Healing My Billionaire Ex Who Hates Me

Maeve’s POV

My notepad dropped onto the table with a violent thud as I let out a frustrated groan. I scratched my already scattered hair.

Jade walked in, her eyes meeting mine. “Room 113 at it again?”

I gnashed my teeth, balling up my fist. “I am this close to committing my first murder. I can never seem to understand what that lady’s problem is. Every time I am trying to get her to move, she acts like her bones have no life in them.”

“Welcome to the world of a physical therapist. Everyone has a story to tell about such patients. You have to keep your tolerance gauge up. If not, you will lose your mind. Also, I think that old lady enjoys being here. She hates her children. I am heading to the breakroom. Would you like to join me?”

“I really could use some sweetener,” I mumbled with a sniff.

“Are there any patients on your list for the day?”

“Not any that I know of. I think I am good for today.”

Jade smacked her lips while scanning the snack basket. She eventually settled for a granola bar, peeling it open and chewing in relish. I went for the cookies instead; PT Ann’s husband is a baker and enjoys spoiling not just her but her colleagues with homemade goodies.

“I don’t have that luck. I am unfortunately on night duty.” She huffed, munching hastily.

“I don’t envy you at all. I can’t wait to head out and dip my body in a bowl of ice. I think my bones are on the verge of falling apart. Doing this much work when all one does is pay bills is driving me crazy.” My phone message notification came up abruptly, making me jump. I reached for the phone in my overall pocket and felt a heavier weight drop on my shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” Jade asked in concern.

I exhaled softly, putting the phone back in my pocket. “nothing just a reminder that my student loans aren’t going anywhere.”

“Isn’t living hard?”

“It is. And I hate every bit of it. If I wasn’t in such terrible debt I wouldn’t be working here. I can’t believe I have to slave off for this long just to pay off my debt.”

Jade nudged me lightly on the side. “Come on now. It's not that bad. We have good benefits even if the monthly pay is shit and don’t forget our loans get to be forgiven over time. It’s not all that bad.”

I nodded absentmindedly while she got distracted by a call. I do not like working at this government-owned hospital for veterans. But I had to take up the opportunity that was in front of me if I wanted to be debt-free and also survive. After working my ass off through school to become a certified physical therapist, I thought that with such good grades, I would be working as a sports PT and get to live a youthful professional life. But when survival tops everything one does, you can’t do anything fancy just for the sake of it. I do not hate my job, but I definitely do not enjoy this environment.

It's been two years of working here and I still don’t feel elevated in any way. Also because half of the patients are sworn to make one's life miserable. It's as if they do not yearn to live anymore. With such constant exhaustion, I keep applying to vacancies in the sports fields, still no spot for me just yet.

Sighing in exhaustion, I left the breakroom to get my things and head home. My phone rang as I changed out of my scrubs. A small smile crossed my face at the caller.

“Hi, Keoni.” I cooed.

“Hey, beautiful. I hope you haven’t forgotten our dinner date?”

I snickered, “I should be the one asking you that question. You know how busy you get, doctor.” I teased.

He laughed, the sound reverberating in my ear. “You know I am no doctor. Are you on your way or should I pick you up?”

“No, you don’t have to. I will be with you shortly.”

“Alright, I will be waiting. The usual spot, I will order your favorite.”

“This is why I love you. See you soon.”

Grinning to myself as the call ended. I left the hospital premises feeling slightly better. That is what meeting Keoni does to me. He is like a breath of fresh air. We had met back in college during our anatomy class, he had been quite timid then and I happened to be his savior in the class, helping him get by.

Despite studying the same course, he had more leverage than I did because of his parents' wealth. They own a private hospital which automatically gives him a spot there after getting licensed. I am hoping to ride on his network's tail to get a chance at the hospital or a sports academy when I finally get a hang of my debts.

I arrived at the rooftop restaurant that has become our favorite meeting spot. We had to settle on this particular setting as I didn’t want to continuously be at the receiving end whenever we met. I wanted to be able to pay for our meals too. It's not like Keoni minds paying, but I do have my dignity to protect.

“My favorite Maeve.” He beamed as I made my way to the table, spreading his arms out for a hug.

I rolled my eyes, slapping his hand away to sit down. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had other favorites.”

Keoni chortled, “When do you plan to tone down your jealousy?”

“I never plan to.”

“You know it will always be just you.” he winked, playing with my cheek.

“Get away.” I tuttered, hiding a smile.

“Our order will be here soon. What would you like to drink before then?”

“Water will do.”

“Come on Maeve. You aren’t getting back to work today. Loosen up a little.” He urged.

I sighed in resolve. “Fine, some sweet wine would do.”

He slapped his hand in delight. “You will like what I am about to order.”

“I hope you don’t order something that will have my purse empty.”

“It's on me,” he replied with a wink.

I chuckled, shaking my head at how effortlessly charming he is. When I found out he was a rich kid, I thought he would be one of those typical brats who think their parents can buy them the world because it revolves around them. To my surprise, he was sweet and thoughtful, he still is.

Despite the new classy friends he has made since we began working professionally and the fact that he is soon to take over the hospital, he always spares time for me. forces my schedule to be open for our meeting even when it is obvious I am trying to stay away. He is like my lucky charm in the gloomy world that I live in.

“Thank you,” I mumbled to the waiter, taking a sip of the wine. “My goodness! This tastes good.”

“I knew you would like it. So tell me, how did your day go? You look like you could use a good sleep.”

Trust nothing to go past Keoni. “It's nothing. Just work troubles as usual.”

He narrowed his eyes at me and tsked. “If you will lie to everyone, I shouldn’t be the one you will do that to, too. What is going on?”

“Why don’t we let it go, Keoni.”

“No.” His voice came out sternly. “You always do this. Shutting me out when you should reach out to me the most. Are we just friends that are to share wine and giggles all day?”

“Isn’t that what true friendships should be? Not the burdensome one. No one deserves to be in such a handicapped relationship, especially not you.” I sniffed, taking a large gulp of the wine. I scrunched up my nose when it felt like it had gone through it instead of my throat.

Keoni scoffed, twirling his wine glass. “Is that what you think our relationship is?”

“Come on, Keo. Don’t be like that. I have been the most receptive in our relationship and it makes me ashamed every time. For your birthday I couldn’t even get you something worthwhile. And for me, you went all out getting me a tablet to laptop. How much more do I have to keep taking before you get tired?”

“I am not complaining.”

“I am complaining, Keo.”

He rubbed his face and exhaled sharply. “You are such a piece of work, but I will not stop assuring you that I do not mind doing anything for you. as long as it makes you comfortable, Maeve. I am willing. So drop that silly act and talk to me.”

I pouted, staring down at the shining plate in front of me. He will find a way to get it out of me whether I choose to speak or not.

“Out with it!” his voice brought me back to the present.

I scratched the back of my neck, letting the words roll out of my mouth slowly. “I have been issued a quit notice.”