Chapter 3Second Chance: Surgeon’s Revenge

During my pre-op rounds the next morning, I timed my visit perfectly, deliberately avoiding the moment she was eating.

With my recording pen active and my professional smile plastered on, I approached her bed.

“Patient Sullivan, your surgery is scheduled for this morning. Can you confirm that you have not had any food or water since 10 p.m. last night?”

“Of course,” she said, her voice still hoarse but laced with triumph. “I haven’t had a bite to eat or a drop to drink since yesterday afternoon. Well, except for the smoothie I just finished.”

As she spoke, she glanced at me from the corner of her eye, watching for my reaction.

I, who had been watching her every move, caught the micro-expression. I kept my smile frozen in place.

“I’m very sorry, but since you did not follow pre-operative instructions, your surgery will have to be postponed.”

Just then, as if on cue, Leo walked into the room. I grabbed his arm and pulled him outside.

A tidal wave of pain and despair washed over me. Hatred filled my chest until I thought I would suffocate. In my last life, I gave up a position at a prestigious, top-tier medical center to be a nurse at this small community hospital for him.

And he repaid me by destroying my life.

My nails dug into my palms, the sharp pain the only thing keeping the volcanic rage from erupting. I forced a smile. “The patient ate before surgery. We have to postpone.”

“And also,” I added, “after your shift, let’s call off the engagement.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he snapped. “Now her surgery has to be delayed. And don’t you dare play these hard-to-get games with me. Who do you think will want you after you break up with me?”

We parted on that ugly note.

Did he have any idea the trouble I was going to, just to extricate myself from this mess? I truly hope you two vipers have the loving life you deserve.

When I returned to the room, Mia was in the middle of a full-blown meltdown, snot and tears smearing her face.

“Why didn’t you remind me properly?” she wailed. “You did this on purpose!”

The other patients started to comfort her, but when they learned the reason for her hysterics, they fell silent. My grand, formal procedure from the day before had left a deep impression. Even these bystanders knew she was supposed to fast. Her own negligence was to blame.

Seeing that she had lost her audience, Mia leaped from the bed, grabbed her thermos, and flung its contents at me. It was the rest of her morning smoothie.

I didn’t move. I let the lukewarm liquid splatter across my face.

Because I saw it. The other patients in the room, their phones all raised, all recording.

I went straight to the restroom and splashed my face with cold water. In the ripples of the sink, I saw my own reflection, a wide, triumphant smile spreading across my face. I looked at my skin, slightly pink from the not-so-hot liquid. Not quite enough.

I dried my face and took a small pot of blush out of my pocket—a sample I’d packed in anticipation of this very moment. With Mia’s temper, an outburst was inevitable. I swept a heavy amount across my cheeks, then took a quick photo of my profile. I touched my face, almost laughing out loud.

I knew the double-edged sword of the internet better than anyone.

Last time, it destroyed my reputation overnight and made Mia a star. But why should a woman like that get to build her success on the backs of other women?

Since she used this stage to ruin me, I was going to make sure she choked on her own performance.

You wanted to go viral, Mia? You’ve got it. Let’s see if you can handle the fame.

After being fired, Brandy is at her lowest point. Her ex-boyfriend has betrayed her, his lover has framed her, and the world believes she is a negligent, incompetent nurse. But Brandy has a plan. Armed with evidence and a deep understanding of the very weapon used against her, she is ready to turn the tables.

Now, it was my turn to fight back. And I wondered if Leo and Mia were ready for the storm.