Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 103

LILY

I was engrossed in my work at the office when my phone suddenly rang, interrupting my concentration. Frowning at the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen, I hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer it. As a doctor, I knew that it could potentially be an emergency, so I couldn't afford to ignore it.

Swiping the answer button, I brought the phone to my ear. "Dr. Urch," I greeted professionally.

To my dismay, a familiar voice scoffed on the other end, instantly souring my mood. "I thought by now, you would have gone back to answering a Williams," he sneered bitterly.

Rolling my eyes at his bitterness, I put the call on speakerphone so I could multitask while dealing with whatever nonsense he was about to throw at me. "What do you want, Jake? I'm very busy at the moment," I responded, trying to keep my annoyance in check.

There was a brief silence on the other end, and for a moment, I thought he had hung up. But then his voice came through abruptly. "I think something is wrong with me, doctor," he admitted.

My finger hesitated over the laptop keys as I processed Jake's words. "What is wrong with you, Jake?" I asked, my concern mingling with skepticism. Could he truly be serious? Was something genuinely wrong with him? Despite our adversarial relationship, I was bound by my oath as a doctor to provide assistance when needed.

"Can

you explain your symptoms?" I pressed, hoping for a clearer understanding of his condition.

"My heart," he whispered hoarsely, his voice filled with pain. "It hurts so hard, and it's filled with anger and resentment."

Exhaling tiredly, I resumed typing, unable to fully engage with Jake's plight. "I don't have time for your games, Jake. And please, stop calling me from different numbers. I blocked your old

did you block me, you filed a restraining order against me?!" he

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Chapter 10a

eardrums. "Of all men to leave me for, you chose Ryan? A

I wanted to express but I kept them to myself. "For such psychopathic behavior," I finally asserted. "When you behave like this, Jake, I can't help but feel afraid and wonder how I missed it

back bitterly. "I just didn't show it." His admission sent a chill

of me every damn time," he continued, his

should thank him," I muttered under my breath. "I should thank him for

not ask. "Don't call me again, Jake," I warned firmly, my patience wearing thin. "If you do, I'll take it to the

the call, his voice

my mind, sending a shiver down my spine. Dismissing his threat, I disconnected

was surprised to see Becky's number on the caller ID. Putting aside my work, I answered

up, girl?" I greeted enthusiastically. "How are

right now,"

amusement on my face faded, replaced by concern. "Is everything

blurted out.