Not Your Doormat Anymore

"If they're back for work tomorrow, then it should be treated as taking a leave and not resigning!" Nadine replied bluntly.

She held her head high and said, "Oh, and don't forget about the compensation you mentioned earlier for the months we haven't been paid. If you don't, we have every right to sue you."

"Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like this?" Casey snapped, her pride wounded.

"I only work here. I'm not a slave sold to you." Nadine stood her ground, and for a moment, Casey couldn't refute her.

I felt relieved knowing these people could handle things on their own.

"When the doctors return tomorrow, they can proceed with the usual medications for the patient. I'll be taking my leave," I told the hospital staff.

"Goodbye, Dr. Ranford," Nadine replied.

"Don't you leave!" Casey's voice rang out behind me. When I didn't slow down, she darted in front of me and grabbed my wrist. "Why do you avoid me every time? Do I seem like some kind of monster to you?"

"What do you want?" I shot her an icy stare.

I disliked how the Newton family handled the hospital acquisition, and I disliked the way she behaved even more.

"You're pushing me away just like you did last time. Haven't you come to your senses yet?"

As time passed, the events from our wedding day had faded from everyone's memory. Casey had completely disregarded what had happened, and now she had the audacity to act like nothing was wrong.

"What's so bad about being with me? The Newton family no longer relies on your family's support. Not only are we capable of acquiring hospitals and expanding our network, but we can also build a new company.

"Once you marry me, the Newton family will belong to you. Aren't you at least a little tempted?" She looked at me anxiously.

I recalled hearing something about the Newton family receiving an investment from overseas, which had saved them from their fate of going bankrupt.

But she was mistaken. I had let them off for now only because I needed more time to gain full control of Ranford Corporation. It had nothing to do with any lingering feelings.

Once I secured my standing and had the power to make decisions, the Newton family would be the first on my list.

"I couldn't care less." I stared at her coldly and shrugged off her hand.

"Jace Ranford, are you really leaving me?" Casey bellowed as I walked away without looking back.noveldrama

When I got home, Kourtney had already prepared dinner. As she sat in the living room, the dim yellow glow of the light made her look strikingly beautiful.

The frustration from earlier simmering within me faded like smoke in the wind. I walked over and sat across from her.

"How was the surgery? Did it go well?"

I nodded. "It went very well. The man's life is no longer in danger."

"That's good to hear." She nodded

with a smile. I truly think you're a great doctor. Even though you've stopped practicing, you stepped in without hesitation when someone needed help. Dr. Ranford, letting you go was the biggest mistake that hospital ever made."

She hesitated but finally reached over and placed her hand over mine.

The softness s and warmth of her

palm eased something in me. I looked up and met her gaze. Her eyes reflected mine. In that moment, a strange electricity shot through my heart a fluttery feeling I couldn't quite name.

"Thank you." She was the first person who had truly supported me as a doctor.

After I had finished dinner, Kourtney stood and opened her arms. "Would you like

a hug?"

I wasn't sure what came over me, but I hugged her. Her body felt softer than I had imagined, and her refreshing scent overwhelmed my senses. She rested her head on my chest, and a soft voice escaped her lips. sŵnovel