Chapter 9 After careful care, my hand had mostly healed, though holding a scalpel was still slightly unsteady. I knew I would never be able to perform surgery again. I could not be irresponsible with patients, nor with life itself. Upon learning of my condition, national leaders, regretting the loss of talent, appointed me as hospital director, allowing me to apply all my medical knowledge fully. Six months later, many medical talents had emerged under my guidance, all of whom made significant contributions to the country. When I saw Dawson again, I almost didn't recognize him. The once handsome, disciplined man seemed like a completely different person. His beard was unkempt, his hair untrimmed, and his clothes hung loosely on him, lacking any resemblance to a corporate CEO. Dawson stood near the parking garage. When he saw me, his eyes shone with intense emotion. "Alice..." His voice was hoarse as he called my name and reached out to touch my hair, but I stepped back to avoid him. I kept my expression cold. "Mr. Hill, please maintain some respect. We are divorced." Those six words hit him like a blow. He nervously scratched his head. "That doesn't count! Grandfather forced me to sign. I didn't want a divorce!" 'Alice, are you still angry with me?" "I know it was my mistake to trust that vile Kari, but I've punished her properly. I threw her into the rainforest-she'll never trouble us again." "Let's get back together. I'll treat you better this time. Can't you give me another chance?" I sneered, looking at him as though he were a fool. "Dawson, without your permission, do you really think Kari could have done anything to me?" "I know I was deceived, but can't you forgive me?" Chapter 9 11.84% I lifted my sleeve, revealing the ghastly scar on my wrist. "Forgive you? Who will return my bright, glorious life?" "How dare you ruin me and expect forgiveness with a few empty words? Dawson, who do you think you are?" Dawson felt a stab in his heart but quickly forced a fragile smile. I had no time for him and turned to leave. I assumed proud Dawson wouldn't follow. But the next morning, he appeared downstairs at my apartment. The ground was littered with cigarette butts. His eyes were dark, yet when he saw me, he handed me breakfast. "I ran ten blocks to get your favorite sandwich. Come and try it!" "Alice, I know I did wrong. I'll change. I want you to fall for me again!" I didn't spare him a glance and handed the breakfast to a beggar nearby. From that day onward, Dawson appeared outside my building every day. He brought either roses or breakfast, and I threw every single thing into the trash. Belated affection is worthless. I refused to subject myself to further abuse. Half a month later, Dawson could no longer bear it. Red-eyed, he demanded to know why I wouldn't forgive him. He even went to the rooftop, threatening to jump to force me to act. I frowned and rushed to stop him. Dawson brightened at my attention. "I knew it, Alice. You still care about me..." "Dawson, do you know how annoying you are?" "Like a leech that won't come off! My life is finally stable, so why do you keep disturbing it? If you truly loved me, you wouldn't have let Kari insult me and wound me so deeply!" "Do you realize my mother died giving birth to me? My greatest dream was to save mothers and children, yet you destroyed it with your own hands." "How dare you show your face here?" Chapter 9 11.84% "You don't love me. You only regret the convenience I gave you." "People like you, even if dead, should not dirty my sight!" Dawson's face went pale. As I turned to leave, I heard him crying behind me, his wails tearing through the air. Surprisingly, it almost sounded... beautiful. Without my support, the Hill family naturally lost all cooperation. Their products were exposed for quality issues, and videos of their abuse were posted online. Overnight, the Hill family became a laughingstock. Some said Dawson went to work for someone else, others said he left the country. But none of it concerned me. I devoted myself to teaching my students carefully, hoping they could inherit my will and help more expectant mothers and children. Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.