The Doctor's Reckoning

Chapter 3: Breaking Point

As Joaquin stepped out of Serena’s office, the weight of his humiliation pressed on his chest. He clenched his fists, his mind replaying the scene. 

Andrew’s smug face, Mikyla’s betrayal, and Serena’s icy judgment all swirled in his thoughts. 

They had stripped him of everything—his position, his dignity, and even his hope.

His steps quickened as he made his way to the elevator, needing space to think. But as the elevator doors opened, fate had other plans.

Standing inside were Andrew and Mikyla, their conversation halting as they caught sight of him.

“Oh, look who it is,” Andrew sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “The hospital’s newest orderly. How does it feel, Joaquin, to be demoted to cleaning up after us?”

Mikyla smirked, her arms folded, her disdain was evident. 

“Maybe it suits him. He’s always been good at groveling.”

Joaquin said nothing, stepping into the elevator and standing rigidly in the corner.

“Quiet today, aren’t we?” Andrew leaned closer, his voice low but sharp. “What’s wrong, Joaquin? Too embarrassed to admit you’ve been thrown to the bottom? Or are you sulking because Serena didn’t protect her favorite pet?”

Joaquin’s jaw tightened, but he refused to respond.

Andrew chuckled, clearly enjoying the lack of resistance. 

“What’s the deal with you two anyway? Did she demote you because you couldn’t keep up with her demands? Or was it something... more personal?” 

He raised an eyebrow suggestively.

The insinuation made Joaquin’s blood boil, but he kept his gaze fixed on the elevator doors, willing himself to stay calm. 

He knew the security cameras were watching, and any outburst would only worsen his situation.

“You know,” Andrew continued, his tone growing more vulgar, “Mikyla told me all about how naive you are. She said you actually thought she cared about you. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Mikyla laughed, leaning into Andrew. 

“Poor Joaquin. He always thought he was so special. But really, he was just... convenient.”

Joaquin didn’t respond.

Each word cut deeper than the last, but he wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing him break.

When the elevator doors finally opened into the bustling hospital lobby, Joaquin stepped out.

He didn’t waste his time with those assholes.

But Andrew wasn’t finished.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Andrew called after him, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. “Afraid someone might ask about the plagiarism? Or maybe about the attack you tried to cover up?”

The words hung in the air, drawing the attention of patients and staff alike. 

Conversations halted, and all eyes turned to Joaquin.

“Plagiarism? What’s he talking about?” one patient whispered.

“I heard he assaulted a colleague,” another said.

Joaquin’s heart sank as the murmurs grew louder, the crowd feeding on Andrew’s lies.

“That’s right.”

Andrew declared, his voice full of righteous indignation. 

“This man is nothing but a fraud. He steals others’ work, attacks his colleagues, and pretends to be a victim. It’s disgusting.”

The crowd shifted, their disapproval palpable. 

Some patients began muttering angrily, their glares piercing Joaquin like daggers.

One older man stepped forward, his face twisted in anger. 

“How can someone like you call yourself a doctor? You should be ashamed!”

Joaquin opened his mouth to defend himself, but no words came. He felt trapped, the walls closing in as the weight of their judgment crushed him.

Andrew, sensing victory, stepped closer, his smirk widening. 

“What’s the matter, Joaquin? Nothing to say? Or are you finally realizing your place?”

Joaquin straightened his posture, his expression calm but deadly serious.

“Andrew,” he said, his voice steady but loud enough for everyone to hear, “don’t you fear the consequences of twisting the truth like this? Don’t you fear God’s punishment for your lies?”

God’s punishment?” 

Andrew laughed sharply, his voice dripping with contempt. 

“You’re just a pathetic excuse for a man!”

A sharp cry erupted from Mikyla.

“Andrew!”

Everyone turned to see Andrew clutching his head, his face contorted in pain. 

He stumbled backward, collapsing to the floor as blood trickled from his temple.

The crowd gasped, stepping back in shock. Mikyla dropped to her knees beside Andrew, her hands trembling.

“What... what happened?” she stammered, her voice panicked.

“Like I said, God’s punishment,”

Joaquin smiled easily.