Most people are confused about their purpose in life but Alison always knew that she had to become a doctor. It was her father's longlost dream. Thank God she was talented and hardworking enough to fulfill it. He was a president in the pharmaceutical industry also a control freak. So, Alison lived her life in luxury alongside with terror and anxiety.

It's been a few months since Alison became a doctor. Regret was overpowering her over other emotions. Even after 8 years she still couldn't forget her betrayal to her high school friend.

After her father acquired 'X' Hospital. Alison was commanded to join there. She can't disobey her father so she requested to not be recognised as the daughter of the president of the hospital.

" So ungrateful. Do you know how others would kill to be in your position ? They curse their parents because they can't provide for their future. And you.... " Her father's an angry man who thinks his words are the truth of the world.

" Dad, I just want to be Alison for once. Not just your daughter. Others will be intimidated. So, after I make my place there you can announce the truth. " Somehow she convinced her father.

It was a windy day. Fall was coming. She was nervous on her first day but it didn't show on her face. She introduced herself as a general surgeon to her fellow colleagues.

" How can You be a doctor ? " said a female doctor with seriousness

Alison got startled. She thought her capabilities were questioned

" You're so pretty who can be a model or actress. " She said with a bright smile. Doctor Milie is known for her cheerful personality.

" Don't mind her. In a serious place like a hospital she can bring a smile on your face. " said Doctor Jason. He's a senior cardiacsurgeon of a few years. He has a cool charming personality.

" Everyone except Doctor reeds. " Millie said with a frown

" Why.. Is he strict natured ? " asked Alison

" He's a literal stone who looks everybody with cold eyes and judges them. " replied millie with disgust

Alison thought she'll be judged when doctor Reeds will know that she's daughter of the president.

" She's exaggerating. Doctor Reeds will be your guide. He a great doctor who's serious and introverted. " said Doctor Jason

Alison knew doctor Jason was trying to lift her morale and Millie wasn't exaggerating. Some seniors love to demotivate their juniors.

As they were talking a cold air entered the room . It was none other than Doctor Reeds. The door was facing Alison's back so she couldn't saw him but she understood by the expression of doctor Jason and Millie. She decided to face him and her eyes widened with shock. She exaled. Who knew her past will come in front of her in her new beginning ?

" I'm appointed as your supervisor. I'm Doctor Eren Reeds. " He introduced himself calmly

Alison's POV " Reeds was the last name not first name otherwise I would never not know him. Is he acting like he doesn't know me ? Maybe because other doctors are here. " She was still speechless.

" You're...Miss Alison Steele. " He uttered looking at his file as if he's never heard this name before.

Eren had to sort her duties as he's the supervisor. They were in a elevator. She couldn't help looking at him. Alison waited 8 long years wondering how's he doing. Now she's satisfied that he's well.

Alison still remembered her first meeting with Eren. At that time she didn't knew that he'll be the biggest part of her life. Alison was the top student who was ahead of everyone in 'X' highschool. Even if she wasn't the daughter of business tycoon Mr. steele the teachers still would've adored her due to her sincerity.

Eren was a new student. While the teacher was introducing him. He looked carefree. Alison was tasked to guide him since he's new. Eren wasn't initiative. He didn't talk unless he's spoken to.

Young Alison : Don't hesitate to ask for my help. "

" Don't bother. I'll be fine. " replied young Eren. He wasn't rude. Just a loner.

Enough about the past. Now he became a stranger still she wanted to talk to him.

" Eren..."

He looked to her with eyes of a stranger " I'm your senior. It's doctor Eren for you. "

" How were you all these years ? " asked concernly

" What do you mean ? "

Alison felt like she's talking to a stranger. " How can he forget me ? I felt guilty all these years while he doesn't even remember me ? I don't look much different. Just my hair is long. " Her POV

" Why are you pretending to forget me ? "

" Are you worth remembering ? Do people remember their nightmares ? " He had pierceful eyes

" Nightmare... So, you're still angry ? " Alison sighed

The elevator door opened. Eren got out ignoring Alison. " Eren, Answer me. It's been 8 years. How can you still be angry ? "

" It must be insignificant for you, right ? "

Her POV " How I wish you knew how much I got affected. "

" What do you want me to do ? " asked Alison

" Leave. "

" I just joined. And you want me to leave. "

" Why Did You Have To Come Before Me ? " His eyes were fireceful

" Dad wanted me to work here. What's wrong with that ? "

" Go be a puppy of your father. I wonder what scam you made to became a doctor. "

" EREN.... " Alison said loudly

" Don't raise your voice. Your father's the president but I'm your senior. Be professional until your stay. "

" I'm not going anywhere. "

" I'll make sure you leave on your own. " Eren threw her file on the floor angrily

It's life. People changes. But it's difficult to adapt to sudden change.

This novel is slow burn. With full of emotions. I'm very proud of the plot. Most people will relate to it because of it's several layers. Fading friendships, insecurities, Unloving toxic parent and many more. In next episode we'll see Alison and Erens highschool journey.

