Chapter 47
Collins
I turned in my sleep, stretching an arm toward her, already half-smiling—only to touch empty sheets.
My eyes flew open.
Nothing.
My heart stuttered. Where is she? Panic surged through me as I scanned the bed, then the floor beside it, bracing myself for the worst. Nothing there either. I reached for my phone and checked the time.
5:00 a.m.
Too early for anyone to be up. Zelda only came in at seven.
Adrenaline hit hard. I bolted upright, swung my legs over the side of the bed, and was moving before my thoughts caught up—bare feet pounding against the floor, no shirt, just boxers, racing down the stairs with my chest tight and breath uneven.
Please be okay. Please.
Then I saw her.
She was in the kitchen, completely focused, manoeuvring her wheelchair as she reached for something on the lowered counter. The tables had been permanently adjusted. Zelda even had her own station now—but this wasn’t about convenience.
This was with intention.
Relief crashed over me so hard my knees nearly buckled.
“Good morning,” I murmured, crossing the space between us in a few long strides. I crouched down to her level and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, then lingered, resting my forehead against hers, just breathing her in.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I said, searching her eyes. “I could’ve grabbed food from the café across the building.”
She smiled—quiet, determined. “I wanted to make breakfast and lunch for you.”
Something warm and tight wrapped around my chest.
“You’re unbelievable,” I said softly, kissing her again. “Adorable…and beautiful.”
Her hand lifted, warm against my bare skin, fingers resting lightly on my chest as if to ground me. “Put on a shirt,” she said, amused. “And come have breakfast.”
I chuckled. “Let me take a quick shower first.”
“Fine,” she said, eyes following me as I stood.
“But don’t disappear on me again. I’ll be right back,” I promised, bending to kiss the top of her head.
Then I turned toward the stairs, already feeling lighter, steadier, knowing exactly where she was.
After my shower, I joined her at the table, the scent of toast and coffee still lingering in the air. She had everything neatly arranged, moving with the quiet confidence she’d gained over the past weeks. I glanced at my watch—still early.
“You know,” I said casually, taking a sip of coffee, “why don’t you get ready and come spend the day with me at work?”
She looked up at me like I’d suggested something outrageous. “No,” she said, smiling. “I have physio this morning, remember? And my sister’s coming later. She’s off today and wants to spend it with me.”
Right. I winced slightly. “I forgot about that.”
She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “It’s okay.”
“If you need anything,” I said seriously, “I’m one phone call away. I’ll come home for any emergency. No questions asked.”
“I know,” she said softly.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
“That must be Zelda,” she said.
I stood and went to open the door before the sound could echo again.
“Good morning, Doctor,” Zelda greeted cheerfully, already stepping inside. “And how is Miss. Mathews today?”
I smiled without hesitation. “You can start calling her Mrs. Collins,” I said lightly as I closed the door behind her. “Actually… maybe we should get our marriage license in the meantime.”
Zelda laughed under her breath and moved toward the kitchen, giving us the courtesy of distance.
She raised an eyebrow at me. “Why so impatient? We agreed—wedding in a month. That’s really not that long if you think about it.”
I sighed, conceding with a small smile. “You have a point. I just…I can’t wait anymore.”
I checked the time again, grabbed my jacket and the lunch she’d packed, and headed toward the door. Before leaving, I crouched beside her, cupping her face gently and kissing her—slow, deliberate.
“See you tonight,” I murmured. “I love you.”
She smiled up at me, eyes warm and certain. “I love you too.”
And with that, I left—already counting the hours until I’d be back home.
By the time I arrived at work, Marlon was already there—coat off, sleeves rolled up, laptop open like he was waging war on paperwork. That alone caught my attention. I was usually the early one.
“Morning,” I said, setting my bag down. “You’re early.”
He glanced up. “Yeah. Wanted to get through some paperwork before consulting starts. We’re fully booked today—did you see the schedule? Even the intern and the locums are packed.”
I walked to the counter and started making tea. “I noticed. We’re getting busy.”
“Busy is an understatement,” he replied. “Petra says there’s a long waiting list now. We’re booked solid for the next three months.”
I paused mid-pour. “Three months? That’s… a lot.”
“Exactly why I wanted to ask,” he continued. “Do you think we should recruit two more locums? At least until things stabilise.”
I nodded slowly. “Yeah. Let’s do that. I’m not complaining about the workload—but we don’t want burnout either.”
“Agreed.”
He shuffled a few papers, then looked up again, expression shifting. “On another note—the helicopter’s sorted.”
I groaned quietly. “Already?”
