Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Zack was close to pushing through the crowd when a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
“Zack, what are you doing here?” Joanna didn’t wait, yanking him out of the chaos.
Zack blinked, caught off guard, then pointed at the crowd. “Joanna, is that my mom in there?”
Joanna gave him a sugary smile. “Oh, Zack, you must really miss her, huh? She might sound a bit like your mom, but it’s not her.”
Disappointment flashed in Zack’s eyes, but then he thought twice.
The doctor in there was so kind, loved by everyone. No way her mom was
like that.
His mom was selfish, cold enough to leave her own son. No way she’d be helping strangers like this.
“Zack, you heading home?” Joanna asked, her voice full of fake concern.
Zack nodded, glancing toward the parking lot where his family’s car was.
“Let me walk you over,” Joanna said, her face all worry. She grabbed his hand and hustled him away from the hospital entrance, practically pushing him into the car.
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When Zack’s car drove off, Joanna let out a long breath. No way was she letting Zack see his mom, or letting them reconnect.
She stopped, her mind racing. She needed to move fast, lock in her engagement to the Blairs, and tie up loose ends.
The food issue outbreak at Francisco Memorial Preschool had Sylvia running nonstop, bouncing between hospitals to help the kids.
It wasn’t until midnight that she finally got back to the children’s hospital to check on her young patients.
Joanna stepped out of a patient room, asking, “Sylvia, why won’t you treat Yara? I know you’re still mad, thinking I stole Byron, but Yara’s just a kid! Our
issues shouldn’t hurt her!”
Her face was tense but quickly shifting to a sad pout.
Her face was tense but quickly shifting to a sad pout. Then she went on, “Sylvia, if you’re upset, take it out on me! But you and Byron are divorced now- yelling at me won’t change anything!”
Sylvia smirked, her voice sharp with sarcasm. “Joanna, let’s drop the act. You just want me to treat your niece. Keep wishing.”
Yara was barely out of diapers and already acting like a bully, picking on Sylvia’s daughter. A stomachache wouldn’t hurt her; it might even teach her
something.
Joanna shrugged, not fazed. “Sylvia, kids play rough–it’s no big deal! Grown–ups shouldn’t butt in. But don’t worry about Yara. Byron’s already got a city specialist on it. She’s almost good as new.”
She gave Sylvia a smug look, her lips curling.
“Her stomach might be fine, but her heart? That’s another story,” Sylvia said coldly.
Done with Joanna’s drama, Sylvia brushed past her to check on the other kids in the ward.
“Oh, Sylvia, it’s my birthday tomorrow! Byron’s taking me out for a private lunch at this fancy hotel–just us two. You should come! The more, the merrier!” said Joanna.
She hung by the ward door, jumping in the second Sylvia stepped out.
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Chapter 17
Sylvia shot her a cold sidelong glance. Joanna was just flaunting it, making sure Sylvia knew how much Byron spoiled her.
“Joanna, I could come, sure. But who am I to you? The homewrecker who ruined a family?”
Joanna’s face went pale. She was a rising star, loved by fans. No one could call her a mistress!
“Sylvia, how could you say that? Byron and I had a thing first! You’re the one who married him later!” Joanna snapped, her teeth clenched.
“And yet, you’re still the other woman, aren’t you?” Sylvia scoffed.
Sylvia’s lips curved into a faint, dismissive smile. Those old wounds didn’t even hurt anymore.
She was done talking to Joanna. Turning on her heel, she left Joanna standing there, shaking with anger, her eyes burning with spite.
When Sylvia got home, she found her daughter Ruby curled up in bed, mumbling uneasily in her sleep. “Daddy, I miss you… please don’t leave me…
Tears sparkled on Ruby’s soft cheeks, wetting her pillow.
Sylvia’s heart ached, a sharp pain cutting through her.
She gently wiped the tears from her daughter’s face. Ruby needed comfort, someone to help her through this.
But Sylvia would never let Ruby know her father was Byron. That was a wound in her heart that would never heal.
At noon the next day, Sylvia pulled into the Roman Hotel’s parking lot.
In the restaurant on the first floor, she spotted a young guy at table ten, dressed like he was hiding from the tabloids.
He had on dark sunglasses, a face mask, and a black trench coat, his face covered but his sharp jawline standing out.
When he saw Sylvia, he stood politely, his voice curious. “Dr. Sullivan?”
Sylvia nodded slightly. “Mr. Zander Gage?”
They’d known each other for years but had never met face–to–face until now.
The guy was her patient, dealing with a rare genetic condition that could be fatal without the right treatment.
Two years ago, he’d contacted Sylvia online while she was overseas. Her expertise led to a clear diagnosis and á custom prescription.
They’d stayed in touch online, and with her continued care, his health had gotten much better.
Now that Sylvia was back, he’d asked to meet in person for a checkup.
Sylvia sat across from him, checking his tongue and eyes for a while.
She wrote a new prescription and slid it over. “Zander, you’re doing really well. I’ve adjusted the formula–stick with it, and you’ll feel even better.”
He took the paper and slid a check across the table. “Please, take this.”
Sylvia gently pushed it back, her eyes meeting his for a moment. “Actually, I’ve got a favor to ask…”
He tilted his head. “What’s that?”
Sylvia gave a small, wry smile. “Would you… be willing to pretend to be my daughter’s dad? Just once, no need to show your face. Show up, make an excuse, and leave.”
Seeing his secretive outfit, she’d gotten a sudden idea–a way to ease Ruby’s nightly tears for her father.
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Chapter 17
He paused, then nodded. “You saved my life. This is no big deal. Just tell me when you need me.”
He was grateful for Sylvia. Years of contact showed him she was kind, never digging into his personal life. For him, this was a small favor.
His phone buzzed, and he excused himself, saying he had to go.
Sylvia watched him leave, feeling a wave of relief.
Across the restaurant, Byron was halfheartedly celebrating Joanna’s birthday.
Joanna’s sharp eyes spotted Sylvia and the mystery guy. She pointed, nudging Byron. “Byron, look! Isn’t that Sylvia? She’s on a date!”
Byron, bored until now, glanced over casually. But when he saw the guy walking away, his grip tightened on his fork, his face darkening.
Joanna gasped, covering her mouth in fake shock. “Oh, wait… that little girl Sylvia brought back from overseas… could she be that guy’s…?”
