Chapter 9 A Suspension

Sean shot them a cold glare, his tone sharp as he spoke. "I'm her attending physician. My duty is to protect my patient from any harm. If all of you don't leave right now, I'm calling security." The people around shivered under his icy stare. They exchanged uneasy glances before muttering curses as they slowly dispersed. "He thinks he's so great." "Seeing how protective he is, I bet the news is true. There's no smoke without fire, after all!" The hallway was peaceful again at last. Standing by the door, Sean listened to their voices fade into the distance, his face dark as night. He pushed the door open, approached the bedside, and said in a soft voice, "Cecilia, it's okay now. Don't be afraid." The covers were then slowly lifted. Sean tenderly wiped away Cecilia's tears. She looked up, her red eyes full of hurt. She spoke in a trembling voice, "Sean, why did they say those things about me? Do I… deserve to die?" Sean's heart ached. He looked at her vulnerable, helpless expr