BOOK 1
Chapter One
The fluorescent lights cast a clinical, steady glow over the hospital corridor as I adjusted my stethoscope and checked my reflection in the glass doors to the residents' lounge. I ran a hand over my tied-back hair, making sure not a single strand was out of place. ‘Professionalism’, I thought to myself. Was it, though? Or was it a little more than that?
Dr. Nikko Moretti, the resident physician on duty, was doing rounds tonight. I tried to keep my crush on him at bay for the past eight months I’ve been working in this hospital, especially since he seemed so utterly focused, so purely professional, and often oblivious to the extra heartbeats he caused among the people he encountered. But something about him drew me in—a rare warmth in his voice, a quick, reassuring smile just when you needed it, and that disarmingly calm way he had when the emergency room turned chaotic.
I had only spoken to him a handful of times, mostly quick exchanges in the ER or a “Good job, Dr. Collins” when I was able to answer his questions regarding a patient’s case. But each of those moments felt etched into my memory. I was certain he didn’t even know my first name. Yet here I was, waiting outside the break room door, hoping for a casual moment to… what, exactly? Smile at him? Say, "Good evening, Dr. Moretti?" and feel my cheeks flush for the hundredth time?
The double doors swung open, and there he was, looking down at his clipboard, oblivious to the effect his presence had on me. But my heart betrayed me, picking up speed as I stepped forward to hold the door open. He glanced up, his gray eyes meeting mine for a brief second. “Thanks, Dr. Collins,” he said with a quick nod, his face sporting a warm smile that made him more handsome.
My breath hitched. I didn’t know why it mattered, but it did. “You’re welcome, Dr. Moretti.” My voice came out stronger than I felt, but inside, I was already reliving the moment, knowing I’d think about it all night.
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Chapter Two
I have never considered myself the type to get flustered easily. I am methodical, determined—a small-town girl who’d worked my way into a big-city internship program by sheer grit and countless hours in the library. Medicine was my purpose. I’d always felt it, ever since I was in preschool. I had been the kind of kid who stitched up her teddy bears after “accidental” surgeries, and the one in her high school anatomy class who stayed late to ask questions that most found too intense. Yup, that’s me. Mostly maybe because growing up, I was fat with no friends so I decided to just focus my time on studying.
When I first arrived at St. Mary’s for my internship, I promised myself I’d stay focused, keep my head down, and work twice as hard as anyone else. After all, I knew I didn’t come from the kind of family that had connections or the privilege to treat medical school like a given. My parents had poured everything into my education. And I was determined to make it count.
But Dr. Nikko Moretti wasn’t in my plan.
From the first day I’d seen him, something had shifted. He was well-known throughout the hospital, both respected and occasionally feared for his perfectionism and keen attention to detail. He never missed a thing in the ER, which was both thrilling and intimidating to me. Yet, he had a calmness about him that made my heart flutter. He was experienced, knowledgeable… and completely out of reach.
And I told myself that, every day.
As I left the hospital at the end of my shift, rain began to pound against the pavement. I hugged my jacket tighter around myself, hoping it would be enough to get me through the downpour to the bus stop.
“Anne!” a familiar voice called behind me.
Turning, I saw Dr. Moretti jogging towards me, car keys in hand. I felt my cheeks warm as he reached me, water glistening on his dark hair. ‘He knew my name?’
“It’s a monsoon out here,” he said, smiling a little. “Let me give you a lift. No need to stand in the rain.”
“Oh—I wouldn’t want to trouble you…” My voice trailed off as he opened the passenger door and gestured toward it.
“Seriously, it’s no trouble,” he replied, waiting patiently.
I nodded, feeling my heart skip as I climbed into his car, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space as he joined me in the driver’s seat. As we pulled away from the hospital, I stared out at the rain streaming down the window, trying to calm my pulse. I’d spent years preparing for moments of high pressure, but somehow, nothing had prepared a nobody like Anne Collins for a drive home with a Dr. Nikko Moretti.
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Chapter Three
The ER buzzed with energy as I adjusted to the frenetic pace. I had just finished interviewing patients in the front when I noticed Dr. Moretti approaching, his expression serious yet betraying a hint of hesitation.
