Zoe decided to retrieve cash from the bank and postpone replacing her ID until she returned to her hometown. Reflecting on her situation, she realized she had no friends independent of Evan. With a determined grit of her teeth, she headed to the hospital to find Edward.
The nurse informed her that Edward was currently doing rounds and suggested she wait. Zoe placed her suitcase by a bench and sat, patiently anticipating his return.
Within minutes, Edward appeared, engrossed in a patient's file, and unexpectedly spotted Zoe and her suitcase on the corridor bench. He closed the file, asking, "Are you here for your IV?"
Zoe quickly shook her head and rose to her feet. Edward ushered her into his office, opening the door for her. She dragged her suitcase along, following him in.
"Dr. Smith, here's the money I owe you," Zoe said, placing the 300 yuan on the desk, her smile strained.
Edward didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on her suitcase.
Noticing his look, she explained, "I'm heading back to my hometown. I'll sort out the ID there."
"Oh," he acknowledged, taking the money and rifling through his wallet for change. "When will you be back?"
"Not coming back," she replied.
Edward paused, surprised. "But you moved here after getting married?"
Zoe felt a pang of embarrassment but explained anyway, "Oh... I divorced my husband. We're not locals here."
He handed her the change, instructing, "Alright, when you get home, visit a hospital, get checked, take your medicine on time, and follow the doctor's advice. Don't neglect your stomach issues."
Zoe nodded, accepting the coins, and formulated her request. "Could I ask a favor?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Would you buy me a train ticket? I lost my ID yesterday, planning to replace it back home."
Edward agreed. He didn't know Zoe well but pitied her vulnerability. Perhaps they wouldn't cross paths again.
Jocelyn, passing by the office, caught sight of Zoe and her suitcase. Recognition dawned. Wasn't this... Evan's dowdy wife? With a suitcase? And being so cozy with another man?
She narrowed her eyes, snapping a picture from an angle that made it appear as though they were intimately leaning against each other.
"Hey, Evan, your wife is about to run away with someone else."
Satisfied, Jocelyn tucked her phone away, tapping on the slightly ajar door.
Both turned, Zoe's face turning stony upon recognizing her.
Edward, unfamiliar with Jocelyn, noticed her inpatient attire and politely inquired, "May I assist you?"
Jocelyn's eyes, filled with ill intent, roamed over Zoe. "Where are you going?"
"Is that any of your business?"
Were these two acquainted? Edward was perplexed, halting his ticket purchase.
"It doesn't concern me, but since you're dating others, why haven't you divorced yet?" Jocelyn taunted.
"I have already divorced," Zoe answered coldly, turning back to Edward to ask him continue with the ticket purchase.
Edward glanced between the two, sensing tension but chose to proceed with the booking.
Jocelyn moved to leave, promptly dialing Evan's number. With the divorce confirmed, there was no need to stir trouble. When he didn't answer, she prepared to call again, only to spot Evan approaching with a grim expression.
"Hey, hey! Evan!" Jocelyn pocketed her phone, approaching him with a fake smile. "Just now, it wasn't Zoe, I must have mistaken..."
But Evan ignored her, brushing past her without a glance back.
His clenched fists revealed the depth of his fury.
Jocelyn was momentarily stunned but reached out to grab his arm.
