Chapter 23
Karina
It’s rare when I get to relax in my office at the hospital, and it’s rarer when Vulcan gets mad at me.
But here I am, staring at my phone after that call ended so abruptly. The tension in his voice was palpable, and I know I struck a nerve. I lean back in my chair, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Why did I react that way? Five million dollars and a property overseas? Sure, it’s excessive and unnecessary, making me feel like he’s trying to buy me off. Like I’m some sort of transaction. But I know Vulcan better than that now. He’s not that kind of man.
I rub the bridge between my brows, feeling a headache forming. The double shift ahead of me suddenly feels even longer.
“I seriously can’t believe he fucking hung up on me.”
“Are you talking about the Director? I told you that man is a stickler when it comes to the misuse of the beds in the ER.” Cassie walks into my office and hands me my smoothie.
“But don’t worry, he’s too busy yelling at the nursing staff for not using the new charting system.
I heard the receptionist was getting cussed out by one of our regulars because she told him he would need to wait in the waiting room to be seen.
It’s like the COVID days all over again—except now nobody’s clapping for us. ”
I think about how many times the Director has reprimanded me for “resource misallocation.” He’s a bureaucrat with a punitive streak and the cheery sadism of a man who’s never worked a real shift on the floor.
A week ago, he sent out a mass email forbidding overnight stays for “non-residential” patients—his language, not mine—which is just a code for homeless people.
The day after, three of my regulars showed up with frostbite and nowhere to go, so I bent the rules and gave them warm blankets and a bed in the endoscopy suite.
I know he’ll find out eventually. He always does.
The memory of his last lecture is still sticky in my mind:
“The ER is not a halfway house, Dr. Reyes. I suggest you remember which side of the Hippocratic Oath you’re on.”
I’d like to think it’s the side that keeps people alive, but I’m not sure he’d agree.
“No, not the Director. Vulcan,” I say, gripping the Styrofoam cup a bit too tightly as I glance up at her. “Thanks for this.”
Cassie sits down in the chair across from my desk.
She raises an eyebrow, a silent prompt for me to spill more.
I sigh, sipping my drink, the icy strawberry flavor barely registering.
And I’ve been looking forward to this damn smoothie all day after cutting back on eating anything strawberry at home.
“Vulcan wants me to sign a document before the wedding,” I continue.
Everyone thinks we’re getting married because we’re madly in love with each other, which has already been a source of annoyance.
I didn’t want anyone knowing, but Harry let it slip to a nurse at he was flirting with Riley’s a few weeks ago.
It bothered me at first, but it means I don’t have to constantly be spinning a web of lies.
I mean, I already had people talking when Vulcan came through the ER that one night.
“A prenup?”
I shake my head, knowing my version of events is going to be an unfair representation of the situation but pressing on anyway. “Of sorts? He wants me to get a lump sum payout and his property in London if we divorce.”
She gapes at me. “Why are we mad again? Men don’t typically want their wives to have anything if they divorce. And hell yes to the property in London. I always wanted a British man. Just look at how Tom treats Zendaya. But that’s neither here nor there.” She rolls her wrist, urging me on.
“That’s just it.” I place the smoothie on the desk, cross my legs, and run a hand through my hair. “It’s not about the money or assets. I feel like he’s doing it out of pity.”
Cass cocks her head to the side, her eyes narrowing slightly, a clear sign she’s switching into her “analyzing” mode. “Pity? He loves you. That’s why he’s marrying you, correct? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Like what?”
“Like why now, out of nowhere, you’re starting to have conflicted feelings? Is this some kind of arranged marriage? I mean, it’s the 21st century, but anything’s possible.”
I blink.
I’m not good at lying, and worst of all, I don’t like lying to my friends. I try to think of something, but it’s too late. My hesitation has already made Cass’s eyes widen.
“Wait! Is this an arranged marr—”
“No, it’s not! Christ, Cass! I would never put myself through that. You know I wear my heart on my sleeve.” At least that’s not a complete lie.
“True and it’s been a month—”
“Almost two months.”
“Well, excuse me, almost two months since you two started dating. Maybe you should pump the brakes on getting married. Clearly you two aren’t communicating properly.”
