The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 17

It really was Ferris.

A bitter, helpless laugh bubbled up in my chest.

I knew my husband better than anyone. He detested loud environments and would never attend social gatherings unless absolutely forced. In my three years of marriage, he had done so maybe once or twice. Yet in just two weeks, he had broken his own rules twice.

All for this innocent, radiant girl standing in front of me.

A celebration? His treat? And what about me? Was I just supposed to pour their drinks?

My heart violently tore itself in two—half drowned in bitter disappointment, the other half burning with pathetic envy.

"No, thanks," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "I already have plans."

Zoey let out a soft sigh, responding gently, "We'll definitely hang out next time, then."

Watching her bouncy ponytail disappear down the hall, I instantly unlocked my phone and checked the schedule saved on my lock screen.

I wasn't crazy. Ferris was supposed to be on duty tonight.

Had he actually swapped shifts just so he could throw a party for Zoey?

A sickening cocktail of shock and panic tightened my chest. Taking a deep breath, I called Leon Lennox.

"Yeah, Dr. Sterling actually surprised us," Leon said cheerfully. "You know how he is. The guy's a workaholic. He rarely takes time off, so swapping shifts with me just to throw you a celebration party is incredibly sweet."

I gripped my phone tightly, a thousand devastating emotions violently churning in my chest until only a deep, hollow bitterness remained.

What Leon didn't know was that Ferris's incredible sweetness and thoughtful gestures were meant for someone else entirely.

And that someone wasn't me.

"Selena?" When I didn't respond, Leon lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Keep this a secret, alright? He definitely wanted to surprise you..."

The word "surprise" pierced my eardrums, and my heart violently convulsed. The emotional dam finally broke.

Terrified that Leon would hear me crying, I forced a light tone. "Thank you, Dr. Lennox. Talk to you later."

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