The life of a topper is glamorised who are seen as a different being than everybody who are greedy and unhappy with 99 percentiles.

From outside perspective Alison was a ideal student who scores highest, helps fellow students, follow rules. Overall great. But inside it was chaos.

Since Alison was known as a goody two shoes she spread a rumour that the backyard of her school with a big tree was haunted. Now nobody goes there. Her motive was to get a quiet place so that she can study peacefully. Everyday she goes there, sits under the shade of the tree. The pure air helps her to concentrate.

But this day was unusual. She hears rustling. It wasn't a windy day so rustling of leaves wouldn't occur. It was more like someone was on the other side of the tree. Alison tried to calm herself and was peeking cautiously slowly. Her heartbeat was rising.

It was Eren. He was lying down with his hand covering his eyes. He looked comfortable. Alison knew he wasn't sleeping.

" Why are you lying here ? "

Eren removed his hand from his eyes. He didn't looked irritated. He could see her face covering the sun with her hair down. He got up. Their faces were pretty close so Alison backed off.

" I wanted to sleep somewhere quiet. "

" Don't you know this place is haunted ? "

Eren chuckled. It was the first time Alison saw a different expression from him " If you believe that then why are you here ? "

Alison got embarrassed " No.. I thought you're new so without knowing you came here. "

Eren looked at her book on the ground and went to leave since he disturbed her.

" You don't need to leave. You came here first. "

" But you know this place from before. "

Alison looked up to Eren who's standing " Can't we both share this place ? " He sat slowly still maintaining eye contact.

They both sat side by side leaning onto the tree. Alison was studying while Eren closed his eyes. Hours passed just like that. Alison's head started hurting. She clenched her notebook with pain and anger without realising Eren was still there.

" Are you alright ? " He looked concernly

" What will be wrong ? " Alison didn't wanted to show her weakness

Eren understood it " I barely know you to judge you. Keeping things to yourself can be heavy. If you want then you can share your pain. " He closed his eyes.

Alison had this trust on him. She didn't felt weird to share her difficulties with a new classmate.

" I was able to study non stop without a break. But now I can't concentrate. "

Eren didn't opened his eyes " You're a human. Give yourself time to heal and rest. "

" But my parents are rooting on me. I can't let them down. "

Eren looked at her " Who are you rooting for ? "

A sense of calm was filled in Alison. In the classroom she kept glancing at Eren through her peripheral vision. He listened to the teachers lecture attentively.

Days have passed since Alison and Eren sharing the "haunted" place. They wouldn't even talk to each other. It wasn't needed. They just silently enjoyed each others company. A important test was held during this time. Result was going to be published. Alison wasn't worried since she did well and who else will score more than her.

Teacher : Todays result is a bit surprising.

Alison's POV : Did I score full marks ?

Teacher : Our new student did excellent. He stood first.

As the teacher announced all the students were a bit shocked and clapped with cheers except Alison. Her heart felt stuffy.

" How's it possible ? Eren never studied after class. All he does is rest. How did I fall behind ? " Her POV

Alison felt like all the students are judging her. Her head hurted. In her mind all she could hear " Alison's so DUMB and PRETENTIOUS. Studies all day and still is MEDIOCRE. " Her breath was getting heavier.

How will she tell her parents ? She reached home disheartenedly. Her parents expression made her aware that they know the truth.

" A new student beat you. Do you even study ? " said her father angrily.

Alison's head was down.

" Eren's the son of your fathers business partner. He's the same level as you. How could you made your fathers head down ? " said her mother

Alison didn't knew Erens parents. They barely talked. But all students of 'X' high-school came from wealthy families.

" Tonight we are supposed to have a dinner with them. Now Mr. Reeds will look down on me because of you. " said Mr. Steele

It was unfair of Alisons parents to put such pressure on her. Still she was quiet and got ready obeying her parents.

They were about to dine on a resort. Eren came with his father. Alison was informed his mother died due to an illness. They were engaging in superficial conversation. Alison was good at pretending to care but Erens face gave it away that he didn't wanted to be present.

" I heard Eren stood first in his class. With his talent I can relax while he took over my place. " Braged Mr. Reed.

Eren looked annoyed

" You're still so young to retire. " said Mr. Steele

" I feel sorry for you Mr. Steele. You have no heir. "

In business world even partners put each other down to uphill their own ego. Eren was fuming with anger towards his father.

" I have quite a capable daughter. " exhaled Mr. Steele

" Yea.. I heard that. She was in the top until my son came. It doesn't matter. In the end she'll marry and make home to a rich guy, right ? "

With every word of Mr. Reeds the tension increased. Alison kept fiddling with her fingers to calm herself but Eren lost it.

He stood up abruptly. Everyone looked at him. " It's suffocated. Do you wanna hangout outside ? " Eren offered Alison.

She looked at him like he's a saviour and replied with a small nod

He saved her from his father's insults and f**rom her own self doubts. He was a partner to her who let her shares her misery. Then what went wrong** ?