Little does she know how much Vulcan loves to communicate. It’s me who’s having a problem opening up.
“We communicate just fine.” I feel myself getting defensive, because Vulcan is a great man, and he’s always trying when it comes to me. Always.
She lifts her right eyebrow slightly. “I know you, Rina. You’re holding back. Is it cold feet?”
Even if this wasn’t a contractual marriage, I wouldn’t have cold feet. After our first night together, I’ve practically moved into his room. Everything about this marriage is becoming less of a convenience and more… more like something real. Something I’m afraid to admit I want desperately.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, which are becoming increasingly confusing. “It’s not cold feet. It’s just… complicated.”
She leans forward, her eyes softening. “Babe, what’s really going on? You can tell me anything, you know that.”
I bite my lip, debating how much to reveal.
“It’s just…” I start, then pause, searching for the right words. “Vulcan and I come from different worlds. Sometimes, I wonder if he really understands what he’s getting into with me.” I’m sure there were countless other women whom Minji reached out to for this.
Cass’s brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “He’s this successful fire captain.
Generationally wealthy. And I’m just… me.
A doctor with mountains of student loans to repay and a family that comes looking for money more than a debt collector.
What if he wakes up one day and realizes he’s made a huge mistake? ”
“Karina,” she says firmly, reaching across the desk to grasp my hand.
“You are an incredible woman and an amazing doctor. You’re kind and funny.
Any man would be lucky to have you. Vulcan sees that, otherwise he wouldn’t be marrying you, especially so quickly.
He knows you’re special and wants you all to himself. ”
I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
If only she knew the real reason behind our engagement.
But even as I think it, I’m no longer so sure.
The way Vulcan looks at me sometimes, the tender moments we share when no one else is watching, it feels like more than just an act.
I think back to our conversation. This isn’t just a marriage of convenience for me, Karina. I… I care about you.
“Maybe you’re right,” I say softly, squeezing her hand. “I just can’t shake this feeling that I’m not good enough for him.”
“Then that’s something you two need to discuss. If you’re having doubts, be honest with him.”
I nod, knowing she’s right. But the thought of opening up about my insecurities terrifies me. What if voicing my fears makes them real? What if it messes up this thing we’ve built together so far?
Just as I’m about to delve deeper into my swirling thoughts, my name is being called over the paging system. I’m needed in the ER. I bolt up from my chair, smoothie forgotten and adrenaline pumping as the reality of the hospital environment snaps back into focus.
“Reyes, to the ER, stat!” the voice blares again.
Cass looks up at me, sipping her smoothie. “And it’s moments like this that I’m glad I’m just an RN. I’ll put your smoothie in the fridge.” She waves me off.
“Thank you,” I say, rushing out of my office.
Hours later, my shift comes to an end. Dr. Montiel was able to come in earlier, allowing me to leave sooner than expected.
I’m more than thankful I don’t have to do a double tonight.
I’m on autopilot as I gather my things and head outside, the cool night air brushing against my face as I feel all my problems rush back.
I’ve always avoided confrontation. Prefer to distract myself with work and trying to stay afloat.
But it’s something I know I will have to do with Vulcan.
While I do appreciate what he’s trying to do for me, I don’t know how to accept it, having learned a long time ago nothing in this world comes without strings.
The scent of pasta wafts through the air as I open the front door, and my stomach immediately growls in response.
I kick off my shoes and drop my purse onto the sofa before heading straight to the kitchen.
Vulcan is standing over the stove, stirring something intently, but he doesn’t greet me like he usually does.
I wash my hands before I head to the fridge and grab the gallon of milk while Vulcan slides a cup and some cocoa powder toward me across the countertop.
“Thank you,” I say.
I wait to hear him acknowledge me, but I’m met with silence.
I move around the kitchen preparing my drink, giving him the space he clearly needs.
Finally: “I want to apologize for earlier.”
I stare at his back, willing him to turn around and speak to me, before giving up and walking out of the kitchen. When he calls my name, I pause and turn around slowly.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, a worried expression on his face.
“Everything is fine. I just need to shower before eating.” And you couldn’t bother greeting me after I’ve been at work all day, so there’s that.