“I’m a doctor, Dad,” I protested.
“I know. I’m offering you a way to pay your bills.”
I accepted.
One day, while working behind the counter, I called Nora and asked to meet. She wanted Alicia’s scarf and bandage ring returned.
When we met, I placed the keepsakes and the inheritance refusal papers on her kitchen table.
“I’m not apologizing,” she said. “I had every right to complain.”
“You did.”
I took a breath.
“I was her doctor. I was responsible for my decision. Her asking didn’t change that. I should have refused the marriage, but I didn’t marry her for money.”
Nora remained skeptical.
“The inheritance changed everything.”
“I understand why it raised questions. But I want you to tell the hospital what you actually witnessed, not what you suspect.”
