Rowan’s lips curled into a half–smirk. “So if I say no, you’ll just give up on joining<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Elissa couldn’t quite read him, but she needed this project and didn’t want to cross him. “It’s your project, Rowan. Of course I’ll respect your


    decision.”


    Ever since she married Frank, she and Rowan had grown so distant, they were practically strangers.


    A beat of silence hung in the air before Rowan let out a soft, mockingugh. His eyes had gone cold and sharp. “Then don’t bothering.”


    With that, he pushed open the car door, swung his long legs out, and walked away.


    Elissa sat there, stunned. She couldn’t even pinpoint what she’d said wrong–he’d flipped from civil to hostile in a second.


    Fine. If he doesn’t want me, then I won’t go!


    But the sting of rejection lingered. That night, unable to shake it off, she dreamed she was desperately pleading with Rowan. “Rowan, if you don’t let me join, I’ll never speak to you again!”


    He arched a brow, eyes glinting with mischief. “What did you just call me?”


    “I’m sorry, big brother!”


    Elissa jolted awake, heart pounding as she stared at the dark ceiling.


    It took her a long moment to steady her breath.


    She and Rowan were nothing to each other now. There was no going back to the reckless squabbles of their childhood.


    She switched on themp and padded into the living room, rummaging through her bag for the peace charm. Back in her bedroom, as she slid it beneath her pillow, she paused.


    <b>09 </b>46


    Something about this peace charm seemed… different from the one


    before.


    When Elissa returned to work at the clinic, Marcia had suddenly be the envy of all the women there.


    Even in the cafeteria, Marcia was surrounded by a gaggle of young


    women. When Elissa passed by with her lunch tray, one of them


    cheerfully patted the empty seat beside her. “Elissa,e sit with us!”


    “Thanks.” Elissa epted, sitting quietly and eating her lunch, content to stay out of their chatter.


    Marcia, ever the gracious one, set a box of glistening cherries on the table, smiling warmly. “These just came in from overseas this morning. Who wants to go wash them so we can share?”


    “Wow, thanks!”


    The girls‘ eyes widened at the sight of the plump, golden fruit. “Marcia, you must be loaded!”


    “Seriously, how did yound such a generous, high–flying boyfriend?”


    Pressed by their eager questions<b>, </b>Marcia blushed. “Oh, we’ve known each other since we were kids. And, well–it wasn’t me chasing after him…”


    “No way!” The girls giggled, both jealous and curious. “So you’re childhood sweethearts, and he was the one who made the first move?”


    “Ugh, that’s like a fairytale–rich girl and golden boy, totally made for each other. We can’tpete…”


    “So, Marcia, when are you two getting married? Some of us single girls. could use a little good luck!”


    Marciaughed, a secretive glint in her eye. “Soon, hopefully. There are just a few things to sort out. When the wedding’s set, you’re all invited.”


    “Can’t wait!” the girls chimed in.


    “Dr. Drummond,” Marcia turned to Elissa, her smile bright, “you have to promise you’lle too.”


    Elissa dabbed her mouth with a napkin and gave Marcia a cool, sidelong. nce. “You know, lunchtime really is the best time for daydreaming.”


    With that, she rose, tray in hand, and left without another word.


    Marcia hadn’t expected her to be so shameless–she’d practically spelled everything out, and Elissa was still clinging to her Mrs. Frank title!


    And she’d even dared to mock her in front of everyone.


    Marcia took a deep breath, forcing down her irritation, when one of the girls tried tofort her. “Don’t take it to heart, Marcia. Elissa just got divorced–she probably isn’t in the mood for this kind of talk.“–


    Marcia’s eyes widened. “Divorced?”