Money Is Money
I drove to the hospital in silence, my thoughts spinning as I replayed the argument with Asher and Carter. Their words stung, not because they were entirely wrong, but because they hit too close to the truth.
Rowan. His name alone stirred up a mess of emotions I wasn’t ready to unpack. The man I’d once despised, the man who’d shattered my life, now seemed… different. Vulnerable. Honest. And that scared me more than anything.
I pulled into the hospital parking lot, my hands gripping the wheel tighter than necessary. With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and headed inside.
\---
The moment I walked through the doors, I felt it—the eyes on me, the hushed whispers that followed.
“Is that her?”
“The one in the photo with Rowan Vaughn?”
“She’s even prettier in person.”
I kept my head high, refusing to acknowledge the curious stares. My heels clicked against the tile floor as I made my way to the elevators, my chest tightening with each step.
I was already popular in the hospital, by name, but most people aren't curious to know who Remi Laurent is. Apart from she does great surgeries.
Now everyone wants to know who I was because of Rowan.
I rolled my eyes.
“Dr. Laurent!”
I turned to see my assistant, Jo, hurrying toward me, her eyes wide with barely concealed excitement.
“Jo,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“Oh my gosh,” she said, falling into step beside me. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come in today after everything that’s happened.”
“Everything that’s happened?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“You’re all over the internet!” she said, practically buzzing with energy. “The photo, the kiss, the Vaughn engagement breakup—it’s the only thing anyone’s talking about.”
I groaned inwardly, stepping into the elevator as she followed. “Jo, I really don’t want to talk about this right now. I came here to free my mind of it.”
“But it’s everywhere!” she insisted, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “You and Rowan Vaughn, kissing on a balcony at a masquerade ball? It’s like something out of a movie.”
“More like a nightmare,” I muttered, pressing the button for my floor.
Jo’s eyes widened. “You mean you’re not thrilled about it? You looked amazing in that dress, by the way.”
“Jo,” I said, giving her a pointed look.
“Okay, okay,” she said, holding up her hands. “I’ll stop. But seriously, you’re like a celebrity now. Everyone in the hospital is talking about you.”
“That’s exactly what I don’t want,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I came here to work, not to be the subject of gossip.”
Jo hesitated, her excitement dimming slightly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make it worse.”
I sighed, leaning back against the elevator wall. “It’s not your fault. I just… I didn’t ask for any of this.”
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Jo gave me a small smile. “For what it’s worth, I think you handled it like a pro. Most people would’ve crumbled under this kind of attention.”
“Thanks,” I said, stepping out. “Now let’s focus on work, okay?”
“Of course,” she said, falling into step beside me. “But if Rowan Vaughn sends flowers, you have to let me see them.”
I shot her a look, and she grinned, skipping ahead down the hall.
\---
The hospital was buzzing as usual, but the whispers and stares seemed louder than ever. As I checked on my patients, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
“Dr. Laurent?” one of the nurses called as I reviewed a chart.
“Yes?” I replied without looking up.
“There’s someone waiting for you in the lounge,” she said, her tone hesitant.
“Who is it?”
“I’m not sure,” she said, glancing around. “But she’s… uh… very well-dressed.”
My stomach dropped, and I closed the chart with a sigh. “Alright. I’ll see what she wants.”
***
I Sitting in one of the chairs was Gigi. She wore oversized sunglasses, her legs crossed elegantly, her expensive coat draped over the back of the chair. Her dark hair in a dark bun.
She looked every bit the ice queen, her lips curved in a faint, smug smile as if she owned the room.
“Remi,” she said smoothly, taking off her sunglasses to reveal her piercing gaze. “We need to talk.”
My stomach tightened, but I kept my expression neutral. “This isn’t the time or place, Gigi.”
“Oh, I agree,” she said, standing gracefully. “That’s why I’ve made a reservation at a charming little tea shop nearby. Somewhere more... exclusive.”
I hesitated, not wanting to create a scene in the hospital. “Fine,” I said after a moment. “But this better be quick.”
\---
The tea shop was as exclusive as Gigi had promised. Soft classical music played in the background, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh pastries and expensive teas. We were seated in a private corner, far from prying eyes.
Gigi wasted no time. The moment the tea was poured, she slid a sleek black folder across the table toward me.
“What’s this?” I asked, not touching it.
“A contract,” she said, her tone smooth and businesslike. “Generous terms, all things considered.”
I opened the folder, my eyes scanning the pages. My brows shot up at the numbers listed. “You want me to resign from the research facility, break off any ties with Rowan, and leave the city?”
“Precisely,” she said, sipping her tea.
“And for this,” I said, tapping the folder, “you’re offering me… cash, a property in the suburbs, and a monthly stipend?”
“It’s a very generous offer,” Gigi said, her smile icy. “You’d be wise to accept.”
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “You’re bribing me to stay away from Rowan.”
“I’m giving you a way out,” she corrected, setting her cup down. “Think about it. This way, you can avoid all the drama, the scandal, and the inevitable heartbreak. Everyone wins.”
I stared at her for a moment before I burst into laughter.
Gigi’s smile faltered, and she leaned forward slightly. “What’s so funny?”
“You,” I said, shaking my head. “You think Rowan is some helpless little boy you can control with contracts and bribes. Newsflash, Gigi—Rowan is an adult man. He makes his own decisions. If he doesn’t want to be with you, that’s on him, not me.”
Her eyes narrowed, the calm façade slipping. “This isn’t about control, Remi. It’s about preserving what’s left of my relationship with Rowan. Something you’ve been very good at destroying.”
“I haven’t destroyed anything,” I said firmly. “You did that all on your own.”
Her jaw tightened, and she sat back, crossing her arms. “You’re delusional if you think Rowan actually cares about you. You’re just a novelty to him, a distraction.”
“Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “But that’s his choice, not yours.”
Gigi’s eyes burned with anger now, her voice rising slightly. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you? But let me tell you something, Remi—you don’t belong in his world. You never did.”
“And yet, here I am,” I said, my tone calm. “Still standing. Still thriving.”
Her hands clenched into fists, her carefully maintained composure slipping further. “You’re making a mistake, Remi. A huge mistake.”
“The only mistake I see,” I said, picking up the contract, “is this.”
I tore the pages in half, the sound sharp and final in the quiet room.
Gigi’s eyes widened, her face flushing with anger. “You’ll regret that,” she hissed.
“Doubt it,” I said, tossing the torn pieces onto the table.
She stood abruptly, grabbing her purse. “You’re a fool, Remi. You think you’ve won, but this isn’t over.”
I leaned back in my chair, smirking. “Whatever you say, Gigi. Have a nice day.”
Her glare could have frozen fire, but she didn’t say another word. She stormed out, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
I glanced at the stack of cash she’d left behind and shrugged, sliding it into my bag. “Money is money,” I muttered, finishing my tea with a satisfied smile.
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