Episode 1

"Isn't that Naina?" asked Herli, elbowing the stoic-faced man beside him.

"Who's Naina?" Nick replied wearily.

That evening, the two had decided to hit a nightclub. Carrying the status as doctors at a prestigious hospital had left them weary - especially for Nick, the director at Medistra Hospital, where life's complexities seemed to intensify.

But Nickolas Carter had little choice. As an heir of the Carter family, great responsibilities loomed over him, including the leadership of the family hospital.

Recently, Nick had been performing numerous surgeries and was in dire need of an unusual form of entertainment to rejuvenate his zest for life.

Reluctantly, Nick followed Herli's gaze to the direction where Herli's eyes were fixated.

"Naina, don't you remember? The daughter of the patient you took care of? Mrs. Wilda," Herli clarified unambiguously, both working in the same department and understanding each other's patients.

Upon hearing Herli's explanation, Nick sharpened his vision, observing a beautiful and voluptuous woman clinging to a man's arm.

Her features resembled Naina's, but tonight she appeared drastically different.

Within hospital circles, Naina was known as an innocent and hardworking daughter, single-handedly funding her mother's cancer treatment.

Mrs. Wilda required intensive care at the hospital, with costs ballooning. The hospital had suggested a transfer to a private institution, but Naina refused, insisting she could afford her mother's treatment.

It seemed this was how Naina sought funds - by offering her body to lascivious men.

Nick stared intently at her, as if finding the answer to his own dilemmas in her.

"Let's go home," Nick suggested, quickly finishing his drink and rising to leave.

Herli nodded in agreement; they had been there long enough, and it was now midnight.

The night rolled on.

By 7 a.m., Nickolas had arrived at Medistra Hospital.

People greeted him with respect as he walked - nurses, fellow doctors, and other hospital staff. Nick was highly esteemed, but the talk of the town was his called-off marriage. At 34, he was still unwed and without a family.

Nick's strides halted at the least auspicious ward, not his usual domain within the hospital. He paused at the room where Mrs. Wilda was being cared for.

After knocking, the door swiftly opened.

A guileless Naina appeared.

"Doctor Nick, please come in," greeted Naina, stepping back to give ample room for the doctor to enter. It was Doctor Nickolas who had been attending to her mother. For Naina, this hospital was exceptional, which was why she persevered despite her grueling struggle.

"No, I'm not here for Mrs. Wilda," Nickolas began, pausing briefly. "There are some things I need to discuss with you. Can we talk in my office?" he added.

Naina's eyes widened in instant fear, presuming her mother's condition had worsened, which must be what Doctor Nickolas wished to discuss.

"Alright, Doctor, let's go," Naina replied hurriedly, anxiety consuming her. But before leaving the room, she cast a solemn glance at her mother lying frail in bed, barely conscious.

Mrs. Wilda had been in a coma for over two weeks.

With her anxious heart, Naina followed Doctor Nickolas to his office.

"Have a seat," directed Nickolas.

"Thank you, Doctor," said Naina, sitting across from him, separated by the desk.

"What were you doing at Paradise Club last night?" asked Nickolas bluntly.

Naina's heart skipped a beat; how could Doctor Nickolas know about that?

"You've become an escort? How long? Since your mother fell ill?" he interrogated, his questions relentless and unaware of the hurt they inflicted upon Naina. And as he spoke, Nickolas's expression remained frosty.

Naina didn't choose to be a call girl, but she saw no other choice. For her mother, she would do anything.

Knowing her occupation was demeaning didn't warrant her dignity being trampled in such a manner.

The 26-year-old woman found herself speechless, grimly clutching her own hands, now clammy with cold sweat.

"I will keep this from your mother, but in return, marry me," Nickolas declared, his words incomprehensible to Naina. Yet, Doctor Nick further explained he had his reasons for this proposal - he was impotent and had no desire for women.

"Cure me, and afterward, I shall set you free," said Nick.

His words felt like commands, leaving no room for Naina to refuse. They each had secrets, and within those secrets, they were to be bound by marriage.

"Fine, Doctor, I agree," Naina decided, for Doctor Nickolas promised to cover all her mother's medical expenses.

At least now, she wouldn't have to be a prostitute for many, only for Doctor Nickolas.

"Heal me, and then you'll gain your freedom. And perhaps, by then, your mother will recover too."

"Today, I will arrange our marriage," concluded Nickolas.

Naina could only nod, feeling somewhat frightened by how little she knew Doctor Nickolas.

"When with me, be like you were last night, not the innocent Naina you are now. Understand?"

"Yes, Doctor," Naina responded obediently.

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