Chapter 3

Mara's POV

Being pregnant and still going to school is one of the most difficult things I would never recommend to any woman in my life. It is very exhausting, and sometimes it feels like you're carrying two lives while trying to survive in one at the same time.

Pregnancy comes with lots of things, especially dealing with morning sickness without warning, nausea, which made my stomach twist until I couldn't breathe, and worst of all...vomiting and spitting.

I slept during class hours even without meaning to because my eyes were so heavy to open... But no matter how stressful it got, I endured it. I have to do that for the sake of my child.

I thought of aborting the baby because I don't even know the father too well, and it's just a one-night stand, but then on second thought... . This is something I swore not to do-ending a life I didn't create. I never wanted to soil my hand with the blood of an innocent child.

Waking up each morning and hearing the little heartbeat, I felt so fulfilled and happy.... . My child deserves to live even if the world calls the baby a bastard, even if the father will never claim him or her... I will train my baby alone. I will do anything to keep my baby safe.

There is no day that passes without his face flashing on my mind... I could vividly remember how he dismissed me, the hatred and anger on his face when he said it like it was nothing.

The way he told me to get out like I was just a random prostitute begging for money and that he settled with me already...everything still felt like yesterday. At least it was well explained to me; I was not needed.

To tell my parents? No, I wasn't ready to do that, at least not yet... even though I know it would be difficult to hide it when the baby bump gets bigger because we live in the same apartment, I just need time to figure out what to tell them exactly.

If Mom finds out about this especially, she will literally skin me alive! For the fact that she already doesn't like me, I can only imagine how she would transfer that hatred to my child, and that is the least thing I wanted for my baby...this child can't suffer the way I do.

***

Well, today is my first day at the hospital for an internship. It was only a few weeks ago when our principal announced that in the nursing department, it turned out to be part of the interns going to work in the biggest hospital in the city for real clinical practice.

This is more like a dream come true because I have always wanted to go to New Era Hospital and gain some experiences. My school is a big and prestigious school, and somehow, through the grace of a scholarship, I made it here.

I turned off the alarm and rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower...I'm even running late for the orientation because last night was hectic from lots of house chores.

My head felt so heavy, and I was dizzy, but I carried myself through it... I dressed up carefully in my neat nursing scrub, combed and packed my hair into a ponytail, and wrapped it round into a tight bun, yeah...nursing style!

I applied a little makeup on my face, just enough to hide the tiredness. I stared at my reflection in the mirror one more time and managed to fix a smile on my face.

"You're still beautiful, and you can do this." I reassured myself. To be honest, I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time, knowing fully well that the day was going to be stressful with long shifts, heavy ward rounds, and constant pressure to do everything perfectly.

My tummy isn't showing yet, but I can feel the secret growing every time I move. I place a gentle hand on my flat belly. "We'll get through this," I whisper.

Just as I was about to step out, my phone buzzed, and I picked it up immediately...it was Lila. "Hey girl, where are you? I'm already at the hospital, and the doctor will arrive soon." She said, and my heart dropped.

"I'm on my way!" I said quickly, and the line went dead.... I don't want problems on my first day. I opened the door and rushed downstairs. I was about to leave when I found my younger brother Philip standing and blocking the veranda. He's grinning at the camera of a shiny new iPhone 16, snapping pictures like he owns the world.

My eyes widened in shock because there's no way he could afford a phone like that.But I couldn't care less; I made it to pass, but he blocked my way.

"Where are you going to, sis? The plates are dirty in the kitchen. Who will wash them?" He sneered at me and continued snapping pictures. Yeah, the arrogance in his voice makes my blood boil.

Philip has always been like this-spoiled, reckless, and rude-but I didn't have time for all of that today. Mom always supports him, no matter how wrong he is.

"Philip," I bark, rushing toward him, anger burning up my spine. "Get out of my way! I'm running late, and besides, where did you get that phone? Is that a new phone? How can you even afford it? You can't afford that phone because we both know it's too expensive!"

