3#03
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Jill donned a form-fitting, revealing outfit, put on her stilettos, and sashayed out the door.
The moment I heard the elevator close, I rose and pursued her. I called a cab to avoid suspicion and trailed her discreetly.
Jill went directly to a vending machine in a secluded spot. After entering a specific code, the machine slid aside.
It concealed a hidden bar! I mimicked her actions and entered.
The bar's layout was unique, and it was bustling with patrons. Never having been to such a place, I felt disoriented upon entering.
After what seemed like an endless search, I finally located Jill. She was drinking in a secluded booth, leaning closely against a tall, muscular man and caressing his face affectionately.
I realized this was the same man from the garage. Could he have deliberately parked in my spot to monitor my arrivals?
Feelings of betrayal consumed me. Despite my boiling anger, I forced myself to remain composed as I approached.
"Darling, I think Maxwell is growing suspicious," she said, "He's been acting oddly lately!"
She continued, "It's all because of that meddlesome neighbor. How dare she contact him with complaints about others' affairs? This caused you to jump from the window and injure your leg. I'm so sorry."
The man smiled lovingly. "Don't fret. If things worsen, we can temporarily separate. Besides, what can he do? He's just a struggling doctor buried in debt. He can't challenge me."
"You're gorgeous," he added. "It's unfair for you to be tied to him forever."
He kissed her, and Jill responded with a flirtatious smile.
Jill said, "I loathe him. If not for revenge, I would have left him long ago."
"If he hadn't messed up that operation back then," she went on, "I wouldn't have almost been permanently disabled! All my suffering was because of him. Do you think he cared for me out of love? He was just trying to ease his guilty conscience!"
"Darling, you're incredible," she added. "Thanks to you for helping bribe the rehab center staff, we've been able to split the money he gave and I've even managed to save some."
The man chuckled with her. Then he said, "Sweetheart, you're so clever. You've devised such a flawless plan!"
Their malicious laughter echoed through the private room, but I stood deaf to it. I remained frozen in the doorway, completely stunned.
All the music and cheers transformed into mocking laughter in my ears, piercing my brain like sharp needles.
I had never imagined Jill thought of me in such a way.
It was several years ago when I first encountered Jill. It was also my first job as a full-time doctor.
She was rushed to the hospital after a terrible car crash. When they brought her in on a stretcher, her legs were severely injured and required immediate surgery.
Upon seeing the enormous cost of the operation, her parents hesitated.
"Even if the surgery saves her legs, there's still a possibility she could be paralyzed, right?" her parents inquired. "Even if she barely retains use of her legs, the ongoing expenses are beyond our family's means."
Even when I suggested they could secure a loan through the hospital, they adamantly refused.
I couldn't stand by and watch a young woman's future be destroyed like that. Eventually, against protocol, I performed the surgery anyway.
I fought desperately to save her legs, but the delayed decision had taken its toll. She would need years of therapy, with no guarantee of full recovery.
Since then, for many years, I sacrificed opportunities for overseas study, career advancement, and travel. I remained by her side, caring for her and accompanying her to rehabilitation sessions.
Yet, despite her legs improving, she seemed unable to move forward. After a long time, she decided to give up. The rehabilitation center staff also advised me not to return.
This left me feeling deeply guilty for an extended period, often leading to sleepless nights. I believed everything was my fault, that I was incompetent.
Now, upon reflection, I realized they were simply afraid of being exposed and couldn't bear the weight of their guilty consciences.