TOM BOLTON
After work, I sighed as I entered the locker room. I pulled off the caretaker uniform and tossed it aside.
Wearing it all day had been suffocating. I reached into my locker and grabbed my white doctor's coat.
The fabric felt familiar in my hands, like a part of me that had been taken away. Even if I couldn't wear it in the hospital anymore, I still wanted to feel like myself.
I put it on, buttoned it up, and took a deep breath. For now, this was enough.
I grabbed my bag and left the hospital. I was heading to Mom's house for dinner.
When I arrived, the warm aroma of home-cooked food welcomed me. Mom was already setting the table, her face lighting up when she saw me.
"Tom, you're here! Just in time," she said cheerfully.
I smiled. "Smells great, Mom."
She chuckled. "Of course, I made your favorite."
I sat down as she placed the last dish on the table. It was a simple meal, but everything looked delicious.
Mom sat across from me and smiled. "You need to eat well. You work too hard," she said, scooping food onto my plate.
I chuckled. "Thanks, Mom."
She watched me for a moment before speaking. "Tom, you should start saving money."
I paused. "Saving? For what?"
"For your marriage, of course," she said, smiling.
I forced a small laugh. "Marriage, huh?"
"Yes. You and Emily have been together for so long. It's time to settle down."
I lowered my gaze, pretending to focus on my food. If only she knew.
Emily had betrayed me. There was no future with her anymore.
But I couldn't tell Mom. I didn't want to break her heart.
Instead, I said, "Actually, that's not my priority right now."
Mom's smile faded. "Not your priority?"
I nodded. "I… I feel lost about my future."
She looked concerned. "Tom, did something happen between you and Emily?"
I quickly shook my head. "No, everything is fine."
She studied me carefully. "Are you having trouble at the hospital?"
I forced a laugh. "Mom, don't worry so much. Everything is fine."
She sighed, not looking convinced. "Alright," she said softly.
She didn't believe me. But she didn't push me either.
Instead, she picked up her spoon. "Eat more. You need your strength."
I nodded and continued eating. At least for now, I could pretend everything was okay.
The next day, I arrived at the hospital, hoping for a normal shift.
But the moment I stepped into Sir Ken's office, I knew that wasn't going to happen.
"You're assigned as a caregiver today," Sir Ken said, his voice cold. His eyes were sharp, filled with irritation.
I frowned. "Sir, I—"
"No complaints," he snapped. "Your new patient is Alexa Samson."
I froze.
Alexa Samson?
Everyone in the hospital knew about her. She was rich, spoiled, and impossible to deal with. No nurse or doctor wanted to take care of her because she either yelled at them or threw things at them.
I clenched my jaw. This wasn't just a random assignment.
This was Gerald's doing.
After what happened before, I should've known he wouldn't let it go. Now, he was trying to humiliate me by making me deal with the worst patient in the hospital.
Sir Ken leaned forward. "Go to her room and do what you're told. That's an order."
I forced myself to nod. "Yes, sir."
I turned and walked out, my hands tightening into fists.
Gerald must be enjoying this.
When I reached Alexa Samson's hospital room, I took a deep breath.
This was another one of Gerald's games, but I couldn't afford to lose.
I exhaled slowly and pushed the door open.
The moment I stepped inside, I was caught off guard.
The woman lying on the hospital bed was stunning.
Alexa Samson.
She wasn't just beautiful—she was dangerously seductive.
She wore a thin, silky nightie that barely covered her long legs. Her dark hair was slightly messy, and her lips were full and slightly pursed. Her eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned me from head to toe.
Then, her frown turned into a smirk.
"You're handsome," she purred. "Come here."
I swallowed hard.
I had expected her to be angry or start throwing things at me. Instead, she was… flirting?
This was worse.
I cleared my throat, trying to keep my face neutral. "Miss Samson, I—"
She shifted slightly, the thin strap of her nightie slipping off her shoulder.
I immediately looked away, feeling my face heat up.
"Come closer," she said in a teasing tone. "Don't be shy."
I took a step back. "Miss Samson, I just need to check your wounds."
She tilted her head, her smirk deepening. "You're nervous, aren't you?"
I didn't answer.
I needed to get out of here.
Without thinking, I turned and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind me.
I leaned against the wall, my heart racing.
What the hell just happened?
I had never felt so embarrassed in my life.
I had walked out like a coward.
If I couldn't handle one patient, how was I supposed to survive this job?
I took a deep breath.
No. I couldn't let Gerald win.
If I failed to satisfy this patient, Sir Ken would have an excuse to fire me.
I had to go back in.
I had to be professional.
Clenching my fists, I turned around and pushed the door open again.
Alexa was still on the bed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You're back," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Missed me already?"
I ignored her flirtation and stepped closer.
"I need to check your wounds," I said firmly.
She pouted. "So serious."
I grabbed a pair of gloves and approached her bedside.
She watched me closely, her smirk never fading.
"You're different," she murmured.
I frowned. "Different how?"
She smirked. "Most men would've jumped at the chance to touch me."
I felt my face heat up again but kept my focus.
"I'm just doing my job, Miss Samson."
She let out a soft laugh. "Hmm… I like you."
Before I could say anything else, a sudden glow caught my attention.
I looked down.
The necklace around my neck was glowing again.
My breath hitched. This wasn't normal.
The last time this happened, something strange had occurred.
Why was it glowing now? Was something bad about to happen again?