Page 81 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“I’ll do it, Dr. Sanders.”

As soon as I agree, it doesn’t take long for James to discuss the rest, including giving me a good recommendation as long as I keep our conversation a secret. I take it. I’m more than relieved when Luke still isn’t in the office when I get there, allowing me some reprieve as I pack my stuff in a bag and sneak out while everyone is busy.

On my commute home, I lament the fact that I didn’t get to tell Wanda, Jasper, and Maria about my exit, and they will be left wondering because I can never explain the truth to them. Then tears are forming in my eyes as my heart breaks all over again, realizing there’s also one other person I can’t tell the truth to.

Luke.

I promised James, and I fear what will happen if I break that promise. But that’s not the most heartbreaking.

It’s the fact that I can’t be with Luke after this, not with all the secrets I’m hiding. He will know. He will fight for me.

And we will both end up losing.

Still, I might have salvaged his career, but in doing so, I ruined mine.

And I need to survive on my own two feet before I can ever feel worthy of anything, including him.

Chapter 26

Luke

Iwish Olivia would answer at least one of my texts. I know she’s probably busy with work already, but I miss her so much and would like some time with her before my schedule today swallows me up. Because fate seems to be working against that little reunion, I hurry to the hospital instead, comforted with the knowledge that at least I’ll get a glimpse of her—maybe even steal a kiss or two—before I head to my first surgery assessment of the day.

But I’m stopped short when I don’t find her in the office. Instead, I find Wanda seated in Olivia’s chair and typing on the keyboard.

“Wanda? How can I help you?”

She shoots up at my presence, attempting a smile but not quite genuine with it. She studies my confused expression and looks confused, too, before that disappears and she clears her throat.

“Dr. Jennings. I’m just finishing up a report that you’re tasked to read later—additional notes for your patient appointment this afternoon…”

I shake my head, not quite understanding. “No, I mean, why are you doing Liv’s work?”

She opens her mouth, then closes it. Wanda blinks. “I’m your temporary assistant until you get a new one…well, partial assistant since I’m also still working with Dr. Lowe?—”

“Where the hell is Liv?”

Her eyes widen at the edge of my tone. But I can no longer focus beyond the next statement she drops.

“She sent in her immediate resignation this morning, Dr. Jennings.”

Shock slams into me, sending me reeling. I open my mouth to ask more questions—demand an explanation—but I finally get a semblance of my reaction from Wanda’s reaction and realize I’m about to cross a line. So I suck in a breath, not wanting Wanda involved or even asking questions.

But I have to get to the bottom of this.

“I see. Thank you, Wanda. You may continue.”

I don’t care if she continues or not. I slip out and march toward James’s office, continuously calling Olivia, only to be greeted by her voicemail every time. What’s going on?

Did something happen that I don’t know about? An emergency at her home?

An emergency with Riley?

My heart thumping, I call Nancy right away and am instantly eased when she confirms that she’s picking Riley up later. James isn’t around when I reach his office, so I go back to mine, intending to grab my coat and?—

“Dr. Jennings, your surgery assessment is scheduled in fifteen minutes.”

I bite back the urge to tell Wanda to stuff the assessment where the sun doesn’t shine, realizing this is one I can’t miss. But my focus doesn’t return. I’m lost in thought when I stay in the operating room and am on autopilot when I cater to my only patient for the day, who also can’t be rescheduled since this is the only day Mr. Emmett can come to New York for his appointment.

---