From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 8

hapter 8

After the wedding, I was ready to end things with Ezra for good.

Then intense stomach pain hit out of nowhere.

Ezra saw something was wrong and rushed me to the ER.

Turned out postponing that surgery, plus stress from moving and the new job, had caused serious complications.

This time, Ezra acted fast. Had me in surgery that same day.

The procedure went fine.

When I came to, Ezra was beside my bed, slowly stirring a bowl of broth.

team rose around his focused face.

efore, this moment would’ve melted my heart completely.

lim finally prioritizing me, dropping everything to care for me.

zra brought a spoonful to my lips.

turned away.

Thanks, Dr. Martinez. Don’t trouble yourself. I’ve got it.”

lis hand stopped midair.

Reese, I’m your boyfriend. You don’t need to be so cold.”

looked up, about to remind him we were done.

le jumped in before I could speak.

Im not accepting that.”

sighed.

Ezra, this probably felt like I was dumping him out of nowhere.

o he wasn’t ready to let go.

ut for me, this was just the last straw breaking.

d been thinking about leaving through countless ignored moments and dismissed feelings.

lothing to discus

Dr. Martinez, I’m confused about this case. Could you walk ine through it?”

iva materialized in the doorway, gliding over with that sweet sinile

Ask your attending or resident supervisor. And stop coming to me with questions.

Nova’s smile cracked,

She turned to me like I could somehow help.

Chapter 8

“Reese, I genuinely don’t get this. Could you stop making Dr. Martinez’s life harder?”

1 smiled right back.

“We already broke up.”

Something flickered in Nova’s eyes, though her voice went all shaky.

“Please don’t fight over me. I’d feel terrible…”

Ezra cut her off harshly.

“Everyone else grasps this material from the same textbook. Why can’t you?”

If basic concepts are beyond you, maybe medicine isn’t your field. Switch majors.”

Nova’s eyes filled with tears.

she couldn’t believe this was coming from the guy who’d always been so gentle with her.

I just want to avoid mistakes, so I ask extra questions…”

Ezra didn’t let her finish.

This is a hospital, not your study group. I’m a physician, not your tutor.”

My time goes to patients and family. You’re nobody relevant. Stop bothering me. It’s irritating.”

Nova fled in tears, just like before.

xcept this time Ezra was the one who’d hurt her.

Hearing those vows yesterday made me think hard about everything.”

zra faced me again, remorse all over his features.

I’ve been getting it completely wrong. Patient and caring with people I should keep professional boundaries with, cold and demanding with the person who

hould matter most.”

I explain things gently to patients, help Nova because I thought it was proper, dutiful.”

But with you, I set impossible standards. Wanted you independent, not clingy, staying out of my business… Like being closest to me meant you had to alwarb all ay worst behavior.”

Reese, I screwed up badly. Could you possibly give me another shot?”

grabbed my phone and showed him exactly where we stood.

Thanks for the surgery, Dr. Martinez.”

Let me know what I owe–appointment fees, procedure costs, whatever strings you pulled. Il Venmo you everything.”

All the hope drained from Ezra’s face.

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Chapter 9