Most people found traditional medicine painfully dull, but Elissa never tired of it.


    There was no way she’d ever abandon that wall of books–no matter what anyone said.


    So she went to the storage room, pulled out a few cardboard boxes, and began packing her books. She nned to leave them at Tanya Foster’s ce for now.


    After all, Frank barely noticed her existence these days.


    If her room was missing a few things, he’d never notice.


    She was in the middle of packing, absorbed in her task, when her phone rang.


    The caller ID shed: Old Man.


    Her mentor.


    Four years ago, Elissa had been on the verge of joining Vistapeak Medical Center–the nation’s top traditional medicine hospital.


    To be epted at such a prestigious institution in her early twenties spoke volumes about her talent and potential. The future ahead had seemed limitless.


    But then, Matriarch Paige Murphy had effortlessly sabotaged her career. No one dared


    hire her.


    Her mentor had been the one to tell her, “Don’t worry. Don’t lose hope.” He’d quietly snuck her into her senior, Cliff Riley’s, traditional medicine clinic, keeping it secret from everyone


    else.


    As soon as Elissa picked up, Aaron ine’s cheerful voice came through. “Elissa, you free these days?”


    “I am,” Elissa replied with a smallugh. “Are you and Jacqueline heading off on vacation again? Need me to look after your nts?”


    Aaron chuckled. “Come on, do I really only call when I need a favor?”


    He cleared his throat, sounding a little awkward. “Remember that group who came to the clinic to study acupuncture? Their Institute of Traditional Medicine is having its grand opening. Would you and Cliff go cut the ribbon for me?”


    Elissa nodded. “I remember. Wasn’t their institute abroad?”


    “Germany,” Aaron said, still smiling. “And as I recall, you studied German. Looks like you’re the chosen one.”


    Elissa sighed. “When do we leave?”


    13:31


    “In a week,” Aaron replied, though he sounded a bit sheepish. “…On the 31st.”


    The 31st.


    Frank’s birthday.


    Every year, on Frank’s birthday, Elissa would leave her calendar clear, decorating their home, preparing a special dinner and a thoughtful gift.


    But he had never oncee home.


    She’d always told herself he was busy with work.


    Looking back now, it was almostughable.


    Birthdays, anniversaries–those were the days Frank needed to prove his devotion to Marcia, not her.


    If that was what he wanted, she’d do them both a favor and bow out gracefully.


    Elissa didn’t hesitate. “I’ll go.”


    Aaron sounded surprised, but didn’t press her for reasons–perhaps afraid she’d change her mind. “Great, I’ll have Cliff book the tickets right away.


    Cliff was efficient as always. Within minutes, Elissa received her flight details.


    The 31st. Ten a.m.


    Later that day, Tanya Foster dropped by to help her move her things. Four big boxes of medical books–enough to fill Tanya’s trunk to the brim.


    When Tanya closed the trunk, she brushed dust from her hands and nced at Elissa. “Did Frank sign the divorce papers?”


    Elissa nodded. “He did.”


    Tanya muttered a curse under her breath, clearly annoyed. “He really wants this divorce so badly?”


    “It’s not that,” Elissa answered calmly. “He doesn’t know they’re divorce papers.”


    “You’re not worried he’ll back out?”


    Tanya warned her, “You <i>know</i><i>, </i>signing the papers is just one step. Unless he actually goes with


    <i>you </i>to finalize it at the courthouse, you’re still legally married.”


    “Then I’ll file awsuit,” Elissa said quietly, her gaze lowered, as if lost in thought. “Besides, he’ll agree.”


    13:31