“This slot is taken, and look at all the people lined up behind. They all have appointments.”
“I’ll pay double the fee! Ten times! Twenty! How much is one slot? I’ll pay ten thousand dollars! I want it today!!! The people in line started voicing their complaints. ” Money doesn’t make you special!”
“Blatant line – cutting? Shameless!”
“So rich? Charter the whole clinic for yourself!”
“Or heck, buy out the whole city!”
“You..
“The woman was riled up by the jabs, turning around. Rebecca wasn’t mistaken. It was indeed Catherine. Furious, she glared down the alley and stomped her foot in frustration. ” Vance, come over here! We’re buying out all the remaining slots today! “
The one striding from the other end of the alley was none other than Vance. He hurried to Catherine’s side, his eyes filled with genuine tension and concern, without a glance at anyone else. ” What’s wrong? ” She pouted, whining, ” These people are picking on us outsiders. The slot is open right now, and I said I’d pay ten times the price to buy it. They won’t let me. They’re awful. ” Vance patted her reassuringly. ” It’s okay. I’ll handle it.”
“I want to buy out every slot here today. Show them we’re not pushovers. Give these people…” Catherine twisted away, pointing at the line of people waiting. ” Give each of them ten thousand! We’re chartering the place today. Tell them to leave! ” Vance laughed, indulgent. Rebecca watched the scene unfold, feeling utterly ridiculous. Catherine’s demand was outrageous, but Vance found it adorable. It was unbelievable, but he seemed to eat it up, even ruffling her hair. ” People charter places for dining, but who charters a clinic? That’s not auspicious, is it? ” In less than a minute, he laughed twice, and it was heartfelt.
The difference between love and lack of love was so obvious. Rebecca watched his hand brush through Catherine’s hair, remembering how that same hand had often stroked her own hair, held her shoulder, and even embraced her. 1 A wave of discomfort surged in her heart. But such pampering wasn’t enough for Catherine. She kept tugging at his sleeve and swaying, clearly unhappy. ” I’ll take care of it. We only need one slot. Afterward, we go pick out a gift? ” he cooed, his patience endless. He’d been patient with Rebecca, too, and it was even more so with Catherine.
She perked up at the mention of a gift. ” I’ll pick an expensive one. ” His eyes overflowed with endless affection. ” Anything, as long as you like it. ” Then he turned to negotiate with the nurse. ” Hello, my family was anxious earlier, so she was a bit aggressive. I apologize on her behalf. Since this slot is open, can you transfer it to us? We’re from out of town, and it’s not easy to see Dr. Ramsey.”
“Family… ” Rebecca muttered quietly, stepping out from behind Desmond. Throughout Catherine’s unreasonable outburst, Desmond had been shielding her.
Catherine and Desmond had only met once, so she probably didn’t remember him. As for Vance, since arriving, his gaze hadn’t left Catherine, so naturally, he hadn’t noticed Desmond. The nurse pointed at Desmond. ” This slot’s not open. They’re here. ” Vance looked over, freezing at the sight of Rebecca and Desmond coming over together. After a brief standoff, he demanded sharply, ” What are you doing here? ” The indulgence he had shown Catherine vanished without a trace. Rebecca met his gaze, suspecting his next move might be to come over and strangle her.
She had never really learned how to face his anger, because for those five years, he had truly never gotten angry at her. It was only since Catherine’s return that she had occasionally touched his sore spots.
But Rebecca wasn’t scared of Vance’s anger. Desmond instinctively moved to shield her, which irritated Vance even more. He barked, ” Get over here! ” Rebecca walked over, not because of his order. It was her turn to see the doctor. Standing in front of him, she smiled faintly. ” I’m here to treat my leg, and this slot is mine. You’re gonna snatch it for her? ” Vance’s face went ashen. The subject was his Achilles ‘ heel and the pain in their marriage. ” Vance… ” Catherine tugged his sleeve. ” Cathy… ” His expression softened. ” Forget the slot.
Let Rebecca go first. We owe her too much. ” Catherine flipped from bratty to gracious in a flash, the rims of her eyes reddening dramatically. ” Sorry you’re putting up with this, ” he murmured. She shook her head. ” It’s fine. I get you. ” She pulled him away from the door and turned to Rebecca. ” Go on in, I’ll come another day. ” Rebecca felt like losing in this showdown. If she gave up the slot to Catherine, she’d undoubtedly lose. If she went in now, she would still be the loser. Then again, winning or losing didn’t matter. ” Wait up. I’ll go with you.
“Desmond hurried forward, holding her arm to provide support, so she wouldn’t be limping too much. Rebecca didn’t refuse, unwilling to get emotional and look pathetic in front of Vance and Catherine. Behind them, Catherine spoke to the nurse. ” Can I schedule one now?”
“Your issues?”
“Um, I have trouble getting pregnant. ” Rebecca stumbled and nearly fell, even with Desmond’s support, She bet Catherine had said that loud enough for her to hear. But were they really progressing that quickly – to this stage already? Vance’s words echoed in her mind.” I don’t need this stuff. Even if there’s a kid, I can afford to raise them. Right now, I’m good without one. ” She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. It hurt… still hurt… Desmond, holding her left arm, called out worriedly, ” Rebecca… ” She shook her head to indicate she was fine, but her right arm was suddenly grabbed. She didn’t need to look up to know it was Vance. In their five years of marriage, he was both familiar and distant to her. ” I’m going with you. It’s my responsibility, ” he said, tightening his grip.
“Isn’t it your responsibility with that infertility case outside? ” Desmond scoffed. Vance frowned. ” My family affairs aren’t for you to comment on. ” The doctor, who had been waiting for quite a while, called out, ” Next one! What’s the holdup? ” Desmond and Vance flanked Rebecca, neither willing to back down. Rebecca shook her right arm free. ” Vance, is this something to be proud of? So many people are lined up waiting outside. You want our situation exposed? Think that’s a win?”
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