He barely glances at me, his mouth twisting into a smirk. "Oh really? You're monitoring me now?" His voice drips with sarcasm.

"What do you mean by 'afford'? I'm an adult, just like you. You can't just come out here and start snooping around, asking questions like you own me. Before you came, I was doing something important. Why don't you just get out of my space by going to the kitchen to wash those plates?"

He said and then turned, "Also ... I'm hungry and need to eat this morning too."

My stomach twisted with his words... I wanted to give him a slap, but then I walked closer to him, refusing to back down. "If you're hungry and think you're an adult, then go and make yourself food!"

He didn't even flinch as he continued with his phone. I was so pissed off as my heart hammered against my ribs. "What are you trying to tell me? You don't even have a job. Don't tell me this came from my savings again! Philip, did you steal from my savings?" My voice rises with fury.

"That money was for Dad's medication. Do you even understand how many night shifts I worked to afford it? How many sleepless hours did I spend while you slept peacefully? How could you do this!?" I should, as tears were threatening to spill out... but held it.

Philip rolls his eyes, still snapping selfies. "Yeah, it's a new phone. So what? And yes, I used the money from your savings... I needed new tech...like, the newest and latest phone. How can I not get one when I'm going to be an engineer?" He laughs bitterly.

"Please, shift from the window. You're blocking the light." He added, and I almost lost it.

My breath catches in outrage. Without thinking twice, I rushed to him and snatched the phone from his hand. "Give it to me! I'm returning this right now!"

"Mom! Mom!" Philip screams dramatically. I expected that.

I heard the bedroom door slam open and mom stormed out, her face twisted with fury and rage. "What is going on here? Mara! You again?!" Her voice cracked like a whip against my skin.

Philip faked tears immediately and pointed an accusing finger at me... My eyes widened in disbelief. "Mom, tell your daughter to give me back my phone. She's trying to destroy my career again!"

Before I could even say anything to defend myself, Mom pushed me to the cushion and snatched the phone from my hand. She turned furiously and gave me a thunderous slap on my cheeks. My head jerked to the side from the force as tears blurred my vision.

"How dare you!?" she yells. "He's your younger brother! Why is it so difficult for you to support him? Can you, for once in your life, stop being so selfish?!" Her voice cracks like thunder.

But then she stopped and hesitated narrowing her eyes before she said. "You're not even my real..." She stops abruptly, her mouth snapping shut.

I freeze trying to figure out what she is trying to say in confusion "Not your real what?" I asked, My chest tightened painfully, filled with a thousand questions.

Mom quickly looks away, thrusting the phone back into Philip's waiting hands. "Philip, honey, here. Use it however you like. Don't let her touch it again. I'll deal with her."

Tears rolled down my eyes uncontrollably immediately after I heard her say that. She didn't even ask where he got the money.

"Mom, you didn't even ask what happened! That money..." My voice cracks. "That money was for Dad's medication!"

But Philip only laughed out cruelly at me like a mockery, and Mom joined him to laugh at me.

"Your father?" she sneers. "There will be enough money for him later. Your brother's future matters more right now. Even though your father is my husband, I care about him, but Philip is young. He has more future than your father ever will."

I stare at her, my chest rising and falling with fury. My heart feels like it's tearing in half.

Philip went to sit on the cushion smugly and pressed the phone as if nothing happened.

Just then, Dad stepped out of the bedroom, his face looking so pale as he walked slowly to us. "What is all this noise?" he asks sharply. His gaze settles on Philip.

"Why are you giving your sister such a hard time? Can't you see she's doing everything she can for this family? When will you become the son I always hoped for?"

Philip shrinks back for a moment but says nothing.

Dad turned to me and said as he placed his hand on my shoulder softly. "My dear," he says gently, "I'm so sorry for being a burden to you. You shouldn't have to suffer like this at your age."

I couldn't control myself from crying as I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "No, Father," I whisper through sobs.

"You are never a burden to me. I promise I will work as hard as I can to make sure you get better. I swear I'll take care of you."

Before Dad can respond, Mom's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "Enough of this nonsense!" she snaps.

