Elissa was young, with a gentle temperament and a deep sense of responsibility toward her patients.

Over the years, more than a few of her patients had tried to set her up with eligible bachelors. Eventually, she started wearing a wedding ring at all times; only then did the well–meaning aunts and uncles finally let her ollibe. /li/ol

But she still remembered Mrs. Garrett–the grandmother iwho /ihad worried herself sick over her grandson’s marriage prospects.

Elissa couldn’t help smiling in exasperation. “Mrs. Garrett, I’m getting a

divorce…”

“You should!”

Janice’s expression grew stern, her voice firm and unwavering. “You absolutely should! I heard everything on the phone just now–though I wasn’t eavesdropping, I swear. Sorry about that.”

She pressed on, “Let me tell you, darling, a cheating man is thest thing you need. If iyou /istay married to him, you’ll only bring yourself more misery.”

“I know,” Elissa replied softly, feeling the warmth of Janice’s wrinkled hand resting in hers–afort that seemed to echo from some distant childhood memory.

With a gentle voice, she reassured the old woman, “I know, I’ve already started the paperwork.”

She deftly shifted the conversation, reaching out to check Janice’s pulse. “Feeling better these past few days?”

“Much better! The medicine you prescribed worked wonders.”

Janice waved her hand dismissively, but quickly circled back to the topic. “Listen, you’re still young. Don’t be afraid of divorce.”

12:16

Elissa couldn’t help but tease, “Are you thinking about introducing your grandson to me?”

Janice turned serious. “How did you guess?”

Elissaughed. “Mrs. Garrett, I’ll be twice divorced–you sure you want

that for him?”

“Absolutely sure.”

Janice looked her over approvingly and said, “It wasn’t your fault, and there’s nothing wrong with marrying again.”

She hesitated and added, “Honestly, my grandson’s no prize himself. He’s a real stick–in–the–mud–might not even be good enough for you!”

Elissaughed out loud. “Do you need a new prescription today?”

“Of course, just three days‘ worth this time. I’lle back after that.”

With a fond smile, Janice pressed a small charm into Elissa’s hand. “I got this at Mercy Chapel this morning. Keep it with you–it’ll bring you peace and good luck.”

After Janice left, the young nurse at the door couldn’t help but tease.

“Elissa, thatdy isn’t here for her medicine–she’s here to y

matchmaker!”

Elissa smiled. “It’s only natural to worry about your grandchildren.”

She did wonder, though, just how bad this grandson’s personality must be, if even his own grandmother would say so out loud.

Most days, Elissa only saw patients in the mornings. Tanya Foster, who rarely had a day off, came by the clinic to wait for her after work. They’d nned to go out for lunch and do some shopping

That evening was Bradley’s birthday, they also needed to pick up the gift Elissa had ordered for him.

“Wow, that’s extravagant,” Tanya remarked when Elissa picked up a custom–made fountain pen from the shop. It was a masterpiece, crafted

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by a renowned artisan–impossible to buy without connections.

Elissa smiled. “Bradley gave me something pretty pricey for my birthdayst year. I have to return the favor.”

“In circles like his, you really do need money just to keep up,” Tanya said with a sigh.

Elissa nodded in agreement. “Who knows how much longer my savings willst.”

But she wasn’t too worried. Carm was probably already pulling every string she had to find a new Mrs. Frank. Once the recement was chosen, Elissa would finally be spared from these awkward gatherings.

No more ufortable encounters.

Bradley’s birthday party was held at the Cloud Peak Club.

The ce was packed. When Elissa entered the private lounge, she nced around–almost everyone was a familiar face, though not to her.

They were Frank’s friends, and Rowan’s. Aside from Bradley, who was always kind, the rest… well, if she ever split with Frank for good, most of them wouldn’t even bother to acknowledge her on the street.

“Hey, you brought your bestie!” Bradley greeted cheerfully, shing Tanya a warm smile. “Make yourselves at home and have fun tonight.”

Elissa returned his smile. “She had the day off, so I dragged her along.”

The crowd in the main hall was overwhelming, so Elissa pulled Tanya into a quiet side room, seeking a bit of peace amid the festivities.