The Substitute Bride

"You found out that my parents own that hotel yesterday, didn't you?" Burke asked, taking a stern look at Leila. "You initially refused my proposal because you thought I was just a doctor and couldn't earn much to sustain a luxurious lifestyle for you. But when you learned about my identity, you regretted turning me down. That's why you feigned your fever and came here to gain my sympathy. Am I right?" he continued grilling her scornfully.

"Do you think I'm a terrible and manipulative woman?" Leila asked, staring at Burke with sad eyes. "We've known each other for a long time now, I thought you know what kind of person I am."

"Who knows anything really?" Burke snapped with a sneer. "We have known each other for over ten years, but I didn't know your true colors. It's so ridiculous!" he sighed as he expressed his clear disbelief.

"After all you turned out to be such a good actor! You've been fooling me for so many years," Burke added with a bitter smile.

'In front of me, she pretended to be a proud and innocent girl. While behind my back, she threw herself at old men to please them for the sake of business deals. Now I won't believe a single word from her. Mom is right, ' he thought to himself.

"You're disappointing me," Leila opened her mouth, as she turned her head away with dismay. She didn't expect that things would take such a drastic turn after last night. Obviously Burke despised her now. After pausing for a moment, she continued,"I just said that I needed time to consider our relationship, but how can you take me for a shameless woman? You disgust me, Burke."

"Disgusting? I disgust you? It's funny you should say that." Burke snapped with a snarl. 'It's funny and amusing to hear her assume a high ground.

I feel sick of her at the very thought of her flirting with that old man in his arms, ' he thought.

"Whatever," Burke remarked casually with no intention of wasting any more of his time speaking to her. He was done. He gave Leila a cold glance, and went on,"From today on, you have nothing to do with me. I won't see you again, and I hope you can just get out of my life. One more thing, you don't need to see me at the hospital. There are other doctors who can cater to your needs. I resign today."

"What? Why?" Leila asked nervously wondering what caused him to take such a drastic step, as she fixed her sight on Burke. 'As long as he works here, I can alwa

profile, all this while no one knew that he was from a wealthy family.

After learning about his family background, several nurses even made fun of him. "If I had known that you're an affluent second generation, I would have pursued you."

"What a pity! I wish I could have found out your identity earlier. The things that could have been..."

"Me too."

Burke felt bashful when he heard their jokes. He said to them,"Please stop teasing me. I will treat you to a lavish meal later."

"That sounds great. After all you're a rich master. You must treat us to a big and grand meal." Burke nodded in agreement cheekily.

He went to bid farewell to the doctors with who he had been always on good and civil terms. When he had walked halfway out of the premise, he ran into Anthony who was just getting out of a ward. Anthony said to him,"Burke, I just met your girlfriend..."

"You must be kidding, Anthony," Burke interrupted him almost immediately. "I'm single. How would I possibly have a girlfriend?" he asked.

"I thought she was," Anthony replied with a sense of doubt. When Anthony had been on his daily round, he was taken aback at the sight of Leila admitted in the hospital. He wondered why she had been hospitalized. As he knew that Burke had a soft corner for her, he had paid extra attention to her. He left her after learning that she just had a fever.

Anthony asked in confusion,"Didn't you plan to..."

"I forgot to tell you one rather important thing, Anthony," Burke cut him hurriedly. "I resigned just now. I will leave the hospital soon after winding up all my pending work."