Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 140

NEW BEGINNING

LILY

ONE YEAR LATER

Ryan and I have been married for a year now, and I must say, it has been the most wonderful, joy-filled year of my life. Everything between us has gone incredibly smoothly.

His parents have been nothing short of amazing, offering their support to us in every possible way. As for the boys, they've grown so fond of Ryan's parents that they actually prefer spending the holidays with them instead of with us.

But I don't mind at all-it just means I get to enjoy more moments alone with my husband.

"Ma'am?" My secretary's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present. She had just poked her head into my office. "The resident doctors are here."

The hospital decided it was a good idea to bring in more resident doctors this year, and today is the day they're arriving. "Where are they?"

"In the conference room with the new neurosurgeon," she responded.

Ah, right. *Amell Windsor* is arriving today. He's not just any neurosurgeon; he's a renowned figure in the field, known far and wide for his expertise. However, I should add that his reputation for being exceptionally skilled is also matched by his arrogance. The hospital spared no expense, practically throwing a fortune his way to entice him to join our team.

The decision to bring him on board wasn't really mine, though. It was more of a board directive, and here I am, about to meet a man who blatantly ignored my calls, left my emails sitting unanswered in his inbox, only to turn around and respond immediately to the chairman of the board's message.

How much more arrogant can one person be?

"I'll be with them shortly," I finally replied. Grace nodded in acknowledgment before quietly retreating, closing the door behind her.

Amell made me wait, so he can wait for me, too. Yes, I'm that petty.

Thirty minutes and one lengthy Zoom call later, I finally decided to make my way to the conference room.

When I walked into the room, the three resident doctors immediately stood up, their expressions shifting into respectful acknowledgment of my presence. However, the smug bastard remained seated, casually taking a sip of his coffee with an annoying arrogance. His legs were crossed nonchalantly, and he had the audacity to stare at me with an expression of almost deliberate disinterest, as if he had far better things to do than be in this room.

moment, each of us silently measuring the other. I could feel the irritation building up inside me, and it took everything in me to

to work with you all," I

a young woman, stepped forward with a tentative smile, extending her hand for a handshake. "My name is Dr. Dinny," she introduced herself. Her name was already clearly displayed on her ID badge, but I allowed her to introduce herself nonetheless, understanding

lead, introducing themselves in turn. I could see the nervousness in their eyes, as

glad to have you on our team. We're here to support you as you grow and learn, so please feel free to reach out

glancing at his wristwatch. "If you're truly happy to

the distinction was clear: with Ryan, I found his arrogance somewhat endearing, even attractive. But with

pressing matters to attend to," I shot back, my tone equally deadpan. "You know, important issues like matters of

widened. "Or maybe you just intentionally

"My name is Dr. Amell Windsor," he said. "And

his shoulders and slipping his hands into his pockets. "I'm aware that you don't particularly like me, but I would appreciate it if you could at least try not to make it so glaringly obvious. We're not exactly

a flush

the resident doctors, who looked equally taken aback by Amell's

I let out a dry land.

I

attempting to downplay his

"How

don't like

tilted his head and surveyed me with a scrutinizing gaze. "Well, aside from your clear disapproval of

alle eyes, including those of

tégreet me when I arrived," he continued, noting my growing discomfort. "Or

reddened further under his pointed

myself before responding did not keep you waiting intentionally," I said, my voice steady despite the lie. I regretted not

"And I apologize if it seemed like I glared at you when I walked in. Perhaps I was just stressed, and

clearly finding amusement in the exchange. "What about opposing my

assumption. "I don't know you from Adam, Mr.

he corrected

in surprise. "Excuse

you opposed my recommendation for personal reasons.

finances," I said through gritted teeth. "Don't take it