The Billionaire's Regret: His Secret Wife Turned Medical Genius novel Chapter 128

The next morning, Emily woke in an unfamiliar bed and stared up at a ceiling she didn't recognize. There was also a faint trace of oud lingering in the air.

It took her a few seconds to realize she was in a hotel.

Then, memories of the previous night started coming back in pieces.

Instantly, her heart leapt, and she sat up with a jolt. She then looked down and saw that she was wearing a hotel robe, with the belt tied neatly around her waist. There were no hickeys, no aches, and no signs of anything inappropriate in general—everything was clean.

So, Gabriel hadn't touched her. The man who treated her like she was something he owned and who'd never cared about her feelings, had walked away when she was at her most defenseless.

How was that possible? Or maybe he'd thought she was filthy?

Just then, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Adrian's name lit up the screen.

Emily answered it.

"Dr. Sterling, if you're not feeling well, please take the day to rest," Adrian gently said, choosing his words carefully. "Mr. Holton has already taken care of your leave."

Emily ended the call, walked to the window, and stared down at the morning traffic glinting under the sun.

Still, a chill crept over her. Gabriel's sudden kindness didn't sit right. It left her uneasy.

After a quick shower, Emily got dressed and made her way home.

When she arrived at her door, she glanced at the unit next to hers.

Regardless of whatever had happened, Gabriel had helped her last night.

Emily raised her hand, then paused just short of knocking.

She slowly let her hand fall.

It didn't matter. She didn't owe him a thank-you.

Finally, she turned and walked to her own door.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open, and Gabriel stepped out in a crisp black suit. His expression was as composed as always, though faint shadows under his eyes hinted that he'd had a long night. In his hand, he carried a small pharmacy bag.

Inevitably, they still ran into each other in the hallway.

Emily instantly let out a relieved breath. "Thank you."

With that, she said nothing more. She simply unlocked her door and stepped inside the apartment. Then, she closed the door behind her, shutting everything else out.

Meanwhile, Gabriel stood there, staring at the closed door as a sense of helplessness settled over him.

He could buy the hospital and get rid of anyone who tried to hurt her, but he couldn't get that door to open—or find a way into her heart.

Inside the apartment, Emily leaned against the door with her heart racing.

The way Gabriel had looked at her just now felt off. He seemed different now.

Right then, her phone rang again, cutting through her thoughts.

It was Mallory.

As soon as Emily picked up, Mallory's anxious voice came through the line, "Mills, you finally picked up! Are you okay? I heard a scumbag server spiked your drink at the club! He probably thought you were pretty and tried to take advantage of you! What a creep!"

Mallory's furious rant loosened something tight in Emily's chest. She closed her eyes, leaned against the cool wood, and softly said, "I'm okay, Mal. Don't worry."