The Ex-Wife's Redemption: A Love Reborn Chapter 63

The winter morning light struggled to penetrate the heavy cloud layer as I stood waiting outside Brooklyn Heights Academy. I watched Billy disappear through the school gates, his superhero backpack bouncing gently with each step. Only when he turned to give me a final wave did I allow myself to breathe easier.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Thomas's name flashed across the screen.

"Sophia," when I answered, his voice carried that familiar warmth. "I have good news."

"I could use some of that," I replied, pulling my coat tighter against the winter chill.

"The hospital has issued an official announcement. You've been fully reinstated, effective immediately." The smile in his voice was clearly audible. "You can come back to work today if you'd like."

My heart instantly lightened. After everything that had happened, returning to work felt like reclaiming a part of myself.

"That's wonderful!" I couldn't hide the excitement in my voice. "But how did they resolve this so quickly?"

Thomas hesitated slightly. "Well, the interesting part is, apparently William made a few calls."

Of course. I should have known. William had always been my unexpected ally in the Harding family.

"I'll be there in an hour," I told Thomas, already mentally planning my day.

Manhattan General Hospital's familiar corridors welcomed me back with unexpected warmth. As I walked through the staff entrance, faces lit up with recognition and genuine smiles.

"Sophia!" Nurse Jenkins spotted me first, rushing over with open arms. "You're back!"

Before I could respond, I found myself surrounded by colleagues—nurses, orderlies. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see me.

"We missed you!" "The place hasn't been the same!" "Thank God you're back, the filing system is a disaster!"

Their enthusiasm caught me off guard. I had always kept a low profile at work. Yet somehow, without realizing it, I had built connections with so many people.

Thomas appeared at the edge of the crowd, watching everything with an amused expression. When our eyes met, he gave me a subtle wink.

"Alright everyone, let her breathe," he finally called out, making his way through the crowd. "She has a full schedule today."

As the crowd dispersed, Thomas moved closer. "We're having a welcome-back dinner tonight at Imperial Palace," he said. "Seven o'clock. Everyone's coming."

"Thomas, that's really not necessary—"

"It absolutely is," he insisted. "The entire department wants to celebrate your return. Besides," his voice lowered slightly, "it's been a long time since we've had something to celebrate."

I hesitated, already thinking about Billy. "I'm not sure I can make it. Billy—"

"Bring him along," Thomas suggested, though we both knew this type of gathering wasn't suitable for children.

"I'll figure something out," I promised, though I had no idea what to do.

The morning passed quickly with patient consultations and paperwork. Winter brought the usual influx of flu cases, and I didn't have time to think about the evening's affairs until lunchtime.

Sitting alone in the break room, I stared at my phone. There really was only one option, though everything inside me resisted making the call.

My finger hovered over Henry's contact information. Since our encounter last night, I had been avoiding thinking about him—about those moments when I almost succumbed to the sexual desire for Henry again.

Taking a deep breath, I made the call.

"What?" Henry's voice was cold and sharp when he answered, making me wince.

"I need a favor," I began, trying to keep myself as steady as possible.

"A favor?" He laughed, a sound completely devoid of humor. "After locking me out last night?"

I ignored his words. "I need you to pick up Billy from school."

Silence stretched between us, filled with unspoken tension.

"Why?" he finally asked. "What's so important that you can't pick up your own son?"

"I have a work commitment," I explained, trying to stay calm. "A department dinner."

"Ah," his voice took on that mocking tone I knew too well. "A 'department dinner.' With Thomas, I presume? How convenient."

I gripped the phone tighter. "It's a welcome-back celebration with the entire staff," I clarified, though I didn't owe him any explanation. "In five years of marriage, this is the first time I've ever asked you to pick up your son."

"So I should feel honored?" he sneered. "That you're allowing me to see my son while you run off with your lover?"

"He's not my—" I cut myself off, refusing to be provoked. "Will you pick up Billy or not?"

Another long silence. "Where is this dinner taking place?" he finally asked.

"Imperial Palace," I answered, then immediately regretted giving him this information. "It's just a work event, Henry."

"The same restaurant where Thomas took you last month?" His voice became dangerously calm. "You must think I'm a complete fool."

How did he know about that? The realization that he had been having me followed sent a chill down my spine.

"I'll pick up Billy," he finally said. "Enjoy your evening with your adoring doctor."

The call ended abruptly.

I stared at the phone, a mixture of relief and unease settling in my stomach. At least Billy would be taken care of.

When I arrived shortly after seven, Imperial Palace's private room was already buzzing with conversation. The restaurant's ornate decorations—red and gold everywhere, elaborate floral patterns on the walls—created a festive atmosphere.

Thomas, naturally, was the center of attention, surrounded by a circle of admiring nurses. He was fully displaying his charm, telling amusing anecdotes, their laughter filling the entire room.

I was directed to a seat at the far end of the table, away from Thomas but with a clear view of the entire gathering. Perhaps this was better—less fodder for hospital gossip.

"Dr. Sanders is on fire tonight," Lisa from Radiology commented, sliding into the seat next to me. "Half the nursing staff is ready to propose."

I smiled politely, but my mind was elsewhere. Since arriving, I had texted Billy twice but received no response. Was Henry actually taking proper care of him?

The evening progressed, dishes came and went, conversation flowed around me. I participated minimally, offering smiles and nods at appropriate moments, while my thoughts remained with Billy.

Across the table, a nurse named Winter Hayes made no attempt to hide her infatuation with Thomas. Her eyes followed his every movement, her laughter at his jokes was overly enthusiastic.

"Dr. Sanders, you should try some of this Mexican food," she suggested, her voice carrying a flirtatious edge. "I guarantee it will suit your taste."

Several colleagues exchanged knowing glances, followed by good-natured teasing.

"Be careful, Winter," Dr. Peterson teased. "Thomas already has his eye on someone else at this table."

My cheeks flushed as several pairs of eyes glanced in my direction. I pretended to be fascinated by the pattern on my plate.

The comments continued, growing increasingly pointed until Winter suddenly pushed back her chair and stood up. The movement was so sudden that conversation around the table faltered.

She walked directly toward me, her expression shifting from embarrassment to barely concealed hostility.

"You know, I've been wondering," she said, standing over me. "What exactly does Dr. Sanders see in you?"

The table fell silent, all eyes focused on our exchange.

"I'm sorry?" I managed, genuinely confused by the sudden confrontation.

"Dr. Sanders told everyone he prefers women like you," she continued, her voice rising slightly. "A divorced single mom pretending to be a pitiful victim."

I stared at her in shock, acutely aware of the entire room watching us.

"You can't seriously think you have a chance with him?" Winter looked me up and down dismissively. "A housewife with a kid in tow? It's like a frog dreaming of eating a swan!"

The room erupted into gasps and whispers. I sat frozen, the public humiliation washing over me in waves as everyone in the room turned to watch my reaction.