After hanging up the phone, Lily Bennett went straight to the hospital. Chairman Thornton had predicted that Lily would head to the hospital before going home, so as soon as she stepped into the clinic, someone handed her a package. Elyna curiously examined the packaging and asked Lily.
"Dr. Bennett, who's sending you gifts? Or did you buy something online? Wow, even Dr. Bennett shops online!"
Lily ignored her colleague’s comments. Elyna, unable to see what was carefully wrapped inside, grew curious. But as soon as she saw the large print on the packaging indicating it was a gift from Chairman Thornton, she quickly retreated to her seat without saying another word.
Lily entered her office, opened the package, and inside was a single box of birth control pills. She stared at it for a few moments before scoffing. How considerate, she thought. What a disgusting gesture. Clearly, this was his way of making sure she didn't get pregnant, avoiding any consequences from their encounter. How "thoughtful."
Pouring herself a glass of water, Lily was about to take the pill when her phone buzzed with a message from Maxwell Thornton. The message contained a single line: "Take the pill. It's not the right time for children yet. We’ll think about it after we’re married."
Lily laughed bitterly, “You want me to have your child? Do we even have a chance for that?”
Though she dismissed the idea, a deep sense of frustration and indignation lingered. It felt as if she'd been used and discarded by a heartless man, the intimacy they had shared reduced to nothing more than a fleeting moment, followed by the humiliating delivery of a box of birth control pills. How utterly ridiculous and shameful. Her anger boiled over, and she dialed Maxwell’s number directly.
At that moment, Maxwell was in a meeting. While he noticed the vibration in his pocket, he couldn’t take the call right away. He casually checked the phone, only to see it was a video call, and the caller was none other than Mrs. Thornton. His eyes lit up as he immediately answered.
Lily was a confident woman, unbothered by social status, and that confidence showed as she spoke. As the video call connected, she launched into her tirade, not giving Maxwell a chance to speak.
"I’m going to do this live so you can have peace of mind.”
With that, she placed the pill in her mouth, downed a gulp of water, and swallowed. To make her point clear, she leaned closer to the camera, opening her mouth wide so he could see she had indeed taken the pill. Then, without a word, she flipped him off. Before Maxwell could respond, Lily ended the call. Her mood lightened instantly.
Turning around, she was startled to find Elyna standing right behind her.
Elyna looked at her, concerned. "Dr. Bennett, did you take the wrong medication? Why would you need to take birth control?"
“Is Dr. Montgomery in his office?” Lily regained her composure and avoided answering Elyna’s question, asking her own instead.
Elyna blinked, confused, but nodded. “Yes… but, Dr. Bennett…”
Without waiting for more questions, Lily grabbed her things and left the clinic as swiftly as a gust of wind.
There hadn’t been any patients for nearly two weeks, nor any work that required her attention. So Lily headed straight to Dr. Ethan Montgomery’s office.
"Dr. Montgomery, I've worked tirelessly for the past five years without a break. I'd like to use all my accumulated leave starting today. Please inform the director.”
“All the leave from the past five years?” Dr. Montgomery looked at Lily, puzzled. What was she planning to do with that much time off? Wasn’t she the type to prioritize her work above all else?
Since starting at the central hospital five years ago, Lily had been the epitome of a dedicated doctor, never taking time off, even during the holidays. According to hospital policy, every doctor and nurse was entitled to several days of leave each year. They could rotate shifts, ensuring patient care was uninterrupted while getting a chance to unwind or spend time with family.
It was surprising that someone as hardworking as Lily was now requesting such a long leave, covering the entire five years' worth, which amounted to about a month and a half. What could she possibly need that much time for? Though curious, Dr. Montgomery knew better than to pry into her personal matters.
Ethan adjusted his glasses and asked softly, “Have you managed your patients?”
“Because of the situation between me and Chairman Thornton, I haven’t had any patients for nearly two weeks. You’re aware of that. Honestly, this leave is for me to discuss marriage plans with Maxwell. Dr. Montgomery, please keep this confidential. It’s still a secret. Maxwell doesn’t want the media involved. He even told me not to bother requesting leave from the hospital, but I thought that was irresponsible and inappropriate. So, I’m here to follow proper protocol. If needed, I can also speak with the director. Do you think that would be alright?”
Mentioning the Chairman of Thornton Corporation meant that even the hospital director would have to tread carefully. When it came to such matters, everyone would have to show deference, so naturally, Lily’s request would be approved.
Dr. Montgomery smiled and nodded, “You’re absolutely right, Dr. Bennett. I wish you the best, and don’t forget to speak highly of our hospital to Chairman Thornton.”
“Of course. Thank you, Dr. Montgomery!” Lily smiled, bowed slightly, and hurried off to pack her things and head home.
On her way back, she made sure to book two tickets for a seaside getaway.
When she got home, Liam had already packed his suitcase but seemed a little confused as he looked at her. “Mom, why did you suddenly decide on a vacation?”
“Don’t you want to go on a trip?”
Liam smiled and shook his head. “That’s not it. But did your date fail yesterday?”
So her son had been thinking about this. Lily paused for a moment, then replied, “I think I need to find a better man to be your dad.”
“You don’t like him?”
“It’s not that. I just need more time to think about this new relationship.”
While waiting at the bus station, Lily called Emily Hayes to explain why the blind date didn’t work out and asked her to convey her apologies to Clinton Abhaya. Just as Lily hung up and was about to put her phone away, Maxwell Thornton called. Seeing his name on the screen, she hesitated before declining the call. However, after a moment of contemplation, she finally picked up, but before he could say anything, she spoke first.
“The second option. I’ll meet your parents and be your girlfriend. But three months is too long. Two months. I’ll give you two months at your home.”
Maxwell hadn’t expected Lily to come around and agree. Two months was more than enough time to understand her life and past.
“Deal,” Maxwell replied with a smile.