I always wondered what true love felt like... *lightning flashes* Some said it's amazing. Others said it's tragic. But "I" at some point, stopped believing in love. *running*

... : FIND HER! *men running*

*panting* We don't know who will be our future partner, so we always fantasize about how we'll meet them... However,

*grabs* ... : Did you really think you could escape from me? *glaring*

... : Let me go! *struggling*

... : You won't leave until I want. TARA.

I definitely regret meeting you, SILA. *thunder crashes*

3 MONTHS AGO...

*in chaos* ... : Where's Doctor Tara?? We've an emergency!

... : *suddenly* I'm here! Leave these patients to me. You go to the other ward!

*girl's voice* Yup, that's me & my daily life. I'm a doctor & this is my hospital "C&H Hospital," AKA Cure & Healing Hospital. I know, it might sound weird if I'm the owner then why am I even working? But being an owner doesn't mean I'm not a doctor. I still remember how people struggled in the emergency ward for treatment & no immediate treatment was provided. Although I'm from a middle-class family, my dreams were big. It wasn't easy to build this hospital, but thanks to some investors & really genuine doctors I managed. I'm just a simple girl handling my professional life. Being the youngest in the family, since childhood, my parents raised me with lots of support & love. And I got an incredibly awesome big sis. No matter how many problems I faced, she was always there to protect me, as for friends... Better not to mention those troublemakers *giggles* This is indeed my story, but with me, there are so many people involved. Now, back to the story!

Dr. Tara: Please don't move too much. It'll hurt a bit. *treating the wounds*

*after a couple of hours*

Dr. Chloe (Tara's colleague): Whew! Today was indeed so hectic... I'm surprised exactly how we were able to manage today's situation. *proud*

Dr. Tara: *laughs* We're doctors & it's our duty to be prepared for every situation. ANYTHING can happen out of the blue.

Dr. David: Okay, okay. If you guys are done with the proud moments, can we discuss about "that"??

Dr. Leo: About what? *surprised* Did you guys plan something without me??

Dr. Tara: If that's the case, you guys better be ready to face the consequences. How dare you guys leave me out??

Dr. David: Relax, everyone. No one has been left out. I'm talking about the medical camp the chief talked about. Tara, do you want to take any responsibility as the owner of this hospital or not??

Dr. Tara: Listen now, I might be the "owner" but for decisions like this & all the responsibilities are taken care by my sister & the chief doctors, ok?? Besides, for medical camping, we need an investor.

Dr. David: Maybe our so-called owner isn't aware that everything has been arranged *teasing*, we're just waiting for the final approval.

Dr. Tara: You!!! *punches David* Don't tease me! Also, I'm not going. hmph!

Dr. Chloe: Why?? We all agreed to go... Why won't you go??

Dr. Lynn: Yess!!! You're literally the president of our group. Then why?

Dr. Tara: Because-

Dr. David: Leave it! Explain your excuses to the chief. *smirks*

Dr. Lynn: As if he'll agree. *laughs*

Dr. Tara: You guys are really putting me into a difficult situation now...

Dr. Leo: Then tell us, why are you refusing?

Dr. Tara: It's not like I don't want to... It's just that I feel like something bad is gonna happen...

Dr. David: You & your instincts... Let's get her to the chief. *dragging Tara*

Dr. Tara: Wha-

*in front of Chief's room*

Dr. Tara: Guys, I'll talk to him later. Please don't drag me. *struggling*

Dr. Leo: Shut up! *knocks*

... : Come in!

Dr. David: Good afternoon, Chief.

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Oh, doctors! Good work, everyone today! I was just talking about you guys... *notices Tara* But it seems you guys are here with a motive.

Dr. David: Thank you for the appreciation, Chief. We're here because Dr. Tara is refusing to join us for the medical camp.

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Why?? Is there something wrong, Dr. Tara?

Dr. Tara: Chief... Nothing in particular... It's just that I'm not feeling well.

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): But we still have plenty of time before our departure, almost like a month or so. You won't get better till then?

Dr. Tara: ....

