Chapter 2
The Chief blinked, adjusting his glasses. “Are you serious? What about Captain Bennett? The guy’s practically glued to your side. You think he’ll let you leave for years?”
I gave a small, bitter smile. “I’ll find a way to convince him.”
Truth was, I wouldn’t have to.
This time around, that sham of a marriage? It’s not happening.
If he loves Lila so much, he can have her.
Noah Bennett will never get a say in my life again.
The Chief’s eyes lit up. “That’s incredible!” He snatched a form from the drawer. “Fill this out. I’ll get it approved immediately. Start preparing!”
I filled out the paperwork, said my goodbyes, and walked out of the hospital.
The summer sun was blazing, the heat rippling off the concrete. I squinted toward the big locust tree by the entrance.
In my past life, Noah always waited for me there after work.
And sure enough-he was there now.
Tall. Straight-backed. Shirt crisp, every line precise. His profile sharp as a blade under the shade of the tree.
But the soda I loved wasn’t in his hand.
Instead, he held a package of almond cookies-wrapped neatly in parchment paper.
And right in front of him stood that delicate, pretty intern-Lila.
Her eyes sparkled as she took the cookies. “Captain Bennett, you’re the best! I only mentioned yesterday that I was craving almond cookies, and actually got them for me!”
Noah didn’t answer. His lips curved faintly. Then, without thinking, he reached out and brushed her hair with a soft, casual touch. His eyes-warm, gentle-held a kind of affection even he didn’t notice.
My heart twisted.
In my past life, I’d seen that look before. Of course I had.
But I was so damn sure he loved me.
And he always had the perfect excuse.
“She’s your intern,” he’d say. “You care about her. Since I love you, I care about her too.”
I believed him.
But now-after sixty years of lies-looking at that scene again, it was all too clear.

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