Chapter 2

Lucia’s POV

It was a Sunday but it was a bit different today as I had taken a day off as the results for the examination were supposed to be out today. Carlo was still sleeping as he had been awake the whole night studying for his upcoming semester-end examination, hence I just let him sleep in. I woke up and accomplished my routine, then sat down and opened the site where my results were going to be posted. Every minute that passed made my heart beat faster than before. Finally, it was time, I hurriedly filled in my details, and while doing so I had my fingers crossed the whole time. The last time I prayed so much was probably on the day of results last year. The screen changed which made my expression change. I screamed at the top of my voice which made Carlo who was sleeping peacefully wake up all of a sudden. He stood up and asked what was wrong or if I’d hurt myself. I went and gave him a tight hug and told him that I finally made it. I had finally passed the examination and now I could apply to any hospital as a doctor. Carlo was happier than me. He told me that he would be cooking the food today and he wanted me to enjoy myself to the fullest as I had made an accomplishment. The first thing I did after the results came out was to make a resume and apply to almost every hospital, from least-known to well-known in the town. I was so happy and wanted to spend time by myself, so I headed out and went to the park which was just a few minutes away from our home. Even though the park was so close to our home it was my first the time visiting it in the past few years. I went and just rested on the bench. I could hear the kids playing and their giggles and laughs which made me feel so much better. I then just strolled around and then went back home and just lazed. At night Carlo made a sumptuous meal for both of us. I don't know where he got the money from. When asked, he said that he had been saving money from his part-time job for this day. He said that whether or not I passed he was ready to cheer me up with the meal he had cooked. I enjoyed the day to the fullest.

Only a week had passed when I received a mail. I got a job as a trainee doctor at the best hospital in the country. This was truly eye-opening as I never thought that I would be able to get a job that too in a well-known hospital. It was named 'The Lilac Hospital’. The email had the day mentioned that I was supposed to join the hospital. I was so elated that made it finally and that now I wouldn't have to work part-time jobs. I was finally having a stable job where I would earn better. The first thing I would do is to move out of this uncomfortable house which did not have enough space for us. I started fantasizing about all the things I would do. It was another day for celebration today we just spent some quality time together as the time we spent together was much more precious than monetary pleasure.

It was the first day of work I don't know why I got so comfortable and slept longer than usual. I hurriedly got ready and left for work. I reached the hospital an hour late. I was ready to be scolded on the first day of work. I went to the reception, normally one would be assigned as a trainee doctor with an experienced one, but I was told to go to the CEO’s office. I knew that I was going to be scolded badly for being late on the first day of work. I am going to be tagged as irresponsible and for knows what. The CEO’s office was on the 30th floor which was the topmost floor. Even though I took a lift the time felt to be going so slowly. Each second that passed made me think of all sorts of things that I would be facing, embarrassment, shame, and probably he would fire me on my first day of work. No wait, it's not even my first day of work as I haven't even started working. To be honest I should have considered myself lucky enough to be able to have gotten this job. This hospital is well-known in the country and hence the CEO is almost in every magazine because of his popularity and good name. Was his name, Lorenzo De Luca? As my thoughts continued along with my frustration and anxiety, I reached the 30th floor. I got out and found a woman waiting out. I thought she was probably waiting for the elevator but instead, she walked toward me and said, “You must be Ms. Lucia Greco?” I didn't even realize what was going on and told her that I was. She just told me to follow her to the office which was looking more like a house than an office. After we went in, I realized that she was the secretary of Mr. De Luca. I saw a man in a suit with long hair that was slicked back, he had hazel eyes which made him look so pure. He looked much more handsome in real life. I would love to be scolded by such a man so I was ready to be insulted. But I was taken back as I was warmly welcomed rather than being scolded. He said, “Welcome Ms. Greco! I have been waiting for you for long.” Was he saying it sarcastically or did he really mean it? I was confused but I surely knew that I was really embarrassed at that moment. All I said was I’m really sorry I won’t be late next time. He then instantly replied saying, “Oh no! I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to give you a warm welcome. By the way welcome to the Lilac Hospital officially. You will be working with Dr. Marino.” Just when he said this a man walked in, he was rather old. Then Mr. De Luca continued saying, “This is Dr. Marino, you will be working under him. He is the best doctor in the hospital and he is a veteran. So, you are in safe hands. If you face any difficulties you can come to me anytime.” After the conversation Dr. Marino told me to follow him. He took me to the staff accommodation and introduced me to the others. I had already begun the day awfully by being late so I thought about compensating it by at least having a good impressed on my colleagues so I gave a genuine smile and introduced myself. I don’t the why but every person present in the room was looking as if I had committed a grave crime. After I was terribly ignored by them, Dr. Marino told me to go and attend the patient who had been suffering from stomach ache. I was on my way when a blonde woman came towards me with a curious expression and asked, “ Do you really have an affair with the CEO?” I was stunned by the utter nonsense she was speaking. I told her that there was nothing between me and the CEO and that I had never even seen him before today let alone knowing him. She was a bit confused and said, “ But the rumors say that you have the CEO by your side and you got the job because of him.” I replied saying that the rumors were false and that I got in because of sheer luck. She then introduced herself as Maria. She was quite sweet and kind just that she is quite nosy. She even helped me get along with the environmental and helped me with the first task that was given to me. After that a senior doctor told me to go and arrange the old files in the store room as people would come for inspection any time soon. The hospital being so big there would be numerous files and asking me to do it alone when I’m new to it is almost bullying me. I did not want to give up. I was sure that I would win over them with my talent. I made my way to basement level 1 which was used as the storage.

The storage was dark I turned on the flashlight on my phone to search for the switchboard. As I turned the flash on I felt a pair of hands around my waist. I panicked and was about to scream when one of the hands made its way to my face and stopped me from doing so. Then I felt a head resting on my shoulder, I felt cold lips near my ears which whispered, “ Heard you got a job, so I’m here to reward you.” It was the same voice that heard a month back. How could I forget it? I then calmed myself. He then continued, “ So, are you ready for your reward?” After these words were uttered from his mouth I knew that what was about to come was not at all good for me. I don’t know why but even after knowing what was about to come I stood silent waiting for him to take action.

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