His Doom Comes When He Falls for Her

What Wilson didn't know was that I was no longer the Shannon Vance who cried over him.

He owed me for that brush with death, for all the love he betrayed, and for the child I couldn't keep. And I intended to make him pay with everything he had.

How?

I'd start with his innocent lover.

…

For the next three days, Wilson didn't come home.

His assistant, Brendon Hart, sent me daily updates on his whereabouts. He was basically only eating, shopping, and watching movies with that woman, Yvette Lawson. They were all lovey-dovey like a couple in the early stages of a romance.

It seemed Wilson was actually smitten. He hadn't cycled through anyone new in days, which, given his history, counted as rare loyalty.

As usual, I worked my shifts on time and performed every surgery meticulously, getting ready for the near future.

In my downtime, I went over the reports Brendon sent. I was so calm, as if Wilson's actions had nothing to do with me.

On a Thursday afternoon, after finishing a grueling five-hour surgery, I returned to my office to rest.

Suddenly, a nurse knocked. "Dr. Vance, there's a Ms. Lawson here to see you."

I paused with a cup in my hand. Realization flashed in my eyes. "Send her in."

Soon, Yvette walked in. She wore a white dress, and her makeup was flawless. She looked innocent and pure, but there was a subtle panic in her eyes.

"Ms. Vance, sorry to bother you." She stood awkwardly at the door, hands clutching her dress.

"Have a seat," I said, gesturing to the chair across from me. "Why did you want to see me?"

After sitting down, Yvette remained quiet for a long moment before speaking cautiously. "Ms. Vance, thank you… for the other day."

"For what?" I sipped my water casually.

"For not exposing me and covering it up."

Her voice trembled. "I was so scared that day. I thought you'd be angry and tell Mr. Gunner…"

I set down my cup and looked at her. "Since I covered for you then, I won't expose you now."

Yvette visibly relaxed, though confusion replaced some of her fear. "Ms. Vance, w-why aren't you angry? Mr. Gunner—"

"Anger changes nothing," I replied with a faint smile. "It's been years. I've been used to this."

She stared at me, tongue-tied, clearly not expecting this reaction.

I studied her anxious expression, then added, "Your surgery went well, and you're recovering well."

Yvette's face was drained of color. She snapped her head up, her eyes wide with shock and fear. "H-How do you know that?"

"Because I performed your gender-affirming surgery myself," I said, matter-of-factly, as if it were nothing unusual.

Yvette froze. Her lips trembled, and she couldn't say a word.

After a long while, she finally came back to her senses, and tears suddenly welled up. "I-I had no choice. I was sick. My doctor said gender-affirming treatment could possibly extend my life, but it would cost a fortune. I was desperate, which is why I…"

She spoke in choked fragments, recounting her situation.

I listened silently.

Yvette wiped her tears and looked at me with a pleading gaze. "Ms. Vance, I know what I did was wrong, but I don't want to die. Please, don't tell Mr. Gunner. Once I get enough money, I'll leave and never bother you again."

I watched her for a moment, then smiled. "You don't have to leave."

She froze. "What?"

"I said I'll keep your secret. That includes this. Wilson is obsessed with you right now. This is your chance."

I looked her in the eye and said word by word, "I'll get you the money, but you have to do one thing for me."