“I know it’s still a month away,” he said, smirking, “but I’ll need the exact date.”
I leaned back against the counter, tea in hand. “I’m terrible at this. I can’t believe I haven’t set a date yet. Maybe around my birthday—so my wife can be my gift.”
Marlon laughed outright. “You still need an actual date. ‘Around your birthday’ is vague. Unless you mean on your birthday.”
“My birthday’s on a Friday. Who gets married on a Friday?”
“Then make it the next day,” he said easily.
“Let me talk to my wife.”
He raised an eyebrow at the word wife, clearly enjoying it more than he should.
He tapped his pen against the desk. “So… how’s her sister doing these days?”
I shot him a look. “Her sister is getting a brother now. Which means it’s officially my duty to protect her from men who’ll break her heart.”
He scoffed. “What makes you think I’d break her heart?”
“You’re getting married to Melissa,” I reminded him flatly. “Why are you still fooling around?”
He shrugged, unapologetic. “Keeping my options open.”
“That won’t do,” I said firmly. “Maybe start by learning sign language and see how you feel. But don’t go anywhere near Nancy unless you’re serious.”
He tilted his head, thoughtful. “Sign language… hmm. That’s actually a good idea.”
“I’ll send you the link to the course I’m taking.”
A slow grin spread across his face. “Great. Please do.”
Petra entered the staff room, holding a manila envelope with a crisp urgency. “Dr. Collins, someone’s here to deliver a document for you.”
“I’ll be there right away,” I said, setting my cup down and rinsing it quickly. “Talk to you later,” I added to Marlon as I stood.
By the time I reached the reception area, the delivery man was waiting, briefcase in hand. He handed me the envelope, its seal bold and striking: “URGENT LEGAL NOTICE”, followed by Michael Miller’s name. My stomach sank. I froze, feeling the weight of those words press down on me.
Marlon appeared in the doorway behind me, noticing the envelope immediately. His eyes narrowed.
“Please sign here, Dr. Collins,” the man said, holding out a pen.
I signed without really thinking, my hand shaking a bit.
The delivery man nodded and left without another word.
I didn’t open the envelope immediately. Instead, I could feel Petra’s watchful eyes on me and Marlon’s tension radiating across the reception.
He knew, even before I unfolded it, that a storm was coming.
Finally, I retreated to my office, closing the door behind me. I opened the envelope. Inside was a formal, stamped summons.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF [LAGOON BAY]
Case No.: 009345
In the matter between:
MICHAEL MILLER – Applicant
and
IAN COLLINS– Respondent
COURT SUMMONS
To: Ian Collins
Address: 5 Mounte Edgecombe View, Lagoon Bay
You are hereby summoned to appear before the High Court at Lagoon Bay on 15 June 2025, to answer to the application filed by the Applicant, Michael Miller, who seeks the following relief:
Custody of Respondent Anna Mathews: That the Respondent, Anna Mathews, be placed in the custody of her legal guardian, her father, Mr. Mathews, effective immediately upon receipt of this summons, to ensure her personal safety and welfare.
Restriction of Personal Interaction: That the Respondent, Dr. Ian Collins, refrain from any personal interaction with Anna Mathews until further order of the Court.
Medical Board Investigation: That the Applicant’s allegations, concerning the alleged unethical commencement of the relationship between Ian Collins and Anna Mathews while she was recently under his care, be investigated by the City Medical Board, with a preliminary report submitted to the Court prior to the next hearing.
Emergency-Only Communication: That all communications between Dr. Collins and Anna Mathews be restricted to emergencies only, as determined by the Court.
Further or Alternative Relief: Such further and/or alternative relief as this Honourable Court deems fit.
Time Limit for Compliance:
The Respondents are required to comply immediately with the temporary custody arrangement, pending the Court’s further directions. Non-compliance may result in contempt of Court.
Delivery of Summons:
This summons has been delivered by a sheriff of the High Court in accordance with applicable Rules of Court.
I leaned back in my chair, staring at the page, my heart hammering. Every point was a dagger aimed at my life—and my practice. Michael had gone further than I imagined. Custody, restriction, an investigation … all carefully crafted to isolate me from Anna.
Marlon appeared at my door, his expression unreadable, though I could see the tension coiled beneath.
“You, okay?” he asked quietly.
I shook my head, slowly. “No. Not okay. He’s really trying to dismantle everything.”
Marlon stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Then we fight it. And we make sure he doesn’t get away with a single twisted claim.”
I nodded, gripping the summons tightly. The storm had arrived—and I wasn’t going to let it destroy us.