Babel Novel
Chapter 48
Chapter 48
Dressed to the nines, Sanford Hamilton was the picture of meticulous grooming and self–discipline. He appeared far more serious than Howard, yet there was none of that bone–deep coldness about him.
“Hmph.” Jeannie scoffed, “Can’t seem to get away from that family,”
Sanford paused when he saw them, but instead of keeping his distance, he approached. Jeannie tensed, her gaze wary as she watched him.
“How’s Howard doing?” Sanford asked, his voice smooth and clear. His features were broad and refined, like polished marble, and he looked vaguely familiar.
“Don’t play the good Samaritan with me. Howard’s taken on an apprentice from a prestigious medical school, and he’ll be back on his feet in no time. The Hamiltons would do well to keep their distance from him.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Sanford nodded, his peripheral vision catching a glimpse of Gwendolyn, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
“What are you staring at my sister–in–law for?” Jeannie stepped in front of Gwendolyn, nervously defensive, afraid Sanford might stir up unease with imprudent remarks.
“Nothing, just thinking Howard is quite the devoted man, “Sanford spoke indifferently, “I gotta
go.”
With that, he turned and left.
Gwendolyn, curious, asked, “Who was that?”
“Sanford Hamilton, an annoying guy. His family’s big in pharmaceuticals. The Hamiltons and the Lopezes are related by marriage. His mother was a Lopez.”
Sanford also happened to be the honorary director of Bayridge Hospital, overseeing administration rather than medical care.
Jeannie added, “By the way, don’t bring up the Hamiltons around Howard.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
“Okay.” Gwendolyn guessed there must be some bad blood between the families.
“Let’s hurry back for that soup,” Jeannie urged, quickening her pace.
As they walked away, Gwendolyn looked back to see Sanford in the distance, seemingly watching her. She felt an odd sensation in her chest.
The next morning, Gwendolyn packed her things and turned to the man at the breakfast table, “Mr. Chadwick, I’ll be interning at the hospital for a while, so I won’t be around much to take care of you.”
Charter 48
“That’s alright. I’ll be on my feet in a few days.”
Howard dined with elegance, “Do you need a ride over?”
Gwendolyn shook her head, whispering, “Mr. Chadwick, could we keep our relationship a secret from my colleagues for now?”
Continuing to work after her internship, she didn’t want to have to explain things later.
Howard gave her a surprised look, “Am I that shameful?”
“No, it’s just our agreement. I don’t want any complications.”
They were, after all heading towards a divorce.
His expression cooled as he replied, “Fine.”
Marina came from the kitchen with a lunch box and handed it to Gwendolyn, “Mrs. Chadwick, I hear the hospital food is terrible. I’ve made you a lunch. Don’t overwork yourself, and if they give you trouble, just quit. After all we’re well–off.”
Gwendolyn smiled in gratitude and said. “Thank you, Marina. I’ll be off then.”
She tucked the lunch box into her canvas bag and left with a spring in her step.
Howard thought she seemed happy. After all, her dream was to heal and help others. Perhaps he had been selfish to keep her close.
Once he was able to stand on his own. Gwendolyn would no longer need to hide her talents.
Then, she’d surely shine.
After leaving home. Gwendolyn took the bus to Bayridge Hospital’s administrative department. She completed the necessary procedures, collected her uniform, and went to the locker room to store her belongings and change.
The locker room buzzed with activity when she arrived.
“Look, there goes the very own top medical student.” Mamie said with a nudge and a wink, her tone teasing.
The others exchanged glances, each with a different look in their eyes.