I Have Never Been Your First Choice novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Jaxson clearly hadn’t expected her to mention divorce. His expression darkened further 7 won’t agree to a divorce”

Charlotte was taken aback.

He refused to divorce. Could it be…

He continued, “Grandma wouldn’t approve either.”

Then came the sound of the door closing.

Charlotte stood rooted to the spot, feeling a lump in her throat. How foolish she’d been to entertain even a fleeting hope.

His refusal had nothing to do with her.

It was all about Nancy’s disapproval.

If only he knew Nancy had already consented.

Their argument left them sleeping in separate rooms that night. By morning, Jaxson had disappeared before the housekeeper arrived.

Charlotte ate breakfast alone, undisturbed. When the housekeeper emerged from tidying up, she asked, “Mrs. Hamilton, why are so many things missing from the house?” /

Charlotte paused.

Even the housekeeper had noticed. Yet he hadn’t said a word.

His indifference couldn’t have been clearer.

I cleared out old things,” Charlotte replied with a faint smile. Nothing important.”

The housekeeper asked no more.

At noon, the hospital director called. A critical surgery, a high–risk craniotomy, required her expertise since their usual specialist was away.

Charlotte rushed to the hospital and scrubbed in. The OR was packed with attending physicians, Caroline among them.

The metallic tang of blood hung thick in the air.

While the other doctors examined the patient’s wounds, Caroline hung back, visibly nauseated, fighting the urge to gag.

Dr. Sutton, you’re here,” the anesthesiologist approached her. The patient fell from a construction site and was just brought in. He’s unconscious now.”

Charlotte gasped at the critical condition of the patient.

An approximately eight–inch steel rod had pierced the patient’s skull through his eye. Despite being unconscious, he still had vital signs. It was nothing short of a miracle

Caroline suppresse

“If I can’t, can you?”

nausea and asked, Dr. Sutton, can you really perform this surgery? A slight mistake could cost the patient’s life.”

Charlotte’s words darkened Caroline’s expression

She put on her gloves and instructed the other doctors, “Start with a craniotomy to relieve pressure and remove as much of the blood clot as possible.”

The anesthesi t and the assistants were ready.