When My Boyfriend Stole My Medical Breakthrough

After submitting my resignation, I began packing my belongings. Surveying the apartment Gian and I had shared for three years, I couldn't escape a wave of sadness. Gian was my first love; once we were together, he became the center of my universe.

That was until I discovered the encrypted photo album on his phone, filled with intimate pictures of him and Mariam. When I confronted him, seeking clarity, he lashed out, accusing me of invading his privacy and claiming I had no trust in him. This sparked a month-long cold war between us. In the end, it was I who had to swallow my pride and apologize to earn his grudging forgiveness.

But from then on, he was less discreet in his favoritism toward Mariam. When I was bedridden with a high fever, he left me alone because she called. On my birthday, he hosted her for a lavish dinner, leaving me behind at the restaurant until closing time. He repeatedly shared my research findings with her to help her advance. I didn't remain silent—I argued, but every time it ended with him saying, "If you're not happy, then let's break up."

I could overlook many things, but my research on ankylosing spondylitis was the dream driving my medical career. It wasn't just about academic achievement; it was for the countless patients in need. So this time, I wouldn't back down.

Packing didn't take long, as I didn't have much. Just as I was about to leave with my suitcase, the door swung open, and Gian walked in with Mariam.

Feigning surprise, Mariam asked, "Dr. Olson, are you really leaving for Europe to study?"

Gian shot me a disdainful look and said, "Francesca, stop pretending. You're not fooling anyone."

"With your mediocre background, you think you can study in Europe? I bet you can't even afford a plane ticket!"

"You better get back to the clinic with Mariam while you still have a chance to patch things up. Don’t worry; Mariam isn’t as petty as you. She’ll speak up for you."

Mariam, clearly enjoying herself, chimed in, "Yes, Dr. Olson, if you apologize to me publicly at the staff meeting, it’ll all be forgotten. Once I become Dr. Sullivan’s student, I’ll put in a good word for you."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Mariam, where do you get the nerve to ask me to apologize?"

"Put in a good word for me with Dr. Sullivan? You're scared I'll leave for good!"

Hearing my blunt reply, Gian glowered protectively at her. "Mariam’s father is the director of a major hospital. To me, she’s leagues beyond you; you couldn’t compare to a single hair on her head."

"You better do as Mariam says, or forget about me forgiving you ever again!"

The boyfriend I'd cherished for three years had finally shown his true colors. Gian was right; my background couldn’t match Mariam’s. But he had no clue I was the only doctor both domestically and internationally capable of performing ankylosing spondylitis repair surgery. Patients were flocking to me, with the highest treatment fees exceeding a million dollars. Mariam and her father, the director of a small-town hospital, weren't even qualified to fetch me a cup of coffee.

Initially, I had planned to reveal all this to him and marry him once the project was complete. Now I see, he doesn't deserve it.

In that moment, all my love for Gian evaporated. I looked at him coolly and said, "Really? Good riddance."

"I hope you both continue to be so smug in the future."

With that, I picked up my suitcase, walked past them, and officially said goodbye to three wasted years of my life.