The General's Replacement Doctor Wife

Chapter Seven

When Olivia arrived home after her long shift at the hospital, she was still grappling with whether to attend tomorrow's event. But upon entering her room, she realized it was no longer up for negotiation. Her adoptive mother had made sure she had no excuse not to attend.

In her closet hung a stunning pink dress with a deep V-neckline and daring side cutouts that revealed just the right amount of skin. It was paired with gorgeous shoes in a matching color, featuring three-inch heels.

Olivia could only sigh. She hated birthday parties, really hated them, ever since she was fourteen years old. But after a long day of work, an argument with her overbearing mother was the last thing on her mind.

She hung up her doctor's coat and changed into a comfortable t-shirt and cotton shorts before dragging her feet to the dining room, where Mr. and Mrs. Hilton were already seated.

The aroma of delicious food filled the air, but she barely had an appetite. She occupied her usual seat and helped herself to a small serving of grilled salmon. It used to be her favorite, but it tasted bland on her tongue.

Mrs. Hilton's elegant brows arched as she looked at her. "Did you see what I left in your room?"

Olivia kept her eyes fixed on her plate, counting the seconds before she had to answer. One... two... three... She looked up and responded with a smile. “Yes, I did.”

"The dress is beautiful, isn't it?"

"It's lovely," Olivia agreed, just as she always did. It was easier this way. Agreeing to everything meant no arguments, no disappointed looks, and no hurt feelings.

“You have no idea the trouble I went through to get that dress. It will look great on you tomorrow.” Mrs. Hilton took a sip of her wine before adding, “Well, your father and I will be coming with you to the birthday party.”

The spoon Olivia was holding nearly slipped from her fingers.

In the ten years she had lived with the Hiltons, they rarely attended social gatherings that weren't related to business or charity, especially birthdays, because they deemed ‘they're beneath them.’ This wasn't normal. They didn't just change their minds about social events, especially not ones they considered frivolous.

Mr. Hilton, who had been quietly observing them, cleared his throat. For the very first time since Olivia sat down, he spoke, “Well, speaking of birthdays, you're already twenty-four. Isn't it time you got married?"

Olivia felt her fingers go numb around her fork.

"Your father is right," her adoptive mother agreed as she set down her wine glass. “You are old enough to settle down."

But Olivia didn't want to get married. She'd rather die than trap someone in a loveless marriage and live a miserable life. She wanted to tell them that, but her throat closed up just when she thought she finally had the courage to speak.

Olivia pulled herself together. “But Mom… the demands of my career are too high. Just today, I had to assist in three back-to-back surgeries. There will be more soon… My career needs my full attention.”

"There will always be patients, Olivia. Always another surgery, another emergency, another blah blah blah. But we won't be here forever," Mrs. Hilton added, pressing her lips into a thin, tight line.

She knew exactly what words to say to make Olivia feel bad.

“We don’t need your opinion, Olivia,” Mr. Hilton spoke in a chilling tone. “Once we say you'll get married, you'll get married! Your fate is in our hands.”