Chapter 4: Career–Focused, Men Can Take a Hike
Marcus looked like he could kill someone.
She never ever spoke to him this way!
He felt like Gemma had become a completely different person, shattering his once–solid impression of her.
It made him uneasy.
Mabel approached, her tone full of concern.
“Gemma, thank goodness for the thirty–day cooling off period. Otherwise, I almost had a heart attack!”
“Don’t worry,” Mabel continued, “I’ll hire a caretaker. I won’t bother Max anymore. As for All, he’s a good kid. What he said carlier was just out of anger. Don’t take it seriously.”
Marcus snapped back to reality.
Ah, so that’s why Gemma was so confident–because of the thirty–day cooling–off period.
If she didn’t show up at the end of it, the divorce wouldn’t count.
His initial panic dissolved, leaving behind only annoyance.
She’d got nothing else to show for, except petty scheming
“Pulling stunts now? Fine. Let’s go all in. Don’t regret it when the cooling–off period ends!”
Gemma almost laughed.
“Finet Whoever regrets is a coward!”
She hated the cooling–off period. Without it, she’d already be free.
Before leaving, she glanced at the trio one last time.
Ali, thinking she was coming for him, hid quickly behind Mabel.
Gemma only smirked mockingly and turned to leave
Mabel hesitantly asked Marcus, “Max, aren’t you going after her?”
“Gemma’s just throwing a tantrum. Say a few nice words, and she’ll come back.”
“You’re the
Marcus sneered.
Low
your head a little.”
Why should he apologize when he wasn’t in the wrong?
“Go after her? Ha! With her temper, she’ll be crying and begging me in less than three days.”
Gemma returned to the hospital and threw herself into work.
Her research paper was nearly done, so she sent it to her supervisor.
Not long after, she was called into the office.
Her supervisor, a woman in her fifties with silver hair neatly tied back, greeted her with a kind smile.
“This is a solid paper, Gemma. It aligns perfectly with a project I’m organizing.”
She sighed lightly.
“Such a pity you’re so tied down by family obligations…”
“Professor,” Gemma’s eyes lit up. “Are you talking about an overseas training opportunity?”
The supervisor nodded and removed her glasses.
“It’s exactly within your area of study, but it’s in Kennedisonburg. Knowing you, you’ll probably refuse again.” She added with regret.
“You’ve turned me down seven or
or eight times. If it were anyone else, I’d have given them a good scolding by now.”
Chapter 4 Career Focused. Men Can Take a Hike
Gemma lowered her head in shame.
She’d always rushed home after work to take care of Marcus and All
Whenever Ali had school events, she’d ask her colleagues to cover for her.
People assumed she’d soon quit to become a full–time housewife.
She’d even entertained the thought.
But now.
Her heart was thrown to the dogs.
“Professor, Iv
I want to go this time.”
“And if you know anyone who’s a good candidate…” The supervisor froze, then stood abruptly, shocked. “Wait! You’re saying… you’re going?”
Gemma took a deep breath and nodded firmly
please give me one more chance. I’ll do my best.
“Professor, I know I’ve let you down before,
but t
Her supervisor hesitated.
“But what about your husband and child?”
Unaware of Marcus and Ali’s true identities, she assumed they might be disabled or dependent on Gemma for care. Otherwise, why did Gemma need to take care of them all the time!?
“Tell you what,” she offered kindly.
“I’ll cover the cost of hiring two caretakers for them. That way, you can focus on the project.”
Gemma was utterly confused.
“Caretakers?”
“Gemma,” the professor said, misinterpreting her confusion. There’s no shame in accepting help for family health issues.. Just do your best to excel.”
“Wait a second, are you confused about something?” said Gemma.
The professor thought about Gemma’s pride, and became even gentler
“There is no shame in taking care of a sick husband or child.”
Gemma thought of Marcus and Ali at the court.
“Well, they are a bit… slow.”
The professor’s expression turned even more sympathetic.
“But I’m divorced as of today,” Gemma add
The professor had this are–you–kidding me face.
Though slightly scandalized, she quickly composed herself.
“Good Move forward. No regrets. Can you leave tomorrow?”
“Absolutely!” Gemma’s spirits soared. “Thank you, Professor! I won’t let you down.”
Her professor smiled approvingly. “Go make a name for yourself and shut those doubters up!” “Yes, ma’am“”
For a moment, the professor swore Gemma’s smile was brighter, like a freshly blooming rose,
The next day, Gemma boarded the plane with her luggage.
The two–week medical mission had her poring over case studies, preparing to hit the ground running.
An hour into the flight, a voice came over the intercom:
“Attention passengers: a medical emergency has occurred in the business class cabin. If there are any doctors or nurses
Chapter 4: Career–Focused, Men Can Take a Hike
onboard, please assist immediately.”
Passengers stirred uneasily, some fearing a problem with the plane itself.
A flight attendant reassured them, and Gemma unbuckled her seatbelt
I’m a surgeon. I can help.”
The attendant’s face lit up and she led Gemma to the business class cabin.
The atmosphere was tense.
Black–suited men stood guard, their sharp gazes warning her against unnecessary movements. Gemma swallowed her nerves and focused, hurrying to the source of the commotion.
A child clutched his throat, face flushed red, struggling to breathe.
Without waiting for instructions, Gemma sprang into action.
She laid the child flat and used a spray from her kit before administering abdominal thrusts.
A man’s cold voice cut through the cabin.
“What are you doing? If you harm the young master, you’ll pay with your life!”
