The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 16

It was true. I had gotten the job. But not in neurosurgery—in the Department of Anesthesiology.

The shock was so overwhelming I didn't know whether to celebrate or grieve.

Who would have thought that after ranking first in neurosurgery year after year, I would finally enter Capital General purely based on my anesthesiology electives?

Meanwhile, Zoey's name was proudly displayed under the Department of Neurosurgery.

She and a master's student from another university had taken the only two spots.

Neither of those spots belonged to me.

"So it's settled," Lucille babbled excitedly through the phone. "This is going to be a spectacular show, and we need a full audience. I'll handle the arrangements."

Knowing she wasn't just bluffing, I quickly stopped her. "Hold on. Let me... think about it."

Lucille caught the hesitation in my voice and turned hostile. "Selena, are you seriously trying to stall me right now?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose, utterly exhausted. "Orientation isn't until Monday. You have two days to prep. Can you just give me a little time?"

My tone was sincere enough to appease her, and she reluctantly ended the call.

My eyes drifted back to the hospital's official website. The word "Anesthesiology" glared at me on the screen.

I knew this was my only ticket into Capital General. It was also the only way my career would ever intersect with Ferris's again.

Even if he couldn't care less.

But an anesthesiologist? It was a completely different path from a neurosurgeon. Could I even handle it?

To fight or to surrender—I was completely lost.

I called Professor Lucas and asked to meet him at the lab building.

The man was in his sixties, adjusting his reading glasses as he noticed my dejected state. He teased, "It's just a one-year contract. What are you so afraid of?"

"I never planned on being an anesthesiologist," I admitted.

He fiddled with a potted plant on his desk. "During your undergrad, you never planned on being a neurosurgeon either. Didn't you pick it just to chase after that Sterling boy?"

She spotted me immediately.

"Selena! Congratulations!" she beamed. "We're officially coworkers now."

Coming from anyone else, it would have sounded like rubbing it in. But she looked so sweet and innocent, like a soft marshmallow, completely devoid of malice. It almost made her sound genuine.

"Congratulations to you, too," I said politely.

Zoey checked her watch and eagerly offered, "Do you have plans tonight, Selena? We're heading to The Onyx Lounge for karaoke. Do you want to come?"

I froze at the name. It was one of the most exclusive, absurdly expensive private clubs in Port Capital. One night there could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. How could a new grad afford that?

I only knew about it because it was one of the very few clubs Ferris frequented.

Was this a coincidence?

Before I could process it, she added, "Ferris is treating us tonight to celebrate my new job. It's a rare treat!"