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): *Sighs* Now, now, doctors. Do I have to repeat myself?? You guys... I'm more friendly & open with you guys so that other than professional life, you guys can open up to me whenever you're having problems. After all, if we don't support each other, then who will??

Dr. Tara: I know, chief. I'm sorry... But-

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Not buts! Instead, I assign you as the responsible & leader of all the doctors & and staff participating in this camp.

Dr. Tara: *shocked* WHAT!?!? ME??

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Yes, why? Got a problem?

Dr. Tara: But... I thought, you'll come with us!

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): I was supposed to. But not anymore, when you've doubt in your mind go & take a risk! Besides, your sister suggested this in the first place & I was unsure. Now, you made it easier for me to assign you.

Dr. David: Does that mean she's coming?

Dr. Tara: Do I have a choice?

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Try anything if you want to, see for yourself if there's alternatives. *shrugs*

Dr. Tara: *Sighs* I was brought here to convince you to remove my name from the list. Instead, you assigned me as the leader??

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Aside from the fact that you're already the "president" of your group. *laughs*.

Dr. Tara: Fine! I'll go... *gives up*

Crowd: YEAH!!!

Dr. Tara: *giggles*

Only if I heard my instincts & remained determined... that day... only if...

Later that night

Nayantara: I'm home!

Mrs. Reis: Welcome back! How was your day?

Nayantara: Hectic as usual. *jumps on couch*

Mrs. Reis: Hey! At least change & freshen up.

Nayantara: Too tired, Mama... Can you please bring me something to eat?? I'm starving!

Mrs. Reis: Fine. Wait right here.

... : You finally decided to show up. *coming downstairs*

Nayantara: *looks up* Don't talk to me, sis, I'm mad at you!

Luna: Now, what happened to my cutie? *sits*

Nayantara: You knew I didn't want to go to the camp, yet you suggested my name & today Chief assigned me as a Leader. He even mentioned you wanted that??

Luna: He's right. I did. What is wrong with it? You're so capable more than you think. If you don't explore, you'll never find out.

Nayantara: I don't want to. My only goal & dream was to save people & I accomplished it. People are getting treatments whenever they're needed in our hospital. I don't need to know anything else.

Luna: I'm not saying that... By going there, you'll be doing what you wanted, saving people for free. You know, you're a capable doctor & trust me this camp will change your life!

Nayantara: Yeah, yeah. I didn't want to leave this place because I felt like I shouldn't go.

Luna: You can't avoid people who need you just because you feel like that. It's your duty.

Mrs. Reis: Now, you two. Stop fighting. If she doesn't want to go, why are you insisting Luna?

Luna: Mama?? It's an opportunity for her to do what she wanted.

Mrs. Reis: Okay, I give up. Let her eat first, then continue your argument.

Nayantara: Mama, you gave up that easily? *shocked*

Mrs. Reis: Well, what do you want me to do? Whatever I say, at the end of the day, you two are gonna get together & I'll remain the only villain. *shrugs*

Luna: *laughs* Okay, okay. We stop here.

*Tara's room*

Nayantara: I should start packing, although we don't know exactly when we'll leave...

Luna: *comes in* What are you doing?

Nayantara: Trying to fit in the mess you put me through??

Luna: Come on, Tara. *helps Tara* But why did you start packing stuff now? The date is yet to be decided.

Nayantara: Just in case I forget something, I'll be needing there... You know how forgetful I'm.

Luna: Okay, let me help you. Also, I got something for you.

Nayantara: What is it?

Luna: That's a secret! I'll give the day you leave.

Nayantara: Fine!

Luna: Tara, can I ask you something?

Nayantara: Do you even need to ask? Go ahead!

Luna: Building this hospital was your idea, from buying lands to permissions you took care of it. Then why did you make me the executive?

Nayantara: Sis, you're included in the medical field whether you practice or not. Since you're "free," I thought a way to keep you busy. Besides, it's lots of responsibilities & my weak body & mind can't handle them.

Luna: *done face* For real? You practically did everything & now you say you're too tired to take responsibilities?? *pulls ear* Or should I say too lazy & negligent??

