Yamilet didn’t want to get a criminal record because of this. “Just you wait!” she snarled at Callie before storming off.
“Thank you so much today, Dr. Tobias. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here. I tried everything to deal with that scoundrel, but in the end, force worked,” Callie said sincerely, standing in the sunlight.
“You’ve thanked me so many times. How do you plan to repay me?” Tobias asked with a slight smile.
Callie checked the time and had an idea. “How about this? You’re off duty now, right? Let me treat you to lunch.”
“Sounds good. But your makeup is a bit smudged right now…”
Callie suddenly remembered her face and cursed softly, “Damn it!”
“Dr. Tobias, please wait a moment!” she called out as she hurried into a nearby restroom.
Tobias nodded, his smile never fading. He thought in his mind. ‘Of course I am willing to wait for you. No matter how long it takes.’
At a Mexican restaurant, Callie winced from the spiciness of the food and lifted her glass, clinking it with Tobias’s.
“You have no idea how happy I was when you hit her. I’ve wanted to slap her for ten years but never dared to. You helped me fulfill a long-time wish.”
Tobias leaned on the table, smiling. “I can imagine you’ve been living in torment for the past ten years. I’m glad I could help.”
“Finally, something to make me happy these days,” Callie sighed in relief.
“What’s been going on? Did you get into trouble?”
Callie was about to explain but realized it would be hard to summarize, so she made an excuse. “Just work stuff.”
Tobias saw the fleeting emotion on her face and, after a pause, asked, “Does it have to do with the 200, 000 dollars for your father’s medical bill?”
He asked indirectly, and Callie followed his lead. “Yeah, making money isn’t easy.”
Seeing Tobias staring at her, she felt as if her disguise had been seen through. She decided to come clean. “Dr. Tobias, could you be my faithful listener for a bit?”
“Of course.”
“Alright, I’ll tell you the truth. The main reason I got married was for that 200, 000 dollars and the medical team. Isn’t it ridiculous? I sold myself for those things.” Callie laughed bitterly.
“So that’s why you got married.” Tobias was surprised by her honesty and frowned.
“Yes, if it weren’t for life’s pressures, no one would rush into marriage like that. But don’t worry, this marriage isn’t one of those where I sell my body. I’m just playing the role of his wife, putting on an act with that man.”
Upon hearing Callie’s anxious explanation, Tobias’s smile widened, and the frustration he’d been feeling these past few days finally melted away.
“I believe you,” he said gently.
“That’s great, someone finally understands me. But, Dr. Tobias, do you think I’m too … cheap?”
With Nelson, Callie often saw unfathomable emotions in his eyes, as if he thought she was worthless.
“Of course not, Callie. Everyone has moments where they have to do what they can to survive. You can compromise temporarily, but you must get out as soon as you can. Because no matter what, this marriage isn’t good for you.”
“I know.” Callie nodded repeatedly and then suggested, “How about this? Once I get divorced, I’ll treat you to another meal.”
“When that time comes, I’ll treat you,” Tobias said as he poured her more beer, gazing at her bright eyes with a silent thought he didn’t share, ‘When the time comes, I’ll confess my feelings to you.’
“Deal!” Callie agreed readily, unaware that Tobias had more he wanted to say.
“What kind of person is the man you married?” Tobias shifted the topic to Callie’s new husband.
Callie immediately responded, “He’s cold-hearted, arrogant, unreasonable, self-righteous, and moody.” She practically used every derogatory term she could think of to describe Nelson.