Everything was going perfectly. Your mother wasn’t annoying you to get a suitor, you were a regular at the hospital, participating in surgeries, and you were now on an intimate level with famous surgeon, Jack Dawkins.

You went home one night, his comments replaying in your mind, saying how much he loved you.

Only when you went back to the hospital the next morning, Jack walked straight past you, ignoring you completely.

Confused, you followed him into an open auditorium where rich gentlemen sat, watching Jack amputate some poor miner. You gathered some tools, looking over the patient until Jack grabbed the tools from you, giving you a glare.

“I think I’ve got this handled, Lady Belle. Your assistance isn’t required today.” He spoke firmly, his expression guarded as he turned his attention back to the patient. The gentlemen in the crowd roared in laughter, amused to see the Governor’s daughter be rejected.

Your face flushed in embarrassment, storming out of the room as Jack turned to the crowd, shooing them away, trying to hide the regret from his actions.

You found Jack an hour later, seated at the back of the hospital. He noticed you, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair as he watched you storm over. You argued, Jack insulting you and claiming the two of you didn’t work. You left, heartbroken, confused, hurt and embarrassed.

Jack saw you striding into the hospital, confused as his face flashed with regret. “Lady Belle!” He called, running up to you, only for you to pretend he wasn’t even there, climbing the stairs.

Jack was confused, and slightly hurt, calling after you as he followed you closely.

You started conversing with his head nurse, Hetty, speaking to her about your plans for a ward specifically for women patients.

But Jack didn’t care about that.

When you finished your conversation, you stepped towards the staircase to exit the hospital, only for Jack to grab your arm firmly yet gently, dragging you into the small room he called home.