Nayantara: Ouch! Sis, you're hurting me. MAMA!!!

Luna: Shut up! You're not a kid.

Nayantara: Okay, okay. *giggles* Jokes apart. When are we leaving?

Luna: We've to decide that & as you already know, we're waiting for an investors' approval though others agreed.

Nayantara: Okay.

......................

...Author...

Hello everyone! I'm finally back with a new story. First, l apologize for taking such a long time... I was sick & went through lots of ups & downs that I couldn't continue writing. My first chat story, "You'Re My Destiny Once I Had Fallen In Love," will return as I have already started working on upcoming episodes. Meanwhile, I had a new idea to publish this one as a novel & it's completely different from my writing genre as it includes complete dark romance. I hope you guys enjoy it & I kept a bit short this chapter as I'll give a few introductions of each character, of course, not all of them. But definitely the ones we'll frequently meet. Thank you & Enjoy!

...Introduction...

Nayantara Reis

Age: 28

Professional: Doctor specialized in cardiothoracic surgery but held a hand to every colleague

Chloe Lynon

Age: 27

Profession: Doctor specialized in general surgery

Tara's close colleague

David Vernon

Age: 29

Profession: Doctor neurosurgeon

Tara's best friend & colleague

Leo Flor

Age: 29

Profession: Same as Chloe

He's part of Tara's team & a good friend to rely on

Lynn Martin

Age: 30

Profession: A nephrologist

Dr. Smith

Profession: Chief doctor

Close to Tara's team & other doctors as genuinely cares for them like a family.

Luna Reis (Tara's elder sister)

Age: 30

Profession: Pharmacist but currently learning TCM

She's the executive of C&H hospital

Sila Blazeheart

Age: 30

Profession: First Marshal Officer

He's a ruthless officer but does justice to the one in need

Matur Renee

Age:29

Profession: General officer

He's Sila's close friend & junior.

Yao Li

Age: 28

Profession: General Officer

Matur & Sila's friend & a mild-mannered man. Our second male lead

Leonard Blue

Age: 32

Profession: Corporal officer

Sila's biggest opponent is also the villain of the story.

Bernard Montfort

Profession: Sergeant Officer

He's Leonard's right hand.

Mr Paul Reis (Tara's father)

Age: 55

Profession: Retired

Mrs Emily Reis

Age: 53

Profession: Housewife

In the morning

Mr. Reis: I heard my daughter is going to a medical camp?

Nayantara: Yes, Papa... I am... *slump*

Mr. Reis: Where's the spirit, Dr. Tara?? *beam*

Luna: Papa, she didn't want to go in the first place. *laughs* & you know, their chief doctor made her the leader of the team.

Mr. Reis: Wow! That's great news. She's the president of her group & now the leader of the whole team?? Great improvement!

Nayantara: Am I the only one who isn't excited at all??

Mrs. Reis: Can anybody tell me where exactly this camping is taking place?? *appears* I keep hearing she'll go to the camp since yesterday, but what about the location??

Luna: Uh... Mama, we still have to decide the date & place. But it's important that we select the team members first. Also, I think until the end of the day, I'll receive the details, at least that's how I was told. *checking phone*

Mrs. Reis: You better have the info in detail. I don't want her to have any shocking experience in her first medical camp.

Mr. Reis: Being protective as usual, huh? *teasing* How come no one cared when I used to for long business trips?? *weeping*

Mrs. Reis: Stop weeping. Be serious for once. *Sighs*

Mr. Reis: Okay, I understand your concern.

Nayantara: I'm going to the hospital. Thanks for the meal! *leaves*

Mr & Mrs Reis: Careful on your way!

Luna: I'll be leaving too! I've a lot of work to do today, I might be late.

Mrs. Reis: Don't forget the details!

Luna: Okay, Mama! *rushes over*

Honk honk

Nayantara: Need a ride?

Luna: Were you just leaving without me?? *gets in*

Nayantara: Nah, I was just testing your speed. *giggles*

Luna: *smacks* Don't forget I'm your elder sis!

