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Chapter 3 Tangled Entanglements

Outside John's mansion, the morning sun peeked through the trees, casting playful shadows on Emily's face. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. It was the first time in seven years she felt the sweet taste of freedom. Sure, there was some uncertainty, but the excitement for what lay ahead was even stronger.

Emily flagged down a cab and headed back to her old neighborhood, feeling her nerves slowly settle.

She grabbed a hot breakfast for James from the shop downstairs and then went up to her place. Opening the door, she found the house in chaos.

Last night, she had just mentioned the follow-up appointment next Tuesday to James when John's call cut her off, and James had thrown his cup in frustration. Every time John called her away for the night, the house would be a wreck the next day, and James would give her the silent treatment.

But after all these years, she was used to it. She checked the time and realized she couldn't clean up, so she just cleared a path and set the breakfast on the table. Glancing at James's closed door, she decided not to bother him and shot him a text instead.

Emily quickly changed, grabbed her backpack, and headed out to catch the bus to school.

Emily worked as a school doctor at a private high school. She had studied medicine to help treat James's leg, but once she became a doctor, she found herself too busy to care for James, let alone deal with John.

By chance, she ended up back at the school where her dad, Michael, had worked before he passed away, and she became the school doctor. The job was pretty chill and gave her more time to look after her family. She loved it because she could use her skills to help others while still being there for her loved ones.

Walking into the school, she made her way through the familiar halls to the infirmary. She opened the door, and the familiar scent of disinfectant hit her. She put on her white coat and started organizing the meds and instruments, getting ready for the day.

But today, the vibe in the infirmary was different. Principal Robert Davis told her the school had hired a new psychologist, Sophia Brown, who had a strong but approachable presence.

Sophia was brought in to help the students deal with school stress and teenage issues, especially after a recent suicide at a nearby school. The school leaders were now really focused on the students' mental health.

The school bell rang, and the students trickled out, leaving the campus quiet. Emily tidied up the infirmary, ready to call it a day. Just then, she saw John's car parked at the entrance, and her emotions got all tangled up. John, the guy she had shared a bed with for seven years, was now someone else's fiancé.

Emily's feelings were like ripples on a lake disturbed by the autumn wind. John's appearance was a stone shattering the calm she had tried so hard to keep.

Standing by the window of the infirmary, Emily watched John's car at the entrance, feeling a whirlwind of emotions inside her.

John walked into the school infirmary and immediately locked eyes with Emily. His gaze was intense, almost like he could see right through her. Emily's heart skipped a beat. She knew she had to keep it together and not let John see her falter.

"Emily, do we really have to go through this?" John's voice had a hint of irritation.

Emily took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Mr. Williams, there's nothing to discuss. What are you doing here?"

John gave a cold smile. "Don't get any ideas. I'm here to pick up my fiancée."

Fiancée? Emily froze for a moment, her mind flashing to Sophia's gentle smile. "You mean Dr. Brown?" Her voice wavered slightly.

John nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "That's right, Sophia is my fiancée."

Emily felt a wave of dizziness but forced herself to stay composed. She never imagined John's fiancée would be the new psychologist, her new colleague.

John stepped closer, and Emily felt suffocated by his sudden proximity. She instinctively began to back away.

Suddenly, John grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, kissing her before she could react.

Shocked, Emily struggled and managed to push John away, then fled the infirmary.

Her heart was racing, and she couldn't tell if she was more angry at John's audacity or sad about the situation.

At the school gate, she accidentally bumped into Sophia. Emily quickly apologized, her voice shaky. "I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry to get home."

Without waiting for a response, Emily ran off, not daring to look back at Sophia.

Sophia watched Emily's hurried departure, feeling a bit puzzled. Then she saw John walking out of the infirmary, his expression unreadable.

"John, you're here," Sophia said with a smile as she approached him.

John nodded, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. His eyes followed Emily until she disappeared around the corner.

Emily jogged all the way home, her heart still pounding. She couldn't understand why John had done that, why he had humiliated her at school. Wasn't he worried Sophia might see them?

She felt a deep sense of helplessness. She wanted to escape it all, but she knew she couldn't.

Late at night, Emily lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her thoughts were a mess, but she knew she had to be strong. She had to work hard for her and James's future. John was just a chapter in her life, and she couldn't let him control her emotions anymore.

The next day, Emily arrived at school determined to put yesterday behind her. She was responsible for taking care of the students' health as the school doctor.

As soon as she walked into the infirmary, she noticed a change in Sophia's attitude. There was a probing look in Sophia's eyes, like she was searching for answers. Emily stayed calm, knowing she couldn't show any cracks. They didn't speak, and an indescribable tension filled the air.

Emily knew she had to be careful. Sophia couldn't find out about her secret relationship with John.

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