I can take a look for you in the meantime?"

The absurdity of it hit me like a wave.

My own fiancé couldn't be bothered, and another woman was apologizing to me on his behalf.

I was about to speak when Mochi, nestled in my coat pocket, suddenly let out a low hiss and lunged at Chloe.

Chloe screamed and stumbled backward, hitting the floor.

Several nurses rushed over to grab Mochi. Panicked, she scrambled up onto the top of a cabinet and refused to come down.

She trembled nonstop—no amount of coaxing would budge her.

I was still trying to figure out what to do when I heard Ethan's voice.

"Are you okay?"

I turned, eyes red, the words tumbling out on reflex.

"Mochi got scared, she—"

But when I looked up, all I saw was fury and cold displeasure in his eyes.

He helped Chloe to her feet. There was no warmth in his gaze. His lips pressed into a hard line.

"Vivian. Did I not tell you? Someone at the clinic is allergic to cat hair."

I stood rooted to the spot, his voice striking me like a slap across the face in front of everyone.

My cheeks burned.

My nails dug into my palms. My voice came out scraped raw.

"Mochi has separation anxiety today. I—"

Before I could finish, Chloe collapsed.

Ethan's face twisted. He swept Chloe into his arms and charged for the door.

He slammed into me on his way past. My lower back cracked against the edge of the desk.

A sharp, blinding pain shot up my spine.

I let out a strangled gasp and crumpled to the floor.

Ethan's body stiffened for just a second. I thought he might turn around—look at me, at least once.

He didn't. He kept walking, not a single glance spared.

I sat on the floor and, strangely, started to laugh.

Tears wouldn't stop falling. Mochi let out a small mew and burrowed into my arms.

Ethan, this time I'm really done waiting for you.

I wiped my face, picked up Mochi, and walked out of the clinic.