Chapter 14- Unexpected Savior
Athena
“If it isn’t the little charity case.”
An annoying voice stops me in my tracks, and I groan internally.
Do I have to deal with this right before my exams?
I turn to find Melanie and her usual group of followers standing by the hallway lockers, smirking like they’ve been waiting for me.
Of course, they have.
I bet it eats them up so bad that an orphan like me, with no financial backup, is attending the best and most expensive medical school.
What they don’t know is that I’m backed by the Kings. And if they did, that smug look wouldn’t even exist.
My parents were extremely gifted surgeons. They chose to help during a devastating flood, saving lives, and among the people they rescued was Giana King–Alexander’s grandmother.
Unfortunately, my parents didn’t make it out alive. Giana felt indebted to them, so she found me, took me in, and promised to support me. Somehow, she ended up loving me like her own and decided I should marry her grandson.
Let’s just say, Alexander King wasn’t thrilled with that arrangement.
“The medical field doesn’t need charity cases,” Melanie continues, flipping her perfectly straight hair over her shoulder. “It needs people who belong here. People who aren’t just some sob story taking up space.”
Her friends giggle, eyes filled with mockery.
I clench my jaw, refusing to let them see their words sting.
“Right,” I say coolly. “Because the world definitely needs more entitled trust–fund babies playing doctor for fun.”
Melanie’s smile cracks just a little, but she recovers quickly.
“We’ll see if you even make it past this exam,” she sneers. “I heard you got special treatment on your last paper. Guess pity
points really do go a long way.”
I laugh as I step closer. “I guess it does. Six years to be exact.” I tilt my head. “But what about you?” Another step forward,
closing the space between us. “You’ve been in third year for seven years. Why? Did Daddy run out of money to pay for your grades?”
A few students passing by overhear and laugh.
Melanie’s face turns red with anger.
“Shut up, Dawson.”
“Or what?” I smile. “You’ll cry to the dean? Oh wait, that didn’t work last time either.”
The laughter around us grows, and Melanie’s expression darkens with humiliation.
Satisfied, I turn on my heel and walk away, heading toward the exam hall.
This is it. My first paper. Once I’m done with exams, I’ll wait for the results then I can divorce Alex and start over.
After the exam, I feel a bit lighter. I’ve barely slept the past month and I can’t wait to be done with it so I can finally get some shut eye. Three more papers to go.
As I gather my things, my lecturer, Dr. Langley, calls out my name.
I approach his desk cautiously. “Yes, Professor?”
He looks at me with something close to admiration and my heart soars. Our professor is one of the most difficult to please and
now that I’m standing here, nerves start wrecking.
“You’ve been exceptional, Athena. Your coursework is top–tier, and if you keep this up, your future in medicine is promising.”
A warm sense of pride fills my chest.
“Thank you, sir.”
Before I turn to leave, he asks, “Why do you want to be a doctor?”
I pause, considering. Then, I smile.
“I’m yet to find the answer to that question. But one thing’s for sure–I feel the calling in my bones.”
He nods approvingly, and I take a step toward the door when-
“Athena Dawson.”
The authoritative voice freezes me in place. I turn to see Mr. Dalton, the head of the university disciplinary committee, standing at the doorway.
“Come with me,” he says sternly.
My stomach drops.
What?
Why?
Confused, I follow him down the hall, my heart pounding faster with every step. He leads me into an office, and when I step inside, my breath catches.
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