"I was wondering if you'd be interested in pursuing further training in Canada," he explained. "Our hospital is excellent, but they offer a program for representative training from each affiliated institution. That's what I have in mind for you. If you agree, I'll handle all the arrangements."
Surprise surged through me. Going abroad for training has always been a dream and I wouldn’t give up on any chance for the sake of my jerk husband anymore.
Tears welled up in my eyes. "Of course, Dr. Cullen! I'd be honored to accept your offer. Thank you so much!"
He smiled, “You still have time to prepare.”
******
As it got dark, I cleaned everything on my desk and put all the reports for the next doctor who would temporarily replace me on file in the next few months. I still need a lot of patients to attend before the night ends.
Then suddenly, my phone rang, and it was Lucas, again.
"What?"
"What time will you be here?" he asked, a hint of impatience in his voice.
"I won't be coming home tonight, I got a lot of work—"
But he angrily cut me off, asking, "What do you mean by that? I haven't seen you all day, and now you're not coming home?!"
Another sigh escaped my lips, heavier this time, "Oh, just like you, I'm busy too."
"Are you mad at me, Claire?"
Was I mad?
The truth was, anger seemed a distant echo. His constant lies and inconsideration had chipped away at my feelings, leaving behind a numb ache.
And I finally answered him, "I don't know..." my voice barely whispered, but I knew he could feel it.
Claire’s POV
In the past, whenever I asked Lucas a question about May, he would always find it annoying. Yet even though I no longer give a hoot, he still finds me annoying, and I have no idea how to respond to his outbursts.
After I checked on all my patients for tonight, I stretched my arms and legs. I returned to my office and put the medical records file on my table. I yawned and squeezed my eyes, but I still didn’t want to go home—it was not home anymore. I found it unbearable to return home and see him there.
As I lay down on my long, sky-blue couch, I tried to close my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep.
Then, the loud buzzing of my phone woke me up. I got a call from Lucas at midnight.
"Hello?" A drowsy murmur escaped my lips as I responded.
"Claire! Finally, you answered my call after calling you so many times! My stomach hurts, can you come home?" he asked.