Chapter 77 Chapter 77

Chapter 77 Chapter 77
"I’m really, truly sorry, Doc. Jade.”

I could only sigh as I watched her. No one had ever apologized to me like this before. I often think apologies are a waste of time—especially when nothing ever changes. I had grown used to misunderstandings turning worse no matter how much someone tried to explain. They always ended in bigger fights and deeper distance.
“So that’s why you’re treating me to food today,” I said.
“N-no! I mean—of course I invited you, so I should be the one to pay. I’ve already inconvenienced you again today. I’m really sorry. I know you have a lot on your plate now, especially since you’re married. You have to take care of your husband’s meals and clothes—and yourself too. That’s not easy, Doc. Jade.”
I smirked as I looked out the window. “Actually, I’m not allowed to do that.”

“What do you mean, Doc. Jade? Your husband doesn’t let you work? Wow, you’re lucky! Not all men are like that. Most of them want a wife they can turn into a maid—and at night, into a tool for pleasure. Worse, even if you do everything for them, they still manage to look for another woman! Oops—sorry, Doc. Jade. I got carried away.”
I turned to look at her and smiled when I realized she wasn’t that difficult to be around after all. She had a side that was actually pleasant to talk to.
“So, what’s your first name again, Doc. Apolinaris?” I asked, changing the subject.
She scratched her head. “Ahh… Hannah, Doc. Jade. My full name is Hannah Jane Apolinaris.”
“Wow, our names sound similar. Mine’s Jade.”
“Yes, Doc. Jade Maurice Solieza—now Lavarre,” she said with a smile as she sipped her strawberry frappuccino. “You know, Doc. Jade, ever since I saw your name on the board of topnotchers, I’ve admired you. I really wanted to be friends with you. When I got the chance to work at St. Aveline, I was so excited, but you had already left by the time I arrived. Thankfully, I was transferred to the medical mission team. I was so happy to work with you—and with Doctor Martino and the others.”
I noticed her cheeks redden when she mentioned Doctor Martino’s name, but I decided not to press her about it. It was impossible not to admire Doctor Martino anyway—he was tall, intelligent, and undeniably handsome when he was serious.
“Maybe you can just call me Jade,” I said, making her smile.
“R-really, Doc. Jade—I-I mean, Jade? Ack! I’m not used to it! Does that mean we’re friends now?”
I shrugged.
“Then you can just call me Hannah, Jade!”
I gave her a moment to celebrate, and it was obvious how happy she was. She looked like she’d won the lottery after one of her wishes came true. She said she was lucky to be surrounded by such talented doctors.
“I’m so happy!” she added.
I shook my head as I replied, “Well, I’m happy too that you include me in the medical missions. And forget what happened last time, it’s already in the past, Hannah. Just make sure to inform me ahead of time so I can be prepared. But it’s not like I won’t go just because my mom is there. I’m a doctor for my patients, I’m there to help them.”
Her smile widened, as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted from her chest.
“That’s exactly why I like you so much! You’re so professional in handling situations. It’s such a waste that you’re not in the hospital anymore. I’m sure you could help so many more people if you were there. I heard you used to be a surgical resident. I hope the day comes when I can work with you in the operating room. I want to witness your skills firsthand.”
My smile vanished when I heard that. My hand trembled as I tried to take a sip of my coffee, but I dropped the cup instead, spilling it all over my clothes.

“Jade! Are you okay?!”
Hannah immediately approached me to check my burned hand. She asked the cashier for a medkit to treat my burn. I could only stare at her blankly as she firmly pressed a cool compress on it, then applied burn ointment afterward.
“Thank you,” I said, which seemed to irritate her.
“Doc. Jade! Are you really okay? Why do you look like you’re not yourself? Did I say something you didn’t like?”
“What are you talking about? Nothing like that, okay? I’m fine! Why wouldn’t I be? Anyway, I’m leaving now. I need to go. Thanks again, Hannah.”
I left her at the coffee shop and walked toward the parking lot. When I got into my car, I gripped the steering wheel tightly.
I drove for miles and miles until I found myself on a hill. Night had already fallen, yet the heaviness in my chest still hadn’t gone away. In truth, it had even grown heavier as the memory Hannah brought up earlier returned to me—the real reason why I had to leave the hospital.
My chest felt so tight. It was a good thing I had my own car so I could leave… escape. Go somewhere to temporarily forget everything.
I could see the city lights from where I stood. I felt like the lead in a TV series, crying out to the heavens. I tried to scream too, but I no longer had the strength. All I could do was sob.
“So you’re here after all.”