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.

tense moment, each of us silently measuring the other. I could feel the irritation building up inside me, and it took everything in me to pull my gaze away before I lost my cool and snapped at him. Instead, I redirected my focus to the new resident doctors, pushing aside

all," I said,

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

turn. I could see the nervousness in their eyes, as they

myself, are 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 if you need

his coffee cup on the desk with a thud, and leaned forward slightly, glancing at his wristwatch. "If you're truly happy to work with us, you wouldn't have kept us waiting for over thirty minutes," he said, his tone deadpan.

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

my tone equally deadpan. "You know, important

widened. "Or maybe you just intentionally kept us

that was more about asserting dominance than genuine friendliness. For the sake of maintaining some courtesy, I shook his hand. "My name is Dr. Amell Windsor," he said. "And you can call

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 in the same department

a flush

I glanced at the resident doctors, who looked equally

out a dry land.

I

attempting to downplay his

"How did

I don't like

a scrutinizing gaze. "Well,

as alle eyes, including those of

deliberately delayed coming tégreet me when I arrived," he continued, noting

further under his pointed

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

I walked in. Perhaps I was just stressed, and you're too

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

know you from Adam, Mr. Amell. Why would you think

Dr. Windsor," he corrected

in surprise.

you opposed my recommendation for personal reasons. I'm simply trying to understand your position. Why did

out for the hospital's finances," I said through gritted teeth.