The CEO's Ex-Wife Is A Famous Doctor novel Chapter 17

"How was the first day in medical school?" Shantelle was beyond shocked to find Keith Henderson leaning against a BMW sports car in front of her school.

He looked striking in a white Chinese-collared shirt, grey coat, and trousers. His dirty blond hair was brushed up neatly, and his face was clean-shaven.

"I look great, don't I?" He teased. Seeing how Shantelle studied him closely, a sly grin formed on his face.

"What - what are you doing here?" She asked, ignoring his comment.

"I am on a business trip. Prima MedCare has over ten thousand policyholders in Warlington, and I plan to strengthen our company's hold here in the city," Keith revealed.

When Shantelle raised a brow at him, he chuckled. He said, "Oh, you mean, here? In front of your school?"

"I asked Doctor Scott where you were. I was going to see him anyway, so I decided to pick you up. I know your father has yet to hire a driver," Keith said. "I'm in town for two months. I can be your driver."

Shantelle shook her head and said, "You don't need to. I can get a taxi -"

"I'm heading to Warlington Hospital. You can ride in a taxi, pay a taxi fare and put your trust in a stranger, or you can ride with me... for free," Keith pointed out.

"Fine." Surrendering to Keith's offer, she rolled her eyes and went straight to the car's passenger side.

While on the road, they were silent. When they were nearing the hospital, Keith announced, "There is something you should know about Nicole -"

"That she is living with Evan in our marital home? I know," Shantelle said while looking out the window.

"What?!" That information took Keith aback. He answered, “I don't think -"

"I heard it loud and clear. Nicole picked up the landline when I called Mrs. Shaw, our house caretaker," Shantelle reported, still avoiding his gaze.

Keith sneered. He said, "I don't know about that, but -"

"I don't want to know anymore, Keith. Please, stop. I came here to forget Evan, not to remember him all over again." Shantelle thought back to when she found out about Nicole living in their villa. She cried for hours, feeling the pain in her chest coming back all over again. She could not count how many times she said she would no longer cry over Evan.

Better said than done. The things that love do to you.

"But, Shanty -" Keith tried again. However, Shantelle cut her off.

"Please. You promised me, Keith. Back at the club. You would not tell Evan where I am, and here in Warlington, let's not talk about him either," She reminded.

"We did not agree on the latter, but if you insist," Keith replied.

"I don't want to change my mind about Evan and Rose Hills. This is my life now, here in Warlington," Shantelle expounded. "So, whatever you want to say, don't."

Silence stretched between them. Eventually, Shantelle reasoned, "I love him, Keith, but loving him is too painful. Again, I came here to forget. Soon, I won't love him anymore."

"I understand, Shanty," Keith answered, fixing his eyes on the road. "I know exactly how you feel."

Dead air fell upon them once again. When they were nearing the hospital, Shantelle took the opportunity to ask, "When - when did you start following me on social, by the way?"

"I have always followed you since you turned eighteen. Remember, your father invited us to your debut," Keith reminded. "Besides, we've known each other since we were young. Like the Thompsons, we are locals in Rose Hills. Sean and Wendell only moved to the city in high school."

"Oh, right, I forgot about that," Shantelle replied. "You were at my eighteenth birthday party."

Keith laughed as he turned off the engine. He answered, "That's fine. I'm used to it. You forget about other people... except for Evan."

***

"Doctor Scott, it is our honor to have you on our list of doctors in Warlington," Keith said, smiling after William Scott signed the documents.

"This is an ex-deal, Keith," William responded. He looked out the glass door of his office and seeing Shantelle sitting in the waiting area and reading a book, he emphasized, "Remember our arrangement."

"I won't tell anyone in Rose Hills," Keith confirmed.