Chapter 4 Out of Place +2 Bonus Lyra's whole body tensed up as she shot Maxen a look of utter shock . " I singled her out ? " So he's here because of Veronica ? 11 Maxen said , " She's your superior . No matter what , you shouldn't have embarrassed her in front of everyone . " Lyra found it almost laughable how Maxen could be so by - the - book for Veronica , yet show zero hint of care for his own wife . Lyra forced down the bitterness rising in her chest and suddenly let out a laugh . " Have you forgotten I'm the lead surgeon ? Don't I have the right to make that call ? " Maxen gave a half - smile , laced with mockery . " And have you forgotten I have the right to replace the lead surgeon ? " Hearing that , Lyra felt like someone had taken a blunt object and slammed it straight into her chest , leaving her trembling uncontrollably . It was almost funny , really . She had already applied for a transfer , so whether Maxen replaced her or not didn't matter anymore . 10 1/5 21:02 Chapter 4 Out of Place Maxen still tried to warn her , saying , " Next time , don't- " +2 Bonus But Lyra cut him off , " If you want to replace me , then just go right ahead , Mr. Hawthorne . " Maxen's grin slipped away , his expression darkening as he looked at her in silence . Before this , Lyra had only used " Mr. Hawthorne " in public . She would never call him that in private , nor put up walls between them . Maxen asked , " What did you just call me ? " Lyra stayed perfectly calm as she replied , " Mr. Hawthorne . " Then , she returned the question . " Isn't that what you wanted me to call you ? " Just as Maxen furrowed his brows , ready to speak , a nurse burst out of the room . " Please come help , Dr. Sheppard . The patient's mother has suddenly gotten into it with Dr. Wynn . " Before Lyra could respond , Maxen had already turned and walked off without a pause , leaving nothing but his back behind . She couldn't help but let out a soft laugh when she saw how anxious Maxen became upon hearing something had happened to Veronica . 2/5 21:02 Chapter 4 Out of Place When has he ever been this concerned about me ? +3 +2 Bonus Outside the hospital room , Veronica was in the middle of a heated argument with the patient's mother . By the time Lyra arrived , she could already hear Veronica shouting . She squeezed through the crowd just in time to see Maxen stepping in to shield Veronica . He caught the woman's raised hand midair , blocking the strike meant for Veronica . Veronica , on the other hand , clung to his chest in fright , her expression delicate and pitiful . The woman , clearly startled by Maxen's presence , stiffened . " Who … who are you ? " Maxen gave her a slight push . " Is there really no other way to talk things out ? You had to raise your hand ? " The woman pointed furiously at Veronica . " Why don't you ask her ? My son barely survived surgery , and now this doctor comes in for rounds and acts grossed out by his wound . If she can't handle that , what is she doing being a doctor ? " " It's not like that … " Veronica shook her head and looked at Maxen , eyes already red . " Max , I ate something bad this morning . My stomach is upset , that's why I felt nauseous . It wasn't because of the patient . " 3/5 21:02 Chapter 4 Out of Place +2 Bonus Maxen gave a quiet nod . " Okay , I'll take care of it . " With that , he turned to the woman . " She wasn't trying to be rude . She just felt unwell . I'll cover all the hospital expenses . How about that ? " The angry expression on the woman's face immediately began to falter . She seemed unsure how to keep pushing the issue and muttered something under her breath before turning back toward the ward . " What a mess . " Veronica's eyes shimmered with concern . " I'm sorry , Max . I didn't mean to drag you into this . You didn't have to help … What if you got hurt ? " Maxen offered a faint smile . " As long as you're alright . " Suddenly , someone in the crowd piped up , " Dr. Wynn , is Mr. Hawthorne your boyfriend ? " Veronica lowered her gaze , smiling bashfully , " No , don't say things like that … " But the person didn't let up . " Oh , come on . You two look perfect together . " Others chimed in right after , teasing and agreeing with the remark . Meanwhile , Maxen's eyes drifted past the crowd and landed on Lyra . The moment their eyes met , she felt her heart twist painfully , bitterness welling up inside her . 4/5 21:02 Chapter 4 Out of Place +2 Bonus It stung to realize how perfect her own husband looked with another woman . Lyra couldn't help but feel out of place , like she didn't belong here at all . Write your comment 1r Gifts 5/5