Page 34 of Doctor I Do

I shake my head to clear it. I need to be a big girl and focus on packing. If my parents decide to visit, I need to be at Alex’s.

I open my suitcase, but after a few hours, I need a break. Since getting back home, I haven’t stopped. I make my way into the kitchen to make some tea.

The front door opens as I pour the boiling water into my cup, and Maddison enters the room, wearing an exhausted expression.

She gives me a half smile.

“Would you like me to make you some tea?” I ask her.

She lets out a loud sigh. “Please.” She tosses her bag on the table.

“Bad day?” I grab a cup and make her one.

“Just long, and I’m tired.”

Once it’s finished brewing, I hand it over.

“Thanks,” she mumbles, taking a large sip.

“I have to tell you something,” I start.

She frowns. “Yeah, what is it?”

“I need to move out for a bit,” I say, taking another sip of my warm tea.

Her forehead creases. “Why?”

“You know how I quit Frank’s?”

“Mm-hmm,” she mumbles, staring at me, perplexed.

“Mom called right after and reminded me I won’t get Emerald Designs if I don’t get married, and I realized I do want it. So I blurted out I was dating.”

She folds over laughing. “To fucking who?”

It makes me laugh too. Because it’s the only way to survive this whole ridiculous idea.

“Alex.”

“Alex wh—” Her eyes grow wide as she figures out who it is.

“You told your parents your boyfriend is Alex Taylor?”

I nod. “Yep. And that we’re engaged and living together.”

I lift my left hand, showing her my engagement ring, letting the sparkle of the diamond catch the light.

“Get fucked,” she scoffs. “Did he buy this?”

Her eyes meet mine. I can see the wheels turning at all this new information.

“Yeah. Crazy, isn’t it?”

“You think?” She shakes her head.

“I’ll still pay my half of the rent, and I’ll be back before you know it.”

“As long as this is what you want to do.” I can hear the worry in her tone.

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