In the next episode Eren and Alison's blooming companionship will be seen. Thanks for reading.

Eren was walking while Alison was behind him. She was feeling grateful to him for his support.

" Thanks for getting me out of that uncomfortable situation. "

Eren turned his head " Don't listen to my fathers nonsense. He judges peoples worth with their status. "

" Don't talk bad about him. " advised Alison

Eren got confused " But he badmouthed you. "

" Still he's your parent. "

Alison was walking in front of Eren while he's looking towards her with amazement. There was an ice cream shop which Alison was looking at. Eren asked if she wanted it.

" No, it isn't healthy. Moreover I have no money. "

Eren looked at her " But you want it. "

The way he asks simple questions makes Alison question everything. He bought 2 ice cream. They were eating it while looking at the fountain. But they were being watched by her mother from afar.

They reached home. Alisons father looked calm. " Are you and Eren close ? " Alison couldn't figure out her father's intentions "

" Are you close with him compared to others ? "

It was true Eren understood her better than others and she was more comfortable with him. " Yes, but why are you asking this, dad ? "

" He likes you... "

Alison got shocked " No, you're mistaken. We are just friends. "

" I know you don't like him but he does. The way he backed you up in front of everybody and glanced at you. "

Alison didn't wanted to believe them but regarded his words " If you want I can keep my distance with him. "

" No, Alison. I want you to be smart. Analyse the situation and use it for your benefit. "

" Dad, Can you please explain ? "

" Make Eren like you enough so that he'll do anything for you. "

Alison got shocked by her fathers suggestion. " You want me to date him ? "

" Just pretend to date him. Be close to him. Use him at your advantage. So that he'll even go against his father and fail his classes. "

Alison knew her father's a goal oriented person but she saw a new, scary and crooked side of him which she disliked.

" Dad, he's my friend. I can't take his advantage. "

Mr. Steele shook her shoulders " Do you wanna be useless and prove Mr. Reeds words right ? I'm doing everything for your good and you... "

Alison started crying by her fathers tough words. Her mother convinced him to go inside. She wiped Alison tears.

" Do you like Eren ? " asked Mrs. Steele calmly

Alison denied firmly.

" You can't be a good person and get what you want. You have enough time to be good. Now's the time to hustle. "

Alison couldn't contemplate her parents behaviour. She was too innocent for their scheme.

" You're a girl. Life is difficult for you. But you have some tricks too. Use that. Make Eren only see you. "

Alison never felt more uncomfortable. Her parents were making her entice Eren against his father. Her innocence was killed.

Like everyday Alison and Eren were under the tree. The whole night she decided what she should do. She kept looking at Eren who's eyes was closed.

Eren noticed it even without looking " Do you want to say something ? "

Alison started stammering " I...I.. do you miss your previous school ? "

He opened his eyes " No, I like it here. "

Alison went quiet again. She didn't knew how to approach him. All she did in her life was study and listening to her parents. She never dated.

They came back to class when a girl approached them. " Someone saw you two coming out from 'haunted backyard'. Is it true ? "

Alison didn't knew if she should answer. Eren replied in positive.

" Then the rumours are true. " said the girl

Alison asked about the rumours. The girl replied that there are rumours circulating that the top students Alison and Eren are dating. Alison got embarrassed that her friendship was taken out of context.She apologised to Eren.

" Don't. It's not like you spread rumours. " said Eren

She asked if he would like to disregard the rumours. Eren then asked if she wanted to.

" No, I don't wanna explain to anyone. " replied Alison

A project was given to students in pairs. They have to explore wild plants in the forest and write thesis on them. Alison and Eren were put on 1 pair by the teacher. Most students frowned uponed the fact that top 2 students in 1 project will obviously get highest score. This also fuled the dating rumour more.

Alison was getting suspicious that her father was behind their link up. She asked her mother about the analysations she had. But she quickly took her to bedroom and made her try dresses. Alison was getting annoyed by her antics.

" You're meeting Eren outside school. A girl should look pretty in order to impress. "

Alison couldn't believed that her mother was making her do absurd things.

Eren decided that he'll pick up Alison in the afternoon. Mrs. Steele made him feel welcomed. He sat waiting for Alison.

He stood up watching Alison. Then he turned his gaze away when he noticed her being uncomfortable. Alison felt disgusted with the thought that she had to seduce her friend.

In the national park, Alison couldn't even look at Eren. She felt like crying. Her parents stoop so low by making her do this. Eren felt Alison was feeling unwell.

She was photographing the plants. With distracted mind she was about to touch poison Ivy plant which causes rashes. Eren grabbed Alison's arms. " Enough for today. Let's rest now. "

They sat in a cafe while Alison looked down.

" Is something wrong ? Did I do something ? " asked Eren.

Alison looked at Eren for the first time in the whole afternoon. He looked good in a hoodie and jeans. Now's the time to decide whether she'll do what her parents wants and kill her innocence or be faithful towards her friendship.

***What will Alison do ?

Find out soon. Thanks for reading***.