The Last Person She Wanted to See

Callie’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise, but she maintained her composure. She appreciated Joshua’s straightforwardness, even if his approach seemed a bit cold. She nodded, indicating her willingness to participate. ‘How much do you earn per month?’ Joshua asked. ‘Well, as a fifth-year surgical resident, I make around five to six thousand dollars a month.’ ‘Not bad. Now, what about your parents? What do they do for a living?’ ‘Actually, I don't have parents. I grew up as an orphan.’ Joshua scowled. ‘I see. Moving on, do you own any property or are you living in a rental?’ ‘I currently live in a rented one-bedroom apartment.’ ‘Fair enough. Last question, are you currently in debt?’ ‘Well, I do have a student loan of about two hundred fifty thousand dollars.’ Callie shrugged. ‘Medical school loans, you know how it is.’ Joshua stood up abruptly and started packing up his belongings. ‘Well, this has been a complete waste of my time. You should know better than to lead people on, Miss Hawthorne.’ Callie was confused. ‘Wait, how am I wasting your time? I came here as a favour to my friend. I didn’t ask for this blind date.’ Joshua said sarcastically, ‘Oh, of course, how foolish of me. You’re just a surgical resident, not even a certified doctor yet. Your job and income are so secure, aren’t they? And let’s not forget your quarter-million-dollar debt.’ Callie was offended. ‘Excuse me? I didn’t realise my financial situation was the only thing you cared about. I thought we were here to get to know each other.’ Joshua sneered. ‘Well, Miss Surgical Resident, I’m looking for a wife, someone independent, who can contribute to a stable family unit. But it seems I’ve stumbled upon someone burdened with a massive financial debt. I guess you’re not looking for a boyfriend, but an idiot who will help pay off your mountain of loans.’ ‘How dare you!’ Callie was getting angry. ‘I never asked for your money or any help with my debts. I didn’t come here to be judged based on my finances. I’m capable of standing on my own two feet.’ Joshua flicked his fingers dismissively. ‘Oh, spare me the act.’ He gave Callie another once-over. ‘It’s such a shame you’re so poor. Maybe if you put on some makeup and invested in fancy dresses, you might have a chance of seducing a wealthy man who only cares about appearances. He might even be willing to settle your debts if you’re willing to give him what he wants. But I’m not that kind of fool.’ Callie was livid. ‘Is this how you view women? As mere objects to be bought and sold? Money isn’t everything in a relationship, Mr Faulkner. It’s about trust, support, and genuine connection. Clearly, you’re not capable of understanding that.’ The lawyer smirked. ‘Save your lectures, Miss Hawthorne. It’s clear we’re not compatible. I don’t have time for someone who can’t bring financial stability to the table. Instead of wasting your time with me, I suggest you try your luck at Crimson Alley.’ Crimson Alley was a historic entertainment district in the city of Steinheim, known for its vibrant nightlife, bars, and…street prostitution. Callie’s face contorted with anger as she glared at Joshua, her hand gripping the coffee cup tightly. ‘You think you can just waltz in here and insult me like that?’ An arrogant smile danced on Joshua’s lips. ‘Well, sweetheart, you should learn to control your emotions. It’s unbecoming of a lady.’ Callie took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. She lifted the cup and pours the remaining iced coffee onto Joshua’s crisp white shirt. The coffee stains spread across Joshua’s shirt, making him shiver. He swore loudly, then brushed away the melting ice cubes, his expression turning even more disdainful. ‘What the hell, woman! Do you know how much this shirt cost? I’ll sue you for assault!’ ‘You can take your ridiculous threats and shove them, jerk!’ Callie’s body trembled with rage. She tried to hold back tears, but the stress of recent weeks and the painful memory of her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal made it incredibly difficult. Just as Joshua was about to say something, a figure stepped up beside Callie. Simon shot a concerned look her way, then turned to Joshua with a growl. ‘Back off, mister. You don’t want to mess with her.’ Callie’s eyes widened in shock at Simon’s sudden appearance. She quickly recovered, her anger returning with a vengeance. Simon Moncrieff was the last person she wanted defending her. Callie tossed some cash on the table to pay for the coffee, then pulled out more bills, holding them out towards Joshua. ‘Here’s some money for your dry-cleaning. Take it and leave me alone. If you’re so hell-bent on suing, you know where to find me.’ She shot the lawyer a withering look, then stormed out of the café. Simon chased after Callie, his hand reaching out to grab her arm. Callie deftly dodged his approach, keeping a safe distance between them. Simon’s face fell, a mixture of sadness and longing. ‘Callie, please! Let’s talk about this.’ Callie kept her composure. ‘Dr Hawthorne, if you must address me at work, or Miss Hawthorne outside of it. Or simply Callista. We’re not close enough for you to call me Callie.’ Simon winced at her words, hurt evident in his eyes. ‘But we’ve known each other for so long, Callie. We shouldn’t be strangers.’ Callie’s expression remained blank, her voice cool. ‘Colleagues, Simon. We’re still colleagues at work. But outside of work, I’d prefer it if you kept your distance.’ Simon’s eyes searched her face, desperately hoping to find a flicker of the love they once shared. His voice was sincere. ‘Callie, I still love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. You know that.’ He only chose to marry Abby for the opportunity at the hospital. It was a career move. Callie shook her head. ‘Love isn’t something you can choose when it’s convenient, Simon. It’s not something you can put on hold for ambition.’ Simon’s voice trembled with emotion as he tried to reach out to her. ‘Don’t do this, Callie. Don’t shut me out like this.’ Callie took a step back, maintaining her distance. ‘Simon, your clinginess to an ex-girlfriend is ridiculous. We’re over, and it’s time to accept that.’