"I'm leaving," Belle said flatly, gathering her belongings in a sharp, hurried motion. "I don't understand why you're throwing these wild accusations at me, Eli. I think you seriously need to sort out your own thoughts before we try talking again. Just deduct my salary for the days I won't be coming in."
"Wait, Belle!" Eli called out, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and desperation. But she didn't look back. The heavy office door swung shut behind her, leaving Eli to slam his fist on the desk in frustration. "Damn it!"
As Belle marched down the corridor, her hasty departure didn't go unnoticed. Near the nurse's station, a few staff members lowered their voices, their eyes tracking her swift, tense movements.
"Do you think Belle and Doc Eli are having a massive fight? Honestly, I haven't seen them holding hands once lately."
"I bet Doc Eli finally caught wind of what her dating life looked like in the past."
