Chapter 3 Can't Speak for Herself

"I saw," Emily replied. Due to the disgraceful nature of the incident, the Holtons were displeased with it. So, the marriage between Gabriel and Emily had been kept a secret. There had been no wedding. Mallory was the only one of Emily's friends who knew about it. The two had been close friends for over a decade and kept no secrets from each other. "Damn it! Amelia is such a drama queen! She came in yesterday, underwent a series of tests, and it turned out to be nothing more than a mild cold. They took her temperature three times, and her temperature never even hit 99 degrees!" Mallory took an angry bite of the apple. "She just wants attention. I think she's deliberately putting on a show with your husband to annoy you." Emily forced a stiff smile. "Let's not talk about this. Don't let her ruin our mood." "Oh, alright. I'll head home and get some rest then." "Okay." Emily then changed into her white coat and got ready for her shift. Those who managed to secure an appointment with her typically had complex and challenging conditions, and these cases required intense focus and effort. She went through more than a dozen appointments when the door opened again. Two familiar figures stepped inside. Amelia was leaning weakly against Gabriel, looking as though she might faint at any moment. Emily's grip tightened unconsciously on the medical chart in her hand as a bitter ache spread through her chest. Crestmont had no shortage of hospitals. Yet Gabriel had brought Amelia here. Was he deliberately trying to disgust her? Amelia pressed a hand to her chest and sat down. "Dr. Sterling, I have been feeling discomfort in my chest lately. Could you take a look?" As a doctor, Emily knew better than to let personal feelings interfere with her work. She quickly composed herself and calmly asked about the symptoms. "When did the discomfort start?" "It started last night, but I paid no attention to it because it wasn't serious. Then, it became more severe this morning." "Any trouble breathing? Dizziness?" "I'm breathing fine. But I get very dizzy. I can hardly stand." After observing Amelia's complexion, Emily gave her diagnosis. "It's likely hypoglycemia. Have something to eat, and you should be fine." "Dr. Sterling, I haven't even been examined yet. How can you make a diagnosis so casually?" Amelia bit her lip, looking very much wronged. "Even if you have some grudge against me, you shouldn't take my health lightly." Emily tapped the desk and answered sternly, "As a doctor, I take every patient seriously. If you disagree with my diagnosis, you're welcome to seek a second opinion elsewhere." Amelia looked as if she'd been frightened. Her eyes reddened as she turned to Gabriel beside her. "Gabe, did I say something wrong? Did I upset Dr. Sterling? Please tell her that I didn't mean it that way." Revulsion twisted in Emily's stomach. "What's the matter? Can't speak for yourself without him? This is a hospital, not a stage for your flirting. If you're done, please leave. Don't hold the other patients up." Tears spilled instantly down Amelia's cheeks. "Gabe…" Gabriel patted her back gently, his gaze cold as it landed on Emily. "Is this how you treat your patients, Dr. Sterling?" "I've already given my diagnosis. Ms. Waverly is the one who's trying to stir up trouble. Besides, this is the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department. "Hypoglycemia isn't even handled by this department. If you truly care about her, Mr. Holton, take her to the right doctor instead of wasting my time." In the two years they had known each other, Gabriel had never seen Emily like this. This was the first time he'd seen her act this guarded and sharp-edged. Just last night, she had been weeping and begging beneath him, allowing him to take her in every humiliating way he desired. As Gabriel stared intently at Emily, who met his gaze unflinchingly, Amelia sensed a shift in the air. It wasn't one in her favor. She quickly took Gabriel's hand and softened her tone. "Gabe, I trust Dr. Sterling's expertise. If she says it's low blood sugar, then there's no need for further tests. "Don't you have a business dinner to attend tonight? Let's head back and prepare for it. I don't want you wasting your time here because of me." Her voice was soft and deliberately sweet, evoking sympathy from both men and women alike. Sure enough, Gabriel's expression softened, and he let Amelia lead him out of Emily's consultation room by the arm. The moment the door closed, Emily's stomach lurched. She bent over the trash bin and retched violently.