“Hey, Anne,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck—a gesture I had come to recognize as a sign of his nervousness. “I need someone I can trust for this next shift. You’ve been doing great, and I’d like you to take the lead on the patient assessments today.”
My heart raced at his words, warmth spreading through my chest. “Lead? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, absolutely,” he replied, his voice steady but his eyes flickering with shyness. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t believe in you. You have the skills, and I’ll be right here if you need anything. Just trust yourself.”
The way he looked at me made me feel like I could conquer the world. “Thank you, Dr. Moretti. I won’t let you down,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper that I wasn’t so sure if he had heard me. However, as I looked up at him, I saw the slight smile on his face as he patted my shoulder and walked away.
As I moved into my role, there were times I would catch him looking at me while smiling. Every glance from him sent butterflies swirling in my stomach especially whenever he would stick his thumb up signifying I was doing a good job. I could feel his unwavering support lifting my spirits, igniting a fire of determination within me.
Later, when the chaos of the ER began to fade, I caught him watching me from across the room. His gaze was filled with pride, yet there was an endearing shyness in his demeanor that made my heart flutter even more. He seemed to gather courage, his jaw tightening as he approached.
“Hey, Anne,” he said, stepping closer, his voice softer than before. “I’ve been meaning to ask… would you want to grab that coffee we talked about last night after our shift? There’s a cozy little place nearby that I think you’d love.”
My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I was completely speechless. Was this really happening? The man I had admired from afar, the one who made my pulse race every time he entered the room, was asking me out? “I… I’d love that,” I finally managed to say, my cheeks flushing with warmth.
A look of relief washed over his face, and his smile was contagious. “Great. I’ll meet you in the lobby when we’re done here.”
As he walked away, I stood frozen for a moment, my mind racing. Did he really just ask me out? I could hardly believe it. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and disbelief. This was more than just a day in the ER; hard to believe but it felt like the beginning of something beautiful, a spark igniting between us that could lead to something truly special.
I shook my head slightly, trying to regain my composure. Was I really going to have coffee with the Nikko Moretti? It felt surreal. With a renewed sense of determination, I focused on my tasks, all the while imagining what our coffee date might be like.
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Chapter Four
The following weeks unfolded like a dream for me. The coffee date with Nikko had been everything I had hoped for and more and became a regular habit, the two of us going out for coffee after a tiring shift. Today, we had settled into a cozy corner of the café, surrounded by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation.
As we sipped our drinks, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We discussed our favorite books, shared laughter over funny ER stories, and discovered a mutual love for arts. Nikko’s laughter was infectious, and I found myself relaxing in his presence, my earlier nerves fading away.
“Who knew a coffee break could be this enjoyable?” he said, leaning back in his chair, a genuine smile lighting up his face.
I blushed, realizing how easy it felt to be around him. “I’ve had my fair share of awkward coffee dates,” I admitted, biting my lip. “But this one is definitely my favorite.”
Nikko’s gaze softened, and he leaned in slightly, his eyes sparkling with interest. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried I might have to resort to terrible small talk,” he teased, but his voice held an underlying sincerity that made my heart flutter.
The conversation drifted to more personal topics, and I found myself sharing details I had never revealed to anyone before—the pressures of medical school, my dreams of becoming a physician, and the struggles I faced along the way. Nikko listened intently, his focus entirely on me, and I felt as if I were the only person in the room.
“I get it,” he said, his expression thoughtful. “It’s not easy, but you have the passion to make a difference. I can see it in the way you talk about your patients.”
His words warmed my heart, and I smiled, feeling encouraged. “Thanks, Nikko. That means a lot coming from you. You’re an incredible doctor.”
“Just doing my job,” he replied, but the hint of pride in his voice was unmistakable. He paused, his expression shifting to something more serious. “You know, I really admire your dedication. It’s inspiring to see someone who cares so much.”
The atmosphere shifted slightly as our gazes locked, a moment of unspoken understanding passing between us. I could feel my cheeks heat up, but I didn’t look away. There was something electric in the air, a spark that had been building since our first encounter.
