Even before the divorce, what they had could hardly be called a normal marriage.

Frank had never once reported to her about his rtionship with Marcia, not even when they were together.

He knew, of course, that what had happened with Marcia had hurt her, and tried to exin, “It’s really over between me and Marcia. There’s nothing left. I won’t be seeing her again.”

“I promise you,” he said.

But Elissa didn’t really care anymore.

Whether they ended up together happily ever after or parted ways for good, it no longer mattered to

her.

The divorce was settled–there was no turning back.

She lowered her eyes, silent for a moment before ncing at him. “iSo /iit’s iover /iwith Marcia. But does that mean there won’t be anyone else?”

She had always believed: once someone betrays you, they’ll do it again. A person’s true nature never

changes.

She wasn’t willing to pay the price to gamble on someone changing–not anymore. Her life didn’t offer her many chances to make mistakes.

Her question made Frank hesitate.

He was still searching for little Nine…

If little Nine wasn’t married, she’d need him to look after her, maybe spend more time and energy on

her…

He had no intentions in that direction, but Elissa probably wouldn’t believe it.

Elissa watched his silence, and without waiting for an answer, turned and headed upstairs.

The holiday ended before she knew it, and on the first day the clinic reopened, Elissa was scheduled for appointments.

She quickly settled back into her work routine, waking before dawn to get ready. The weather was warming, but the early mornings still called for a winter coat.

At least this time, she didn’t run into Marcia at the clinic.

As soon as Elissa arrived, one of the nurses rushed over, eyes bright with excitement. She leaned in and whispered, “Elissa, I have some great news!”

Elissa looked at her, intrigued. “What is it?”

“Word is, that homewrecker won’t being to the clinic anymore!” the nurse said, voice raised in triumph.

Ever since they’d learned the real reason for Elissa’s marriage troubles was Marcia, everyone at the

18:02

clinic had been quietly furious with her.

It was one thing to interfere in someone’s marriage, but to deliberately make them misunderstand Elissa–that was unforgivable.

Elissa was a little surprised, but said nothing. She went straight to her office, changed into her coat, and began calling in patients.

The earlier she started, the more walk–ins she could squeeze in.

After the indulgence of the holidays, many patients‘ conditions had worsened, but Elissa had expected as much.

Around here, the holidays were a big deal–people celebrated with all sorts of rich food, and expecting them to abstain was almost cruel.

By noon, Elissa had barely had time to breathe, let alone run to the restroom.

Just as she finished seeing herst patient, Cliff knocked and came in, white icoat /icrisp and smiling warmly. “Elissa, did you hear about Marcia?”

She nodded. “I heard.”

Cliff hesitated, then said, “Frank called my parents about it a couple days ago.”

He hadn’t really wanted to tell Elissa about this.

But after some thought, he realized she deserved to know. If this bit of news could bring her even a little peace, then it was worth it.

Whether she and Frank got back together wasn’t his business to meddle in.

Sure, he liked her–but it was the kind of liking that wished her well.

If she looked at him a little more, of course he’d be happy. But if Frank’s change of heart could make her genuinely happy, then maybe that was for the best.

Elissa raised an eyebrow. “That’s not really like him.”

If it had been Rowan, she wouldn’t have been surprised at all.