Chapter 4 New Beginnings

Olivia's POV

Saturday morning, I found myself driving to the hospital. Technically, I didn’t start until next week, but I wasn’t going to just sit at home. I wanted to get a feel for the place… and meet the cardiac surgery chief I’d be working with.

Dr. Andrew was in his office—on a Saturday. The man practically lived here.

“Olivia! What are you doing here on your day off?”

“I figured I’d get a head start. About that cardiac research director position…”

His expression shifted, a little more serious now. “Truth is, our original candidate accepted another offer last week. But I’ve got something even better for you.”

My pulse picked up instantly. “Better how?”

“A dual role—clinical cardiology and research. You’d be working directly under our chief cardiac surgeon, Dr. Martinez, running the cardiovascular center’s entire clinical trials program. Salary’s two-twenty a year, plus research bonuses.”

I almost shot right out of my chair. “You’re not kidding?”

“Not even a little. Your Boston work blew us away. Dr. Martinez actually requested you by name.”

“Dr. Martinez?”

“Daniel Martinez. Youngest department head in our hospital’s history. One of the top cardiac surgeons in the country. He read your paper on minimally invasive valve repair and—his words—‘it was brilliant.’”

Three hours later, I floated out of that hospital.

New job. New salary. New direction. Everything sliding neatly into place like it was scripted.

But more than anything, I couldn’t stop thinking about this Dr. Martinez. Anyone who could lead a department before thirty-five? That was genius territory.

My phone rang—Amelia.

“Girl! I have insane news!”

“Hit me.”

“I found you the perfect apartment! Top floor, luxury high-rise downtown, two bed, two bath, massive balcony with a full Chicago skyline view. And… get this… ten-minute walk to the hospital.”

“That sounds suspiciously perfect. What’s the catch?”

“Well… rent’s forty-five hundred a month. But considering the location and finishes—”

“I’ll take it.”

She went silent for a beat. “Are you serious? You haven’t even seen it—”

“Amelia, I just signed for two-twenty a year. Forty-five hundred is nothing.”

Screaming on the other end. “Olivia Peterson! You’re living my dream life!”

“Believe it. Book the viewing for tomorrow. I’m moving in before the weekend.”

After hanging up, I sat in my car staring at the hospital. Twenty-four hours ago, I was just a wife with a cheating husband. Now? I was about to be a well-paid cardiologist in one of Chicago’s best apartments.

But under the high, a quiet truth gnawed at me—

William and Charlotte were going to find out. And when they did, they’d go down swinging.

My phone buzzed. Unknown number:

This is Dr. Daniel Martinez. Dr. Andrew gave me your contact. Welcome to the team! Looking forward to working with you next week.

I stared at it, a thrill sparking through me. Maybe, just maybe, this was my chance to build something of my own out of the wreckage.

Thank you! I’m excited too, I typed back.

I had no idea then—this “professional partnership” would change absolutely everything...