"If they give you a small allowance, you start acting like you're the savior of the world. Mara, get into that kitchen and clean it. Make sure you cook breakfast before stepping out of this house...stupid girl."

I pull back, wiping my wet cheeks. "No, Mom," I say softly but firmly. "I have to leave for my internship; remember I told you guys. I have work to do at the hospital and an orientation. I'm already late."

When I said that, she scoffed and clapped both her hands in irritation. "Oh, please shut up! You're not going anywhere, you hear me? You irresponsible brat, until you finish what you have to do in this house ... no internship for you. Philip, lock the front door!"

Tears wouldn't even let me talk, and I knew that talking or refusing was useless. My dad acts like he was being controlled by her and won't even say anything.I swallowed the words and rushed into the kitchen in tears.

My hands trembled as I grabbed the dirty dishes... I checked the time over and over.

I paused as my hands pressed against my belly. "My child, Mom, is suffering already, and I don't want you to suffer like this with me. I promise I will find a way and work harder to protect you." I cried profusely.

"Mommy loves you so much." This is the main reason why I kept my pregnancy a secret from them.

The way they treat me like a slave and a stranger sometimes makes me wonder if they are actually my real family.....

Chapter 4

Mara's POV

It took me 20 minutes to finish up with the dishes in the kitchen. As soon as I was done, I slipped into my crocs, grabbed my handbag and rushed out of the house without even looking back. Because I know that if i don't do it that way, the mom will try to delay me with other chores.

My heart was beating faster as I ran down the road to board a cab. The clock on my phone glared back at me, a cruel reminder that I was running dangerously late.

When I finally got a taxi after standing on the roadside for what feels like forever, I got a taxi...I still wasn't relieved inside the taxi. I couldn't help but keep on checking the time over and over again.

It felt like the car wasn't even moving at all, I will surely be asked to go home and be disqualified today. My knees trembled restlessly and the traffic on the road was alarming! It seems like it wants to ruin my future at all costs.

"Please," I whispered under my breath, clutching my bag tighter. "Please drive faster...i need to get there urgently." I said to the cab driver...he nodded his head and speed off following another direction.

Soon, we finally got to the hospital's big gates. I nearly jumped out of the car before it could even stop.

My stomach twisted in and even though I felt a bit nausea I still forced my legs to move faster into the elevator. This internship is like a lifeline and I can't afford to lose it.

As I hurried through the glass doors of New Era hospital of texas, i could hear voices coming from the waiting floor which was already indicated that it was the first place we are all supposed to be oriented.

Amidst the voices, I'm sure I heard the voice of my friends and coursemates clearly. I was far away looking into the group of students when I saw a tall man in a crisp white lab coat-guess he's a doctor, and he was with another doctor too.

He was just standing straight behind the entrance...the hallway is so long that even running is useless because it will take up to 3 minutes to get to them.

All I could hear was the doctor's deep and smooth voice as it echoed across the hall. "Is this all of you?" he asked calmly ... .I couldn't see his face because he was facing backwards.

Before anyone else could respond, I heard my friend Lila speak up with her cheerful tone trying to soften the tension.

"No, doctor, we're not complete. One of us is on her way. She called to say she's stuck in traffic, but she'll be here soon." I fastened my pace.

The doctor brought up the list on his hand and then I heard his voice again "This is an internship at one of the largest hospitals in the country," he said firmly.

"New Era hospital is not a place for carelessness. My name is Dr. Alexander and this is my colleague, Dr. Bernard. As for the register, I see one name missing. If she is not here, she will not be listed as an intern. If she's late on the first day, you had better tell her not to bother coming at all."

My breath caught. No, no, no.

I broke into a run across the polished floor, as the sound of my crocs squeaked embarrassingly loud in the vast hall.

"I'm here! I'm here!" I shouted, fumbling for my student ID. My lungs burned from the sprint as I breathed loudly.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," I said, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Traffic was terrible and... there were some personal issues at home."