As the afternoon sun filtered through the café windows, casting a warm glow around us, Nikko reached across the table, his hand brushing against mine. “I’m really glad we’re getting to know each other better,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while now, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be interested.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I replied, my heart racing. “I’ve had a crush on you since I started here.”
His eyes widened in surprise, and then a slow smile spread across his face, lighting up his features. “Really? I thought I was imagining things.”
“No way,” I laughed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I just didn’t think someone like you would be interested in someone like me.”
He shook his head, his expression earnest. “You’re incredible, Anne. It’s been a privilege to watch you grow and thrive in the ER. You deserve to see how amazing you are.”
The sincerity of his words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, and I couldn’t help but smile back. The tension between us was palpable, and in that moment, I felt a connection that went beyond friendship.
As we finished our coffee, we exchanged glances filled with promise, the chemistry between us undeniable. “So, I’ve been wondering, would you like to shift from coffee? Like dinner maybe?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.
“How about next weekend? I know a great restaurant that caters lots of arts and paintings,” I suggested, my excitement bubbling over.
“I’d love that,” he replied, his smile widening. “It’s a date.”
As we left the café, I felt a rush of happiness coursing through me. The world seemed brighter, and the challenges of the ER felt lighter. With Nikko by my side, I could envision a future filled with laughter, adventure, and maybe even love.
When we arrived at my apartment, the evening air was cool, and the streetlights cast a soft glow. I turned to Nikko, my heart racing. “Thank you for today. I had an amazing time.”
“Me too,” he replied, stepping closer, his gaze intense. “You really are something special, Anne.”
My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a thrill of anticipation. “I’m glad you think so.”
Nikko hesitated for a moment, and then, leaning in, he brushed his lips gently against mine. It was soft, tentative, but electric. The world around us faded as I melted into the kiss, feeling a warmth spread through me that made my heart soar.
When we finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless, he looked into my eyes, his expression a mix of relief and wonder. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” he admitted, a sheepish smile playing on his lips.
“Me too,” I whispered, my cheeks flushed with joy.
As we shared a lingering look, I knew this was just the beginning of something beautiful.
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Chapter Five
The days following my coffee date with Nikko felt like the dawn of something beautiful. Each shift in the ER was laced with playful glances and whispered words, but it was our time outside of work that truly deepened our connection.
One Saturday afternoon, we decided to visit a local art gallery. As I stepped into the spacious hall, my heart raced with excitement, my senses alive with the vibrant colors and intricate details of the artwork. Art had always been a passion of mine, and sharing it with Nikko felt like stepping into a dream.
As we wandered through the gallery, I stopped in front of a striking abstract piece. “What do you think?” I asked, my eyes wide with wonder. “I love how chaotic yet beautiful it is.”
Nikko leaned in closer, his shoulder brushing against mine, sending a thrill through me. “I see it as a representation of life—messy but full of potential,” he replied, his voice warm and thoughtful. “It’s fascinating how art can convey such depth.”
I smiled, feeling a rush of admiration for him. “Exactly! Art can express emotions that words sometimes can’t. It’s like a window into someone’s soul.”
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, each piece of art unveiling layers of our personalities. I found myself captivated not just by the art but by the way Nikko engaged with it, his passion evident in every word.
“I’ve always wanted to try painting,” he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. “But I’m afraid I’d just make a mess.”
“Art isn’t about perfection,” I said softly, encouraging him. “It’s about expressing yourself. I’d love to paint with you sometime.”
His eyes lit up at the suggestion, and I felt a flutter of excitement in my chest. “That sounds like a lot of fun. Let’s make it happen.”
As we continued to explore the gallery, we paused in front of a breathtaking mural. Nikko turned to me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, but his gaze was fixed not on the art, but on me.
I felt my cheeks flush as I met his gaze, the intensity of his expression making my heart race. “The mural? Yes, it’s amazing,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.
He shook his head, his smile growing wider. “No, I mean you. You make everything feel more beautiful,” he said, his voice low and sincere.
I was speechless, my heart swelling at his words. At that moment, I knew that this wasn’t just a simple date; it was the beginning of something magical.
With a shared smile, we moved deeper into the gallery, where our fingers brushed together repeatedly, each accidental touch sending delightful shivers up my spine. It felt as though each light contact sparked a current of electricity between us. Finally, in a moment that felt both effortless and monumental, Nikko intertwined our fingers, our hands fitting together perfectly as if they were always meant to be.
