“It wasn’t romantic. You knew that.”
“I did.” Her voice cracked. “And now I can see what you got out of it.”
She covered her mouth.
“No, I promise, it’s not like that.”
Nora backed away, pointing at me.
“I’m reporting you to the hospital.”
She left before I could respond.
Minutes earlier, Nora had been the sister who thanked me for making Alicia happy. Now she saw the ceremony as evidence of betrayal. Her anger made sense, even though her suspicion was wrong. I could not explain away the appearance of what had happened.
I remained beside the car, holding the box. If the hospital believed I’d married a patient for money, I might lose my career.
I wanted to chase Nora. I also wanted another look at that sum. Instead, I closed the lid.
***
That night, I entered the amount into my loan calculator. My debt disappeared.