Nayantara: *laughing*

C&H hospital

Dr. Chloe: Hah~ What a peaceful morning...

Dr. Leo: ....

Dr. David: ....

Dr. Chloe: What?? Why are you two glaring at me??

Dr. Lynn: Doctors should never use these two "peaceful morning" words because-

Phone ringing

Dr. David: Here goes our "peaceful morning." *teasing*

Dr. Chloe: Sorry... *hiding*

Dr. David: *picks up* Hello, Dr. David speaking.

... : Doctor! We've an emergency case here.

Dr. David: Okay, we're coming! *rushes over*

On the other hand

Luna: Mr. Ren, do we have any news about the medical camp?? What about that investor? Did they contact us??

Mr. Ren (Luna's secretary): Ma'am, we got the confirmation mail & they liked this idea, so they agreed to invest.

Luna: That's great! Honestly, I was doubting if they were interested or not & started looking for other investor... It's good that they agreed. Then, let's start the process. Could you please do some research & look for a location where we can send our team?

Mr. Ren (Luna's secretary): Sure, ma'am.

Emergency room

Dr. Tara: Phew! Did you guys really think you could handle all that hustle without me?

Dr. David: Playing the savior, huh? *laughs*

Dr. Leo: Seriously... We're used to it now. *sits*

Dr. Chloe: Where are the other doctors?? Why are we the ones called when we work in different fields?

Dr. Tara: We've only one field & that's-

CROWD: Medical Field.

Dr. Tara: That's right! Don't worry, guys, we're not the only ones working here.

Dr. David: Basically, we were supposed to have a bit of chill life. But thanks to our Dr. Tara, we're here in the emergency ward & our own ward too. *exhausted*

Dr. Lynn: It's exhausting indeed. But we're doctors, that's what matters.

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): What's up, doctors?

CROWD: Good morning, Chief. *exhausted*

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): Uh... Doesn't look like good morning.

Dr. Lynn: Chief, do you have any news about the camping?

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): You guys look so excited about it. Right, Dr. Tara?

Dr. Tara: Yaayy~ *fake smile*

Dr. David: Stop that you're so obvious.

Dr. Smith (Chief doctor): *laughs* This afternoon we're having a meeting & then I might be able to give you some info.

Canteen area

Dr. David: Do you think we'll go to a village or something?

Dr. Leo: I'm very bad in hiking.

Dr. Chloe: Nah, what if we've to go to another country?? *excited*

Dr. Lynn: I don't think so. Usually, for free medical camping, the team is sent to the village sides or somewhere with no medical supplies. *munching*

Dr. Tara: ...

Dr. Chloe: Why are you so quiet, Tara?

Dr. Tara: An important question! *slams* Exactly how many of US will be going??

Dr. David: What do you mean??

Dr. Tara: I mean, it's not like only five of us will go. There'll be more doctors, right?? Since I'm in charge, I need to know how many doctors I'll be babysitting.

Dr. David: We think the only baby here is you.

Dr. Tara: What did YOU SAY?!?!?

Dr. David: Nothing... *avoiding*

Dr. Chloe: We can know everything after today's meeting.

Dr. Leo: Chloe's right. Let's be patient till then. Chief will definitely inform us of everything.

Dr. Tara: Right. *pondering*

In the meeting room

Luna: Good afternoon, everyone.

Executive leaders: Good afternoon.

Luna: I called this meeting to let everyone know that this morning, I received a mail from the investor we were waiting for. Please confirm me, Mr. CFO & we start the process for our medical camp. The selected doctors are on the list, as everyone can see & I decided a location too. Please let me know your opinions.

CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Ma'am, I also received the confirmation of funds & they said once we start, they'll be helping us immediately. So, we can continue.

Luna: Great! About the location...

Executive leaders: It's nice & there are so many people in need there.

Luna: Alright, then. I'll be approving this project then. Do you want to add any other doctor to the team?

Executive leaders: ....No, Ma'am. We confirm the location too.

Luna: Fine. Please proceed as decided & our team will be leaving after a week. Until then, please make sure all supplies are ready. Our team will be going to

Avalonia.