THE DEVIL'S DOCTOR

Shattered Heart

I pulled into the restaurant parking lot, scanning for Alex's car. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted it, parked in the same spot where we'd agreed to meet. Relief washed over me like a wave, calming the anxiety that had been building up since I received the emergency call.

I hastily grabbed the cake from the trunk, its box slightly crumpled from the chaotic rush. As I held it, a wide smile spread across my face, and I felt like I was walking on air.

But then, reality hit me – I still smelled of the hospital, the antiseptic scent clinging to my skin like a bad omen. I wrinkled my nose in distaste.

Quick fix needed.

I rummaged through my purse, finding my favorite perfume. A few swift spritzes, and the sweet fragrance enveloped me, masking the hospital smell.

Next, I flipped down the car mirror, retouching my face with swift, light strokes. I smoothed out my eyebrows, dabbed on some lip gloss, and added a swipe of mascara.

As I checked my reflection, my eyes sparkled with excitement. Not perfect, but good enough.

With renewed confidence, I slammed the car door shut, cake in hand, and hurried toward the restaurant.

I stepped out of my car, cake in hand, and walked toward the restaurant. The soft glow of the lights and the promise of a romantic evening filled my heart with excitement.

As I pushed open the door, the sounds of laughter and conversation enveloped me. My eyes scanned the room, searching for Alex.

And then, I saw him.

My heart skipped a beat.

Alex sat at our reserved table, but he wasn't alone. A stunning woman with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair sat beside him, her hand resting on his. They looked like a perfect couple, lost in their own world.

A cake, identical to the one I held, sat between them. Alex's eyes sparkled as he blew out the candles. The woman's laughter echoed through the room, a melodious sound that cut through my soul.

They shared a tender smile, their faces radiating happiness.

My mind reeled as they leaned in, their lips locking in a gentle, intimate kiss.

Time froze.

The world around me melted away.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

Air escaped my lungs. My vision blurred.

I stood there, paralyzed, as my heart shattered into a million pieces.

I walked out of the restaurant, the cool night air slapping me in the face. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought to compose myself. I wouldn't let myself break down here.

As I reached my car, I collapsed onto the driver's seat, letting out a sob. My body shook with each ragged breath.

Why did he have to do this? Why did Alex has to betray me like this?

But as I sat there, something inside me shifted. Maybe it's my fault. Maybe if I'd been around more, he wouldn't have sought comfort elsewhere.

Our friendship had lasted 17 years, our dating life 3. Alex couldn't just leave me like this. Could he?

Doubt crept in, entwining with the pain. I needed answers.

I started the engine, determination rising. I would confront him. Not in anger, but in hurt.

I flipped the light switch, illuminating the familiar space. But something felt off.

As I scanned the room, my heart sank.

Gone were the photos of us.

The couch where we'd spent countless nights laughing and talking was reupholstered.

The bookshelf that held our favorite novels was replaced.

Every trace of our memories, erased.

It had been months since I'd last set foot in Alex's house.

Our meetings had been fleeting – stolen moments during his visits to the hospital, hasty dates outside the cafeteria.

I'd assumed our life remained unchanged.

But now, I realized how wrong I was. I stayed there for more hours waiting for his returns.

Alex pushed open the door it was around 11pm, his eyes scanning the room. They landed on me, standing by the dining table, apron wrapped around my waist. A warm smile spread across my face, masking the turmoil within.

"Hey," I said, my voice light.

Alex's expression faltered. His eyes narrowed, surprise etched on his face.

"Sophia," he muttered, his voice low.

His gaze drifted to the table, taking in the candles, wine glasses, and his favorite dinner. Confusion creased his brow.

I walked over to him, my heels clicking on the floor. My smile grew wider, a desperate attempt to conceal the pain.

"Sit down," I said, nudging him toward the couch.

Alex complied, his movements stiff. He sank into the cushions, his eyes never leaving mine.

Silence hung between us, heavy with unspoken words.

I sat beside him, my thigh brushing his. Alex jerked, his eyes darting away.

Still silent.

I leaned in, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Long day?"

Alex's eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of guilt dancing in their depths. For a moment, I saw the truth – the secrets, the lies, the other woman.

But I kept smiling, forced normalcy.

His gaze dropped, and he cleared his throat.

"Yeah."

The word hung in the air, a fragile thread connecting us.

My hand reached out, brushing his. Alex's fingers twitched, but he didn't take mine.

The distance between us yawned, a chasm I couldn't bridge.

Alex shifted, his voice low and laced with accusation. "You didn't come to the restaurant."

I ladled stew into his bowl, my hand steady, but my heart racing. "Emergency surgery," I explained, the words tumbling out, apologetic. "I'm sorry."

Alex's eyes narrowed, skepticism etched on his face. "Again?" he asked, his tone dripping with doubt.

My gaze dropped, a pang of guilt stabbing my chest. I knew the excuse was wearing thin.

"I was tied up," I added, desperation creeping into my voice.

Alex's expression turned incredulous. "Always an emergency, Sophia. Always something more important."

His words cut deep, but I kept my smile plastered on.

I opened the wine, the cork popping softly, breaking the tense silence.

"Did you go?" I asked, pouring wine into his glass, my hand trembling slightly.

Alex's gaze dropped, his eyes avoiding mine.

Silence stretched, heavy with unspoken truth.

"No," he muttered finally, his voice barely audible.

I met his eyes, searching for a glimmer of honesty. But saw only lies.

My heart sank, a chill coursing through my veins.

I set the wine glass down, my hand shaking now.

Alex's eyes flickered up, our gazes clashing.

For a moment, the truth hung between us. Unspoken.

Undeniable.

A toxic mix of hurt and anger swirled inside me.

I forced a smile, a brittle mask.

"Enjoy your dinner," I said, my voice strained.

Alex's gaze lingered on mine.

Then he looked away.

The silence between us grew.

Alex's eyes locked onto mine, his expression somber, a hint of resolve etched on his face.

"I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice low, measured.

My heart skipped a beat. My mind racing with dread, I knew what was coming.

"Not now, after dinner, okay?" I interjected, hastily attempting to delay the inevitable, my voice laced with desperation.

But Alex's words spilled out like a tidal wave, crashing against my fragile hopes.

"Sophia, I think we should break up," he said, his tone flat, final.

The room spun around me, colors blurring. My heart plummeted.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, hot and urgent. I swiftly wiped them away.

Don't break down. Not yet.

I turned my back to him.

"Why?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, cracking under the weight of unshed tears.

The silence stretched.

Alex's pause felt like an eternity.

"I don't think we fit each other," he said finally.