“Is this okay?” he asked, his voice soft and sincere, searching my eyes for confirmation.
“Absolutely,” I breathed, my heart racing at the intimacy of the moment. The warmth of his hand enveloped mine, and I felt a rush of happiness flood through me.
Nikko’s thumb brushed against the back of my hand, sending delightful tingles racing up my arm. “I’ve wanted to do this for a while,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were sharing a secret meant only for me.
“Me too,” I admitted, my heart soaring at the intimacy of his admission. Holding his hand felt natural, like coming home. The connection between us felt electric, the world around us fading away as we lost ourselves in this moment.
When we finished our tour, we decided to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant, a charming place adorned with art and soft lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. Over delicious pasta, we delved deeper into conversation, discussing our favorite artists and the dreams that fueled our passions.
With every laugh, every shared story, I felt the connection between us intensify, like a thread weaving us closer together.
Later, as we walked back to the car, the night air was filled with laughter and the lingering scent of jasmine. Nikko suddenly stopped, turning to me with a serious yet playful expression. “I’ve been wanting to do something since earlier.”
“What’s that?” I asked, my heart racing in anticipation.
“Can I kiss you goodnight?” he asked, his voice low and earnest, as if the world around us had faded away.
My heart soared, and a smile broke across my face. “Yes, please.”
He stepped closer, the air thick with tension and unspoken desires. As he leaned in, time seemed to slow. Our lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, a delicate dance that was sweet and filled with promise. The warmth of his body against mine ignited a fire within me, and when we finally pulled apart, we both breathed heavily, smiles plastered across our faces.
“Goodnight, Anne,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion, his eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky.
“Goodnight, Nikko,” I replied, my heart full as I watched him drive away, a dreamy smile lingering on my lips.
As I headed inside, excitement coursed through me. The world felt brighter, and I was undeniably drawn to the man who was quickly becoming so much more than just a colleague—he was becoming someone I could truly cherish.
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Chapter Six
The gallery date had stayed with me, a cherished memory that filled me with warmth during long shifts. Nikko and I had settled into an easy rhythm, one where glances across the ER meant as much as whispered words on our stolen breaks. Our world felt quiet and perfect.
But tonight, as I walked into the ER, a strange tension lingered in the air. I couldn’t pinpoint it at first, but something felt off. The usual hum of the ER seemed somehow charged, like the calm before a storm.
Then, I saw them.
Standing by the nurses’ station was Nikko, deep in conversation with a woman I didn’t recognize. She was striking—tall with dark, flowing hair and a confident stance that radiated familiarity with him. She was laughing, her hand resting on his arm in a way that seemed…intimate.
My heart skipped, a jolt of something sharp and unexpected twisting in my chest. Nikko looked up at that moment, catching my eye. For a second, his expression softened—then shifted, almost as if he hadn’t expected me to see him there. He gave me a quick nod, then turned back to the woman, saying something that made her laugh again.
“Hey, Anne!” A familiar voice brought me back to reality. Emma, one of my fellow interns, was by my side, glancing over at Nikko and the mystery woman. “Did you hear? That’s Dr. Vivienne Lark, the new surgery resident—and Dr. Moretti’s ex.”
I felt my stomach sink. His ex? I forced myself to keep my expression steady, to act as though this news didn’t shake me as much as it did.
Throughout the night, I couldn’t help but glance over when I saw them in the same room, each interaction between them feeling more comfortable and easy than I wanted to admit. They worked a case together, seamlessly in sync, moving like two people who knew each other well. Too well. And each time they talked, she’d touch his arm, his shoulder, with the kind of familiarity that was undeniable.
Nikko never sought me out that night. There were no stolen moments between us, no comforting glances. Instead, he stayed at her side, focused on the cases and the conversations he shared with her.
My mind was a whirlwind of questions. ‘Was she really just a part of his past? Was he glad to see her again, even curious about what they might have rekindled?’ I knew he wasn’t mine to keep—I’d told myself that a dozen times before. But tonight, it felt like the distance between us had grown wider, and the comfort I’d felt for a few months had vanished, leaving an emptiness in its place.
