Chapter 17

Barely an hour ago, Rita had been perfectly fine. Yet within less than seventy minutes, her condition had taken a turn for the worse?

Marissa glanced down at the white coat she hadn't even had time to change, paused for a moment, and then headed toward the commotion.

As she turned the corner, she passed Lillian, who was dressed in a nurse's uniform. Neither woman so much as exchanged a glance; they moved past each other like complete strangers. Marissa caught a few words of Lillian's soft voice as she spoke to Danny. "I was just called in to help. I didn't pay special attention to the surgeon. All the doctors here wear white coats,and...well, I'm a litte face-blind,so..."

Lillian had that kind of face that made people drop their guard-round eyes, soft features, and a sweet innocence that drew trust effortlessly.

She was quick-witted too, one of the reasons Marissa had always kept her close.

But today, she was up against Danny, someone who had studied psychology and could see through pretenses faster than most. Even as Lillian spoke, his

gaze flicked past her, lingering suspiciously on Marissa.

From the outside, Marissa's white coat looked just like the ones worn by Harmony Hospital staff, except hers didn't have the hospital emblem on the pocket. Still,there was something about her that felt oddly familiar,though he couldn't figure out why.

Catching his stare, Lillian chuckled softly, her hand half-covering her smile and her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You know, it's rude to stare at a woman for that long."

Rita's hospital room was next to Rayden's, and the door stood wide open.

Inside, Holley was practically draped over Marc,sobbing so dramatically that the scene bordered on theatrical.Marc had tried multiple times to push her away, but she wouldn't budge.

"Rita already took her medicine, and Dr. Wallace just checked on her. It's nothing serious," Marc said, his patience fraying. "She only needs to rest before she can go home. Dr. Moore is still performing surgery on my father, and yet you insist on calling Dr. Moore to see her too. Holley, don't you think you're going too far?"

With one firm motion, he managed to pry her off.

Holley trembled, forcing down her fear as she sobbed

harder. "How can you say that, Marc? Am I really that unreasonable? I'm just worried about Rita!" Her voice quivered, but her eyes darted up to study his reaction."Dr. Wallace said Dr. Moore's surgeries never take more than thirty minutes. It's been almost forty, and surely the surgery's done by now! Ever since Marissa came back, you've been different. You're colder.You never used to talk to me this way!"

Her tears, which had started as an act, soon became real. She truly felt the distance between them now.There was a time when she had been the darling of the Curtis household. Everything she wanted was given to her without hesitation. But now, even her smallest requests were met with cold indifference.

And all of it, she believed, was because of Marissa.

Holley's mind seethed as she wiped her tears. Marissa had been living comfortably with the Fletchers, so why had she suddenly decided to come back? It was infuriating.

"Holley, stop twisting things around," Marc said,stepping back as if putting physical distance could draw a clearer line. "You're my cousin. Rissa is my real sister. Do you understand that difference?"

He didn't mince words. There was a big gap between a cousin and a sister, and Marc made sure she knew it.He wasn't about to let Holley's wild thoughts take root,

not when it came to Marissa. It was a fine line he had to walk.

Whatever concern he'd shown Holley before was only out of respect for family ties, nothing more. That connection was pale compared to the loyalty he felt toward his own siblings.

"Barry will be here soon," he added firmly. "Don't stir up trouble in the hospital. Just stay put."

Without another glance, Marc turned and walked away from Rita's ward.

"Excuse me! We're making rounds!" someone called out.

Marissa had wanted to slip away unnoticed, but the sudden rush of people in the corridor forced her back against the wall. A young nurse trailing behind Christy caught sight of Marissa's white coat and asked with mild curiosity, "Are you new here? I don't think l've seen you before."

Marissa didn't bother replying. She rubbed her elbow lightly and cast a brief look at Christy, making sure to remember her face.

Maxton was still around the hospital, and Christy was clearly trying to get noticed. She wasn't even wearing a mask, eager to show her face at every opportunity. The visit to Rita's ward, which had originally been assigned

to a trainee, was now her chosen chance to shine.

"Less talking, more moving!" Christy barked, her tone sharp and self-important. "We still need to review the case with Dr. Wallace after this."

The young nurse flinched at her words and immediately looked away, hurrying after her.

Watching the exchange, Marc didn't stick around either and made his way straight toward the operating room.

As soon as he disappeared, Holley's act fell apart.She pulled out a small mirror and began fixing her makeup like nothing had happened.

"How's Mrs. Curtis doing now?" Christy inquired.

Holley, not even looking up, replied impatiently, "Didn't Dr. Wallace already diagnose her? Why are you asking again? Shouldn't you already know what to do? She's still unconscious; how am I supposed to answer for her?"

Holley had met Maxton through his sister, Karlee Wallace,who would often marvel that her once good-for-nothing brother was now a doctor.

Christy's face darkened. "Watch your tone."