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“Y-Yes, sir!” Xander stammered, already pulling out his phone to start dialing.

Just then, Lorenzo’s own phone rang. Exhaling a sharp breath, he picked it up.

“Mr. Moretti,” came a composed voice on the other end. “I’m Doctor Lyle. We’ve arranged for Dr. Astra to come to Bristen Hospital to examine Miss Esther. Please come to the hospital immediately.”

His eyes flicked to Xander. Without a word, he turned on his heel and headed for the car.

“Got it,” he muttered, then added with a glare, “Let’s go. That woman’s walking right into my hands.”

***

Krystal stepped into Bristen Hospital, her heels clicking too loudly against the polished floor. Her eyes darted around as if she expected danger to jump out from behind the vending machine. Clutching her purse like a lifeline, she checked behind her for the third time—then finally exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest.

“God,” she muttered, jaw tight. “That Cactus nearly glared the soul out of me.” She paused, muttering under her breath. “And now that I’ve pissed him off? I’ll probably wake up gift-wrapped in cement if he finds me.”

Suddenly, a hand clapped down on her shoulder.

She shrieked like she’d seen death itself, jumping back with a gasp and nearly tripping over her own feet.

“Jesus Christ,” a familiar voice said. “What the hell are you so scared of?”

Damion stood there, his hair slicked back in its usual neat style, a tailored charcoal suit hugging his tall frame. His chiseled face was calm, amused, with those striking green eyes that still held that familiar softness—even behind the golden-rimmed rectangular glasses perched on his nose.

His gaze was steady and amused as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Krystal blinked, then groaned in relief.

“Oh my God, it’s you.” Krystal let out a shaky exhale, then laughed under her breath and stepped forward, wrapping him in a hug. “How’ve you been?”

“I’m good. You look fantastic,” he said, voice lower, more genuine now. It made her chuckle softly.

He turned and gestured down the hallway. “The patient and her family are waiting in the room. Let’s go.”

She nodded, then glanced at him warily. “You didn’t mention my real name to them, right?”

“Of course not. They just know Dr. Astra’s coming.”

“Thanks.” She gave a grateful smile, and the two started walking toward the ward.

“Where were you the last two years?” he asked. “No one heard a thing about you.”

“I got married,” she replied quietly, her smile faint—dry.

Damion’s eyebrows lifted with a surprised grin.

“You? Married? Who was crazy enough to say yes?”

“Hey!” she swatted his arm. Then immediately looked around nervously and leaned closer. “He’s got a girl he likes… so we’re getting a divorce.”

Damion’s face fell. His expression turned from amused to grim in an instant.

“He cheated on you?” His voice was low, laced with disbelief. “Is the guy blind?”

She smirked, letting out a quiet snicker at his reaction.

Krystal had always been stunning. Since college, she'd turned down countless proposals, dreaming of one man who’d giveher everything. She never imagined she’d end up with someone who’d choose another woman over her.

“Forget him,” Damion said with a grunt. “I know a dozen men who are ten times better than him. I’ll introduce you.”