The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 236

The nurses flushed with embarrassment and scattered instantly.

Jared's immediate reaction was to glance down at Miles's right hand.

His wedding band was still resting securely on his finger.

Ever since the wedding, except when scrubbing in for surgery, Jared had never seen Miles take the ring off.

He lowered his voice. "Miles, what's going on? You two seemed perfectly fine the last time we were at Finn Zorn's Lakeview Isle."

Miles absentmindedly rubbed his wedding ring and the Blessed Guardian Rosary wrapped around his wrist, his eyes turning somber.

Were they perfectly fine?

It was nothing more than him desperately trying to paint a pretty picture, while she merely maintained the necessary public facade.

"It's nothing," Miles said expressionlessly. "Let her throw her tantrum."

Jared sighed. Anyone who didn't know the truth would assume Miles was the one dumping Claire. They had no idea that Miles was the one helplessly trailing after her like a lovesick puppy.

He muttered, "I really don't get you. What kind of spell did she cast on you? You could have any woman you want."

Miles shot him a freezing glare, prompting Jared to instantly mime zipping his lips shut.

Inside the hospital room.

Quinn had finished her surgical prep, her head shaved completely bare.

"Quinn, don't be nervous. It'll just feel like taking a nap," Claire murmured comfortingly.

Quinn stared at her, a helpless smile touching her lips. "Claire, your palms are completely drenched in sweat. You're telling me not to be nervous, but you need to calm down first."

Claire pressed her lips together. Even with the brilliant Dr. Thorne flying in to perform the five-hour craniotomy, she couldn't help but worry.

The door swung open.

Jared's casual, teasing voice rang out. "Well now, Quinn, looking pretty sharp with that new buzzcut!"

Quinn rolled her eyes at him.

Claire turned her head and immediately met Miles's gaze.

"I've pretty much wrapped up the final orders at OCHH," Julian said with a bright smile. "With Quinn in surgery and no family left to sit with her, I couldn't just leave you waiting here all alone."

"I know how stressed you are. Let me keep you company. It's better not to be alone."

Claire took the cup. "Thank you." She couldn't muster any more words, her eyes glued to the clock above the OR doors. Every passing minute felt like pure torture.

Julian saw it.

The ring on her finger was gone.

He wanted to ask about it, but knowing it was the wrong time, he held his tongue. Still, a glimmer of secret delight flared in his eyes.

He shrugged off his jacket, moving to drape it over Claire's shoulders.

"Claire, the AC is a bit high in here. Put this on so you don't catch a cold. OCHH is still depending on you."

A short distance away, around the corner of the corridor.

Miles leaned against the wall, his predatory gaze dark and brooding. He suddenly felt a desperate craving for a cigarette.