Chapter 4

Chloe had left the door wide open. The hallway was bustling with doctors, nurses, and patients, and several of them stopped in their tracks to watch the drama unfold.

"Ethan Vance! Julian has called you his mentor for three whole years!"

"He called me his mentor, yes. And for three years, I have a clear conscience about everything I taught him. But why don't you ask him—has he ever treated me like one for a single day?"

Chloe rolled her eyes at me. "Julian has been nothing but respectful to you. He’s never done anything to hurt you. Stop trying to twist the truth."

"You're just bitter because he took over Seraphina's surgery. But that was your own damn fault! He only stepped up to clean up your mess!"

"Not only are you not grateful, but you’re also actively sabotaging him. Do you think we actually care about your stupid, worthless notes?"

"Someone as narrow-minded as you doesn't even deserve to wear a white coat!"

Chloe screamed at me, completely losing her composure just to defend Julian.

I watched her quietly until she finished her tantrum. "Are you done? This is my office. If you're done, please get out."

Chloe stared at me in absolute disbelief.

In all our years of marriage, this was the first time I had ever kicked her out.

"Fine! We're leaving! But let me tell you, Ethan—once Julian cures Seraphina, you’ll be crawling back to beg us!"

After she slammed the door, the office finally fell quiet.

Ignoring the whispers from the staff outside, I leaned back in my chair, massaging my throbbing temples.

I couldn't understand how Chloe and I had ended up like this, spitting venom at each other.

We had known each other since we were kids. We used to have so many sweet memories.

Even my decision to go into medicine was because of her.

When I was a kid, I was obese and constantly mocked by my classmates.

They gave me horrible nicknames and would corner me in the alley behind the school to beat me up.

Every single time, Chloe would be the one to stand up and protect me, chasing those bullies away.

Afterward, she would take me back to her place and bandage my wounds.

The butterfly bandages she applied were always so neat and pretty. I would refuse to take them off for days. From that moment on, I swore to myself that I would grow up to be someone strong and capable, just like her.

Eventually, I did. I became an accomplished surgeon, just like her. But she... she had changed.

I sat alone in my office for a long time, until my colleague and close friend, Marcus, dragged me out to get some dinner at the cafeteria. Only then did I realize it was already evening.

Marcus told me he hadn't dared to disturb me earlier, but seeing me shut inside all day, he was worried. He wanted to get me out of the office to clear my head.

The moment we walked into the cafeteria, we saw a crowd of doctors and nurses crowding around Julian and Chloe.

"Congratulations, Julian! I heard Seraphina’s surgery went perfectly. You're going to be a superstar in the department soon!"

Julian blushed, waving his hands modestly. "Fame and promotions don't matter to me. All I care about is saving lives."

Hearing his hypocritical speech, I felt a sudden urge to laugh.

Of course, Chloe had to chime in right behind him. "Our Julian has the skills, the guts, and most importantly, a compassionate heart. He’s not like "some" people who stay up playing video games and abandon their patients."

"Some people are so incredibly petty they even hide their research notes. They have absolutely zero respect for human life."

Marcus couldn't take it anymore. He started to stand up to confront them, but I held him down by his shoulder.

I shook my head at him and smiled. "I've seen plenty of rabid dogs barking in public."

"If I bark back, wouldn't that make me just as low as them?"