Page 77 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

The last two weeks with Luke have been great. We’ve both made efforts to be home for dinner. Our movie nights are always fun. A few evenings, we take walks so I can get more Vitamin D before winter comes. Midterm exams are coming up, and I need to study. Pharmacology isn’t a piece of cake. I left home for classes with everything I needed, but after my class, I realized I left some of my notes on the table in the living room. I decided to return home for the documents before heading out to join my study group.

I hurriedly got onto the elevator, and it stopped a few floors below. An old lady got on. I greeted her, and she nodded at me, which was fine, but then she leaned on the walls, sweating profusely. She grabbed her chest tightly and slid down to the floor. I rushed to her and hit the alarm. I laid her down, and as soon as the elevator doors opened, I shouted to Mr. Lance, “Call an ambulance. Tell them she’s having a heart attack.”

Lance made the call. I loosened her clothing and supported her head with my backpack. I noticed she was losing consciousness. I checked her pulse—it was faint. Removing the backpack, I began CPR on her. The paramedics arrived and took over as I continued compressions. I rested for a moment when they took the woman to the hospital.

The crowd that had gathered dispersed. “Mrs. Blythe,” Lance called to me.

“Thank you for saving Mrs. Grayson,” he said, helping me up. As I grabbed my bag, my phone alarm beeped, reminding me why I came home. I nodded to Lance and raced back out to join my study group.

I got home late, showered, and texted Luke that I was home before heading to bed. He replied, saying he was hanging out with Declan.

I wake during the night with his arms around me. He’s still asleep when I leave the next morning. I kiss him and head out to take my exams. After the brutal exams, I race home to change clothes and relax a little before heading back for my shift. I find Paula cleaning.

“Dele,” she seems surprised to see me.

“Hi, Paula.”

“I heard about Mrs. Grayson. Thank you for helping her.”

“No need to thank me. I’m just glad I was there when it happened.”

“Would you like to eat?”

“Yes, that’s why I came home, to change and grab something to eat.”

“Okay. I’ll warm up chicken and rice for you while you change.”

“Thanks, Paula.” I quickly change into my scrubs and eat the warm food Paula set out for me. After saying my goodbyes, I head out for my shift.

My gang welcomes me with open arms. The shift is going smoothly until a girl is rushed in.

Chapter 52

LUKE

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and it’s Dele. I check the time: it’s four p.m. She never calls me during the day. This meeting is important, but Dele calling me at this time has me concerned.

After work, her plan today is to visit my dad. I signal to the guys to continue, and I answer the call, leaving the room.

“Hello.”

“Hi,” I hear it right away, the low rumble and crack in her voice. Something is wrong.

“Are you okay?” The phone is silent. I can hear her breathing, then a sigh.

“Fine, just wanted to hear your voice. Hope I didn’t disturb you.”

“Not at all, I was just reviewing papers,” I lie. I know her; if I tell her I was in a meeting, she’ll get apologetic and might not reach out again.

“Okay.”

“Do you need something?” I ask.

“Not really, but can you please let Baba know that I can’t make it today?” Yes, something is wrong with my wife.

“Sure, no problem.” I pause. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No, I’ll see you when you get home.”

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