At the end of the shift, I found myself heading toward the locker room, feeling deflated and exhausted, when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Nikko walking up, his expression unreadable, though there was a slight tension in his jaw.
“Hey,” he said, but his tone felt distant, as though there was something unspoken hanging in the air.
“Hey,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady, casual, though I felt anything but.
He hesitated, as though weighing his next words, before finally saying, “Vivienne’s going to be around a lot more. Patient referrals, some patient co-managements. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Oh,” I said, trying not to sound as hurt as I felt. “Right. Makes sense.”
We stood there in awkward silence, the warm familiarity that had once connected us replaced by something uncomfortable, almost foreign. Nikko opened his mouth as if to say more, then closed it, shaking his head slightly, as if whatever he had to say wasn’t worth voicing.
But then, just as he turned to leave, he paused, glancing back at me with a quiet, almost thoughtful look in his eyes.
“Anne… don’t read too much into things, okay?” he said softly. His fingers brushed mine for a brief moment—a touch so light it was almost as if he hadn’t touched me at all.
And then he was gone, leaving me with a mixture of emotions, his words lingering in my mind, both reassuring and uncertain at the same time.
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Chapter Seven
The days had been a whirlwind. I’d been counting down to this shift for weeks—my final day as an intern at the hospital. It felt surreal, the steady pace of my responsibilities, the familiar faces, the adrenaline of the ER. And through it all, Nikko was there, giving me nods of encouragement, a steady presence that felt warmer than I’d ever admit.
In the middle of my shift, I slipped into the break room to grab a quick coffee, still replaying the past few hours in my mind. I nearly dropped my cup when I saw Vivienne sitting there, flipping through her phone.
“Oh, Anne, right?” she said, looking up with a quick smile, her gaze friendly yet sharp, as though studying me.
I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Yeah, nice to meet you, Dr. Lark.”
“Vivienne’s fine.” She tilted her head, as if sizing me up. “So, last day, huh? Moving on to bigger and better things?”
“Something like that,” I replied, hoping to keep the conversation short.
Her eyes glimmered with something I couldn’t quite read as she took a sip of her coffee. “Nikko mentioned it,” she added, almost casually. “He’s very… attentive when it comes to his interns.”
The way she said it made my heart twist, but I held my ground. “He’s been a great mentor.”
Her smile widened, as though amused. “I know him well enough to know he cares. He always did have a knack for… getting close.” She paused, her gaze steady on mine. “We worked together for a long time, you know.”
“I’m aware,” I replied quietly, trying to keep my voice steady despite the knot forming in my stomach.
Before the tension could build further, the door opened, and Nikko stepped in. His brows lifted as he took in the scene, glancing between us.
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle, looking directly at me.
Vivienne, misinterpreting, quickly responded. “Oh, I’m fine,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You worry too much, Nikko. I’m tougher than I look.”
As she rose to leave, she turned to Nikko, her smile brightening. “I’ll see you later in our usual spot?” she asked, her tone light and playful.
“Of course,” he replied, a hint of warmth in his eyes.
Once she left, the room suddenly felt too quiet.
“Sorry about that,” he said, his voice shifting slightly. “Vivienne’s… always been strong,” he added, a more passionate tone creeping into his voice. “She’s relentless when it comes to her work. Driven, compassionate, always looking out for others. You don’t meet many people like her.” There was a wistfulness to his words, almost a quiet admiration that stirred something uncomfortable in me.
I tried to ignore the pang I felt watching him, hoping it would fade.
“Anyway, I wanted to talk to you,” he continued, as if sensing my distraction. “Actually, I was thinking we should celebrate tonight. You know, dinner? Just us, to mark your last day.”
Dinner. Just the two of us. My heart skipped at the thought, and I managed to nod, hoping he didn’t notice how flustered I felt. “I’d love that.”
“Great. Meet you at Riva’s at eight?”
“Perfect.”
As he left, I took a deep breath, barely able to believe this was happening. The thought of spending the evening with him, away from the noise of the hospital, felt like a quiet dream coming true. I spent the next hour trying to steady my nerves, telling myself not to read too much into it, even though my heart already had.
