Chapter 4 A Question of Worth

• Ariana Sutton’s POV
• “Veronica.”
• A tall, muscular silhouette appeared at the office’s doorstep, and I looked at the newcomer. He was none other than Stefan. There was a regal air about him, yet the look in his eyes was as sharp as an eagle’s. His lips were pursed, and the silent message around him screamed, ‘Do not come near me.’
• I noticed the hint of surprise welling in Veronica’s eyes. She then approached Stefan and put on a coy act. “Oh, I knew you wouldn’t leave me alone, Stefan.”
• I inhaled deeply in silence. Just when I was about to say something, Stefan left the room with Veronica. He didn’t even look at me once. I swallowed my words and saw them off. Then I laughed at myself. He looked perfect no matter whom he stood with. Except me. No matter how many times we had sex, I was nothing but a skeleton in his closet. Something beneath him.
• Stefan’s POV
• I held my disgust down as this… Veronica led me away from the OBGYN department. When we came to the elevator, I flung her hand away and dusted off the sleeve she touched with her hands.
• It made her freeze for a moment, then this woman huddled closer to me again. I could feel her heavy chest hanging on my arm. “What’s wrong, Stefan?” she asked.
• I shot her an icy look. How dare she touch me? “I don’t date used goods. Especially not when said woman used to sleep with my best friend.”
• Veronica was petrified, her eyes filled with shock. The sudden change in my attitude apparently surprised her, but it shouldn’t. I wouldn’t have even let her come near me, but Ian wanted me to accompany her during the abortion, and I wanted to annoy Ariana. She took my silence the wrong way, however. This woman thought she had a chance to date me. No. No chance in hell. I prided myself on being strict with my partners. There was no way I would date someone who had slept around with God knew how many men. And besides, I had someone I liked. Then the elevator came, and I entered it without sparing even a glance for Veronica.
• Ariana’s POV
• It was a long day. I worked until night had descended. Since Stefan was home, I was planning on staying at the hospital. One of my colleagues was going off-duty anyway, so I took over. I won’t be home all night. Might as well remind him to have dinner. But I hesitated after I took my phone out. I’ve spent many years trying to better my relationship with him, but he never accepted my gesture. I really should stop doing this.
• I had made up my mind about leaving this place. The plan was set in motion three years ago, and I wouldn’t waver just because he came back all of a sudden. Yes, my heart still fluttered when I saw him, but I would never let myself fall again. My love was unrequited, after all.
• I was summoned for an emergency surgery late at night. When I was done with it, the sun was already starting to rise. Six in the morning? I couldn’t even stand up straight, my mind fuzzy and foggy. And I was starting to see doubles. Surgery was something that required my full attention. It was as exhausting as manual labor. One false step and someone could die.
• I took a break inside my office for a while and changed into casual attire. Then, I went home with my only companion the fog of dawn. Jablonsky Residence stood in the rays of dawn. I thought this was my home. But it’s not. The man I love lives in this place, but he’s never mine. It’s time to put an end to this dream.
• I was already twenty-four, and Stefan was three years older than I was. In another three years, he would reach another milestone in life. This was a rich, talented, and handsome man. Marriage was almost a certainty for him, but the bride would not be me. I had known that for years, and now it was time to back out of this fruitless endeavor. His love would never be in my rich. Once I stepped into this house, my exhaustion washed over me, my mind telling me to sleep. I flung off my shoes. If I could, I would’ve tossed my purse anywhere and got to my room to sleep, but Stefan hated a messy house, so I patiently placed my shoes as neatly as possible.
• Once I was done placing my stuff in their place, I went upstairs with my eyes half-closed. Then, I slammed into someone, and it hurt my forehead. That someone gripped my wrist tightly, snapping, “Watch where you’re going.”