By the next day, the red rash on Wren Wynter’s body had mostly faded.

Joy Lynch had gone out to buy breakfast. She needed to use the restroom but felt too awkward to bother a nurse, so she had to carry her IV drip and shuffle toward the bathroom at a snail’s pace.

After she came out, she hadn’t taken more than a few steps before she froze in place. She stared, transfixed, at two familiar figures not far away.

It felt as if the air was being squeezed from her lungs, one bit at a time, leaving a dull ache that made it hard to breathe.

There was Kaden Xavier, helping Seraphina Sutton out of the obstetrics and gynecology department, a freshly printed examination report in his hand. Their intimacy made them look just like a married couple.

Wren sneered and was about to turn and leave, but Seraphina’s cloyingly sweet voice came from behind her. "Dr. Wynter, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you at the hospital."

What a coincidence, indeed! She was in the hospital because of that bastard, yet here he was, running around for another woman.

"A coincidence? Having your prenatal check-ups at a hospital owned by the Xavier Group is the perfect way to avoid drawing attention, so none of your other colleagues find out."

"Dr. Wynter, you’ve misunderstood. I’ve always had my check-ups at this hospital. That’s why I asked Kaden to bring me."

Wren shot her a sidelong glance and turned to walk away. But Seraphina was determined to pick a fight. "Dr. Wynter, since you and Kaden have no feelings for each other, why do you insist on staying entangled?"

Wren raised an eyebrow slightly. "What’s this? Done with the act?"

"I’m just trying to do what’s best for you both. As Kaden’s friend, I don’t want to see him suffer like this. Why won’t you just grant him his happiness, Dr. Wynter?"

"Grant you your happiness, you mean? Let the other woman take my place?"

Seraphina’s face paled, a hidden emotion flashing in her beautiful eyes. "The one who isn’t loved is the other woman. I’ve known Kaden for just as long as you have, Dr. Wynter. Letting go is the best choice for everyone."

"Miss Sutton, you’re carrying Asher Lynch’s child in your belly, yet your heart is set on his best friend. I wonder, if Asher can see this from the afterlife, would he be so furious knowing his woman plans to take his child and marry his best friend that he’d claw his way out of his own coffin overnight?"

Just as she expected, the mention of Asher Lynch’s name sent a flash of panic across Seraphina’s face. She clenched her fists, her gaze seeming to lock onto something as the corners of her lips curved up. She grabbed Wren’s wrist.

"Wren Wynter, why don’t we make a bet? Let’s see if the one in Kaden’s heart is you or me!"

The moment she finished speaking, to Wren’s utter astonishment, Seraphina dropped to her knees, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice choked with sobs.

"Dr. Wynter, I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault! Please, I’m begging you, spare my child! We’re just a widow and an orphan in the Capital with no one but Kaden as a friend. That’s why I asked him to come with me. Please don’t blame him."

Such a masterful performance. It’s a real shame she’s not in showbiz.

"Dr. Wynter, for Kaden’s sake, please spare my child."

Wren laughed in exasperation and yanked her arm away from Seraphina. But Seraphina hadn’t been kneeling securely, and her body fell straight backward.

Suddenly, a figure rushed behind Seraphina with the speed of the wind, catching her by wrapping an arm around her waist. His infuriatingly handsome face was filled with worry. "Seraphina, are you okay?"

Seraphina, looking on the verge of tears, slowly stood up while holding onto Kaden’s arm. "I’m fine, Kaden. You should go comfort, Dr. Wynter. I think she’s misunderstood us."

Wren had no desire to play along with this tedious drama and started walking back to her room. But a powerful force gripped her wrist.

"Wren Wynter, apologize!" Kaden said, barely suppressing his rage.

The man’s defense of her made Seraphina gloat inwardly.

Wren looked back, meeting Kaden’s furious dark eyes with a cold stare of her own. "I will not."

"Wren, can you stop being so unreasonable? You knew Seraphina was pregnant, yet you pushed her that hard. What if something happens to the baby? How am I supposed to explain that to Asher?"

He could tolerate Wren’s jealousy, but that didn’t mean she could act so recklessly.

"I didn’t push her."

"I saw it with my own eyes!" Kaden was incredulous. "Wren, how did you become this kind of person?"

"You’re the one who changed!" Wren forcefully shook off Kaden’s hand, her icy gaze landing on the hand Seraphina had linked through his arm. She pulled her gaze away and took a deep, calming breath. "I didn’t push her. Believe it or not."

Then, she turned and walked toward her room without a backward glance.

Behind Kaden, Seraphina narrowed her eyes. Deciding to add fuel to the fire, she rushed forward, grabbed Wren’s hand, and put on a panicked expression. "Dr. Wynter, please don’t be angry with Kaden because of me. If you really mind, I won’t ask him to accompany me to my check-ups anymore."

Wren thought she had been remarkably patient. Even after being provoked like this and misunderstood by Kaden, she hadn’t lost her temper.

But Seraphina just had to push her luck, taking her restraint as a sign of weakness. She was done indulging Seraphina. "The only reason I’m not hitting you is that I have some self-respect. Don’t provoke me again!"

Seraphina lost her footing, suddenly slipping and falling backward.

Startled, Kaden lunged forward to catch Seraphina, shoving Wren aside in the process. Caught completely off guard, Wren’s butt made firm and intimate contact with the floor.

"Wren!"

Joy Lynch, who had just returned from buying breakfast, saw the whole thing. She rushed over and carefully helped Wren to her feet. "Wren, are you okay?"

Wren shook her head. "Mm."

Kaden turned back, a hint of guilt on his face.

Just as he was about to speak, Seraphina, still in his arms, clutched her stomach and began to moan in pain. "Kaden, my stomach hurts so much..."

"I’ll take you for an examination right now!" Kaden swept Seraphina up into his arms, then turned his head and said coldly, "If anything happens to the baby in Seraphina’s belly, I will never forgive you."

With that, he carried Seraphina away.

"Pah! Who needs your forgiveness, you scumbag!" Joy Lynch spat in the direction Kaden and Seraphina had gone. "Wren, don’t be scared. Serena and I are always here for you."

"Don’t worry, I’m fine." Wren nonchalantly brushed the dust off her hospital gown and walked toward her room as if nothing had happened.

Back in the room, Joy was still worried about Wren’s physical condition and suggested getting her checked again, but Wren refused.

She sat on the hospital bed, her voice weary. "Joy, I’m planning to resign."

Joy was silent for a long moment, then looked at Wren with determination. "Wren, no matter what you decide, I’ll support you."

"Thank you."

"What’s with the ’thank you’ between us? Just get better quickly so the three of us can go out and have fun again!"

Wren gave a faint smile. Just then, it was time for the doctors’ rounds, and a familiar figure walked in, leading a few other doctors who didn’t look very old.

"Bed thirty-two, Wren Wynter... Wren!?"