By the time I reached Riva’s, a cozy, softly-lit Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet street, I was practically buzzing with excitement. I scanned the tables, and when I spotted Nikko at a booth near the back, my heart leaped. But then… I saw her.
Vivienne.
She was seated across from him, leaning in close, her smile warm and confident, as if she belonged there with him. Nikko glanced up just as I walked in, and for a split second, our eyes met. He looked surprised, almost as if he hadn’t expected me so soon. Before I could react, Vivienne leaned in, placing her hand on his shoulder—and then she kissed him.
It wasn’t a long kiss, but it was enough. Enough to freeze me in place, enough to make my heart drop like a stone.
I felt rooted to the spot, my excitement crumbling into a hollow ache as I took in the scene. Nikko seemed to pull back slightly, glancing in my direction, his expression shifting, but I couldn’t stay to see more. My stomach twisted, and I turned, slipping out the door before he could say a word.
As I walked away, my head spun with questions I wasn’t sure I wanted answered.
“Anne!” I heard Nikko call after me, but I didn’t look back as I hurriedly rode a cab.
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Chapter Eight
Two years had passed since that night at Riva’s, and every day felt like a haunting reminder of what could have been. I still remembered the way Anne had looked walking into the restaurant, her face lighting up as she spotted me. That moment had felt electric, full of promise. But it had shattered in an instant when Vivienne kissed me. I could still see the hurt in Anne’s eyes as she’d turned away, her silhouette disappearing into the night.
In the time since, I’d tried to reach out to her countless times. Texts went unanswered, calls fell flat, and every message left on read felt like a stab to my gut. I regretted not being more honest with her that night. I had let my past with Vivienne cloud what was blossoming between Anne and me. I should have fought for what I wanted. I should have told her how I felt.
Now, the hospital felt emptier without her. I wandered the halls, glancing at every woman in scrubs, hoping for a glimpse of her familiar smile. My shifts in the ER had grown monotonous, the adrenaline of the job dulled without her laughter to break the tension. My mind often drifted back to the moments we shared—the coffee dates after a tiring shift, the spontaneous conversations that lingered long after our shifts ended. I missed everything about her: her curiosity, her passion for medicine, and the way she saw the world with such wonder.
As I pushed through the double doors into the hospital one morning, I was met with the usual bustle. Nurses were rushing to and fro, patients were being checked in, and doctors were reviewing charts. It all felt like a symphony of chaos I was tired of conducting alone. Just then, I noticed a small gathering near the front desk, a fresh wave of energy breaking through the hospital’s familiar rhythm.
Curiosity piqued, I walked closer, and my breath caught in my throat. Standing there, surrounded by eager faces, was Anne. She looked different—more confident, yet still unmistakably her. The vibrant scrubs hugged her frame, and her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. But what struck me the most was her smile, a radiant thing that lit up the room and felt like a cruel reminder of all I had lost.
As I stood frozen, a guy stepped forward, placing his hand on Anne’s shoulder. “Hey, everyone! This is Dr. Anne Collins, our newest resident!” he announced with a bright smile. “I’m Jake, and I’m thrilled to be her co-resident. You could say I’m her future husband,” he added with a wink.
The words hit me like a freight train. Future husband? My heart sank, and the air felt thick with regret. I forced myself to look away, the joy I felt at seeing her replaced by a heavy ache that settled in my chest.
Just then, Anne’s gaze flicked toward me, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. I saw surprise wash over her face, followed by an instinctive quick diversion of her gaze. She looked back at Jake, her cheeks flushed, as if she’d been caught off guard. My heart ached as I watched her, wishing I could reach out, wishing things had been different.
The chaos of the hospital melted away, leaving just the two of us in that charged moment. Time stood still, and I felt the weight of everything unsaid hanging heavily in the air, suffocating in its intensity.
But before I could move, I felt the distance between us grow wider, the reality of our lives crashing back in. I had let too much time pass, too many chances slip through my fingers. And now, she was here, and I was just a shadow of the man I used to be, left with regrets and unspoken words.
With a heavy heart, I turned to walk away, knowing I couldn't let her slip away again. Not this time. But deep down, I feared it was already too late.
- End of Book 1 -
