Violet steps in before I can even speak.“What?Where?What are you talking about?”
I swallow hard.She doesn’t know.No one knows.Not about him.Not about us sneaking around the last few weeks.Not about any of it.
I reach for the phone, but I already know what I’m going to see.A headline.A picture.
The Naughty Doctor and the Scandalous Reporter
Breaking News: Pulse Point Romance Sparks Controversy
A shocking photograph has taken both the medical and journalism worlds by storm, exposing the unexpected romance between Dr.Pierce, a physician recently dismissed from New York City Hospital, and journalist Amelia Richards.The two were caught in a passionate kiss at Pulse Point, igniting debates over professional boundaries and the risks of mixing business with pleasure.
Sources reveal that Amelia Richards, known for her hard-hitting stories, has been working toward a big promotion, a career milestone now overshadowed by the media firestorm.“The office was buzzing,” an anonymous coworker disclosed.
Meanwhile, Dr.Pierce, already facing scrutiny over his controversial departure, now finds himself under an even harsher spotlight.With staff and patients whispering about his latest scandal, the question remains, will this romance survive the winter, or will it cost them both everything?
Dr.Whisperer.
A chill runs down my spine.The image is clear as day: me and him passionately kissing.
Violet turns to me, eyebrows raised, catching my hand, pulling me into the conference room, and closing the door.
“Girl, what the fuck?”She smiles playfully.“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.You naughty girl.”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.I’m trying to process how this photo even exists, let alone how it’s spreading around town.
“It’s not like that,” I finally manage, but it comes out wrong.
She crosses her arms with acome on, I’m not stupidlook.“Amelia, it’s okay.I’m happy for you.”
“It kind of happened fast.”My voice is weak.
She tilts her head, unconvinced.“That picture doesn’t look like ‘kind of’.”
I rub my temples.“We only just spoke about wanting to be together.We wanted to figure it out privately first.That’s why I didn’t tell you.I’m sorry.”
She grabs my arms, rubbing them.“Don’t be sorry.I’m happy for you.But now I expect a full debrief.”
We don’t have much time before someone finds us here, so I tell her everything quickly.
When I get back to my desk, I snatch my phone.My hands tremble as I stare at Adrian’s contact.Should I warn him?Ask him what the hell is happening?The thought of calling him makes my stomach roll.What if he thinks I leaked the photo?Before I can decide, an email from Luna pops up about a meeting.The subject alone makes me feel like the ground has just shifted beneath me.Urgent: Need to Discuss.
Chapter 26
Adrian
ThemomentIstepinto the hospital, I feel a shift in the air.Whispers trail in my wake, eyes darting toward me before quickly looking away.A muscle in my jaw tightens.
Nina’s the first to pounce, her brow furrowed with concern as she leans in.“Is it true?”she asks, her voice laced with curiosity.
I already know what she’s talking about.The article exposing me and Amelia.
I let out a slow breath, giving her a small, tight-lipped smile.“It’s not like I can deny it.Not when there’s a photo plastered all over the internet.”
She nods, sympathy softening her features.“Sorry, Dr.Pierce.People just love gossip.”
I force a shrug, mumbling, “Yeah, well, the beauty of mid-town living.”
I leave before she can ask anything else, diving into my first few patient consults to escape the noise.But the unease stays with me.I pull out my phone to check in with Amelia.She would’ve seen the article, and the thought of her dealing with this alone makes me sick with worry.She’s been working so fucking hard for that promotion.Why did this have to blow up now?
