When My Boyfriend Stole My Medical Breakthrough

The reason I was so fond of Gian was that I tolerated Mariam's presence because of him. Beyond the striking first impression he left, the key factor was that he once saved my life.

It happened around graduation when I was so engrossed in my experiments that I didn't notice the thick smoke pouring from the neighboring lab. Gian's timely phone call alerted me and prevented me from being trapped in the lab fire.

I always believed the fire was caused by a faulty machine, as the university reported. That is, until I found out that Gian had stolen my recommendation letter. In a hurry, I went home, and it was there, right outside my door, that Gian and Mariam revealed the truth.

That evening, Gian had snuck into the lab for a secret meet-up with Mariam. In their fervor, Mariam forgot to turn off the machine, causing it to short-circuit and ignite.

Gian called to warn me, not out of kindness, but to ensure the university would downplay the event since their "star student" had narrowly escaped disaster. He assured Mariam that with this "life-saving favor," I would feel compelled to hand over my recommendation letter if asked.

Thinking about it, I muttered, "What do you want me to do to help her?"

Gian grinned, "Simple. Just like before, you’ll perform the surgery under Mariam's name."

Mariam and I are similar in height and build. With a cap and mask, it's hard to distinguish us unless we speak. I've helped Mariam like this before, letting her quickly make a name at the hospital.

Watching Gian's smug grin, I stayed silent for a long time. Growing impatient, Gian's smile faded, and he frowned, "Francesca, I'm talking to you. Are you listening?"

"You'll help her whether you want to or not, because you owe me your life!"

"Relax. Help Mariam this time, and we’ll make sure you’re not left out."

"You must be living quite frugally overseas. If you help Mariam with tomorrow’s surgery, I’ll wire ten thousand pounds right away."

I snorted, "Ten thousand?"

Thinking I found the sum too small, Gian scoffed, "Francesca, wasn’t money always beneath you, something you treated as worthless? Now you think it’s too little?"

"I'm telling you, you..."

Tired of his attitude, I cut him off, "Keep your money. I’ll do the surgery tomorrow."

Gian, delighted, said, "Glad you’re smart about it!"

"Tomorrow, Mariam and I will be waiting at the hospital."

He then eagerly texted Mariam on his phone. Before leaving, he reminded me to be discreet when going to the hospital and not to draw attention.

Just then, Professor Tobias appeared from the airport.

He curiously asked about the young man. Watching Gian walk away, I smirked.

"Just a guy asking for directions!"

"By the way, Professor, my old workplace is performing an ankylosing spinal surgery tomorrow. Would you like to join me and observe?"

Professor Tobias's eyes lit up with excitement, "Really? We should definitely check that out."

Finally, the mud that Gian and Mariam had thrown on me was about to be washed away. As I lifted my eyes to the bright sunlight, a wave of relief washed over me.