Sydney was young, kind, and attentive with her patients. Over the years, several older ones had tried to play
matchmaker. Eventually, she started wearing her wedding ring all the time, which finally made them stop.
She remembered Agatha well—a woman who had once fussed endlessly over her grandson’s marriage. Time had
softened her.
Sydney smiled wryly. “Ms. Nordwood, I’m getting a divorce.”
“Divorce!” Agatha’s face turned solemn, and she said firmly, “Good! I overheard the call just now, but I wasn’t
eavesdropping. I swear. Let me tell you, cheating men are the worst. If you stay with him, you’ll only suffer more.”
Sydney felt the warmth in Agatha’s wrinkled hands–a warmth she hadn’t known in years. Her voice softened without
meaning to. “I know. I’m already going through the process.”
She placed a hand over Agatha’s wrist and gently changed the topic. “How have you been feeling lately?”
“Oh, much better. Your medicine worked wonders.” Agatha waved it off, then circled back. “Listen, dear. I may be old, but divorce isn’t something to fear at your age.
Sydney let out a soft laugh. “Are you trying to set me up with your grandson?”
Agatha looked at her seriously. “How did you guess?”
Sydney grinned. “Well, Ms. Nordwood, I’m a divorcee. Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, yes, I’ve thought it through.” Agatha nodded with an approving smile. “Divorce isn’t your fault. Second marriages are perfectly fine. But my grandson’s temperament is tricky. He’s closed off. Might not be a good match for you.”
Sydney laughed, then asked, “Should I get your medicine ready?”
“Yes, just a three–day dose. I’ll come back after that.” Agatha’s expression softened as she handed over a small charm.
“I had this blessed this morning at Bellroad Temple. Carry it. It’ll keep you safe in the days ahead.”
After Agatha left, the young nurse by the door couldn’t help teasing, “Dr. Wilson, she wasn’t here for medicine. She came to find a granddaughter–in–law!”
Sydney smiled. “She’s just worried about her grandson.”
Still, she wondered how difficult the man could be if even his grandmother spoke that frankly.
:.
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8:42 AM Sun 24 Aug
Chapter 51
Later that afternoon, Sydney had some time off.
Tiffany, who had the day free, came to meet her after work. They planned to have lunch and go shopping.
Later that evening was Bruce’s birthday, and Sydney needed to pick up the gift she had ordered.
78%
+15 BONUS
“This is extravagant,” Tiffany said, surprised, as Sydney picked a custom pen from the store. It was a priceless piece
handcrafted by a master artisan.
Sydney smiled. “Bruce gave me a lovely gift last year. I wanted to return the favor.”
“You can’t keep up with the wealthy without a little money,” Tiffany muttered.
Sydney nodded. “I just hope my savings last a while longer.”
Then again, maybe she didn’t need to worry. Adeline was probably already hard at work searching for a new daughter- in–law for the Hampton family. Once the next bride was chosen, there’d be no reason to invite Sydney again. It would only be awkward.
That night, Bruce’s birthday party was held at the exclusive Luxon Club.
When Sydney entered the VIP room, most of the faces were familiar. But to her, they belonged to Caleb and Julian’s
world, not hers. If she ever fell out with Caleb, most of them would likely pretend not to know her.
“Glad you brought your bestie!” Bruce greeted warmly. “Make yourself at home.”
Sydney nodded. “She had the day off, so I brought her along.”
The room was crowded, so she led Tiffany into a quieter space nearby.
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Chapter 52
