Chapter 5

With that, I turned and walked away. Behind me, Elise's triumphant voice rang out. "Joel, I can do it instead." I quickened my pace, unwilling to hear another word. Back in my office, I started packing my things. It had been three years. I supposed it was about time for me to move on from this hospital. I had already submitted my resignation and was in the midst of transferring to another hospital. Halfway through clearing out my stuff, Joel pushed open the door and walked in. "Are you leaving?" I didn't look up. "Yeah." "Why?" "No reason. I just thought a change of environment would be nice." He fell silent for a moment before saying, "You must lead that surgery." I finally looked up at him. "Joel, what exactly are you after?" "I just want you to realize that you've always been an exceptional doctor." I chuckled. "What's the point of saying this now? It's over between us. From now on, you and Elise will have forever to work with each other." He grabbed my wrist. "Do you