chapter 2

CHARLOTTE POV

What does she mean when she said she would come pick me up on my day off? How does she even know my schedule? Go on a date with her? What does she mean? I mean, the real question here is, who is this woman?

Let's get this straight. I have not met this woman before. The only time I met her is today when she came to the hospital. From the paramedics telling me not to offend her and the way she dresses and carries herself, she is not just anyone you want to cross.

I got pregnant when I was still in school, wedded the wrong man, had a one night stand without using protection and now I have to go on a date with a complete stranger. At least my daughter will give me a shoulder to lean on. Clara is the only good thing to come out of my toxic marriage with my ex-husband, Felix.

"Dr. Charlotte, are you okay? Did you hear any of the things I said to you? I have been talking to you for a while now." One of my co-workers have been talking to me but I guess I didn't hear any of it. " Uh... I'm sorry. What were you saying?" I asked when I came back to my sences. My co-worker sighs heavily before speaking again. " I said, it's your turn to take a break. I will take over from here. But keep your phone close to you.

I said okay to her and turn to go to the cafeteria. Ad I was walking down the hall, I couldn't help but hear the employees gossiping about what transpired earlier between me and Felix. I can't believe this man can do so much damage to the reputation I have worked hard to build.

I was medical student at the top of my class whilst caring for a child. I endured all that to get where I am now. But, it all went down the hill because of one man. To add salt to the wound, my mentor decided that he will cut my allowance because of what happened. He even took credit for my inventions. What kind of man is that. I will get him for that one day. Fact.

I ordered my food and went to find a spot to enjoy my food. I was scrolling through the medical feed to find some new updates when an anonymous number texted me. "It was nice to meet you. My name is Esmeralda but call me Esme."

How and where did she get my number from? " Thank you for stitching me you. I'm not a bad person and I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable,I promise."h

Promise

I hate that word to the core.

*Dr. Charlotte, are you okay? You've been stabbing your food for a while now. Can I join you on the table?" I guess I have. Who is she again? " This is a public place so no need to ask." I smiled at her when she sat down opposite of me.

"I'm guessing you don't know who I am." I nodded my head affirmatively at her.

"CHAIRWOMAN, what are you doing here? You could have asked the maids to get you some food." A voice was heard behind her. Wait, CHAIRWOMAN? As in the CHAIRWOMAN of this hospital? "Don't worry I was just here to thank dr. Charlotte for treating my sister-in-law. She said to the person who voiced out earlier. " Oh, Dr. Charlotte? chairwoman, she is the one who invented a way of discovering and detoxify any poison once consumed." The chairwoman seamed impress by what she heard.

"Oh really? Dr. Charles said he was the one who created it. Hence receiving the credit". She said. " Well, he is my mentor." I replied. " Did you not receive anything from him?" She asked and I nodded at her.

" You are telling me that you didn't receive anything even though you were the one to invent it? All his other mentees has already received something from him." She asked seaming angry. " Maybe he forgot about me." I answered nervously. " He forgot about the one who worked on it and remembered those who didn't? I'm impressed." I can sense the sarcasm from her last words. " Anyways thank you for treating my sis. She sure knows how to get us worried. Oh, I Will see what I can do about Dr. Charles." She said then went out of the cafeteria with her maids who I didn't see were there after her.

I got to the locker room to change the go home when one of my co-workers from earlier come to me. "Charlotte,I heard that the chairwomen was with you during you break. What happened?" She asked me. "She just came to thank me for treating her sister-in-law". I answered her. Her eyes seemed to sparkle for some unknown reasons. "You mean a member of the Hawthorne family acknowledged you? You should be proud." I don't know what she is talking about, at all. "From the look in your eyes, you do not know about the Hawthorne family. Well let me tell you. They are a very powerful family so being acknowledged by one of their family members is an accomplishment". I'm tired I need to sleep. "Ok I see, I will keep that in mind. anywho,I have to go so.. .. see your tomorrow."

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When I was in my car heading home, my brother texted me and told me that Felix has come over there. That piece of information immediately dampened my mood. What in the world is he doing in my house?

When I got home, I head some talking inside the house. I guess my brother is trying to be civilized but it's failing..... badly. I entered the house and spotted him standing in the living room with some presents, I'm guessing my Clara? "What are you doing here"? I asked, clearly irritated. My voice calm and cold but boiling inside.

"What do you mean what I'm I doing here? Can't I come back home to my family?" He is getting on my last nerves as of now. "A family that you clearly left behind because you mother found you a new wife." I retorded back at him. " I heard that you had a one night stand. I came back in case you got knocked out". Is he serious now? " You didn't care for your daughter, your own blood when you mother called you promising wealth why will you care for someone else's blood? Clearly it didn't end well for you as you came to demand money from me again." He didn't say anything and just stared at me, frustrated.

Anger radiating from him like steam but I don't care. My brother is here with me and he can't do anything to me since he is present. "Get out of my house and never show yourself to me again. I hate men like you. Even if I get pregnant, I can take care of you." He didn't make any move to get out. "Steven, please show him the door before I call the police". My brother, Steven moved to get him but he raised his hand in form of surrender. He was walking out but left back the things he brought. I grabbed them and tossed them to him. "Take your trash out. My daughter doesn't need it". I coldly said to him. He grabbed his this and went out.

"Hey, Steven, don't ever introduce a date to me again. Your friend is a jerk." He made a attempt to speak but I gave him a cold look for him to shut you.

Oh God I need a bath, I am tired.