I bent over slightly trying so hard to catch my breath as I quickly fixed the ID badge to my uniform. My hands were trembling as I clipped it into place perfectly ... .I couldn't even look up as I kept my eyes down focusing on the badge...I was too nervous to even glance at the doctors.

He didn't look up either and his eyes stayed on the file he was holding like he was signing. Slowly, I raised up my head after steadying the badge and froze.

My eyes widened in shock and disbelief as I felt like the world was spinning around me...my heart skipped a beat faster than usual.

Standing right in front of me, in that immaculate white coat, was the man from that night, the stranger I had a one night stand with!

The man who dismissed me immediately and called me a gold digger and paid me off...the father of my child.

My mouth fell open in shock. My eyes widened and at that moment I couldn't even breath or look away from him....he raised his face too and his eyes locked onto mine too. Seems like he recognized me?

Why is he here? My mind raced in a thousand directions. Why is he wearing a doctor's coat? Don't tell me....

"Lila..." I whispered urgently to Lila standing next to me, my voice barely audible. "What is he doing here?"

Lila blinked at me in surprise. "What do you mean by what he's doing here? You don't know him? That's Dr. Alexander." Her eyes sparkled with an irritating admiration as she leaned closer in a way that sounded like she was daydreaming.

"You see, he's the top surgeon in this hospital. Some say he's actually the hidden owner of this entire place, though he keeps it a secret."

"People also say he only performs surgery on presidents and celebrities. Isn't he the hottest man you've ever seen? And guess what-he's going to be our boss. Our supervisor for the internship generally!"

Her words slammed into me like a tidal wave.

Our boss? My heart stumbled. My... one-night stand is my boss?

No. No, this can't be real!

I forced a shaky smile at Lila to mask the awkward situation but deep inside I was spiraling. There is no damn way I can stay in the same hospital with him, with the man who got me pregnant ... .he cannot know about our baby!

Meanwhile, Dr. Alexander finally saw through how surprised I was and broke the ice "You arrived late, Almost one hour late. Who told you that you could keep others waiting, Miss Mara?"

I swallowed hard immediately, just the way he called my name nearly made me stumble...he darted his eyes back to files he was holding nonchalantly, like ... ..he didn't know me at all. I knew...he recognized me.

I could feel the sweat already building up in my palms and forehead, maybe he is trying to disqualify me already.

I knew he hated me from that night and wouldn't want me to work near him but I couldn't afford to lose this internship, especially the fact that this hospital is rich enough to pay interns monthly stipends.

I really need that money for my father's medication especially now that Philip had drained out my savings for a useless phone.

I straightened my shoulders immediately, forcing my voice to stay calm.

"Doctor," I said, my words steady despite the storm inside me, "to be honest, I really need this internship. I promise it won't happen again. I will do anything to keep this internship."

For a long and unbearable moment there was silence as his eyes were still fixed on me. Then he slowly narrowed his eyes as recognition flashed across his face. His jaw tightened. I'm finally going home!

Of course he remembered me now, How could he not?

But instead of the questions or accusations I feared, he only said while still staring at me. "We have zero tolerance for lateness here. If it happens again, you're going home. Understood?"

"Yes, Doctor," I whispered, lowering my eyes quickly. My knees trembled with relief and dread all at once.

Without saying another word, he turned sharply to the other doctor and signaled him to follow him. They walked away together down the hall as their white coats swept behind them.

Immediately they were out of sight, I breathed out in relief letting out the shaky breath I had been holding. But even with that i still have one thought in mind, was he pretending he doesn't remember that night or he actually wanted me here?

Either way, I couldn't risk this job and I will try as much as possible to play it safe, i will only have to stay quiet and keep my distance away from him at all cost.

If I stayed in my lane, I might survive this internship without disaster.

Soon, the others left with one of the senior nurses to be posted in one of the departments and I was left alone with one other senior nurse except Lila.

She walked closer to me and said with shock in her voice. "Oh my goodness," she said under her breath, glancing toward the hallway where Dr. Alexander had disappeared.

"That was close.. you have some luck, Miss Mara. Dr. Alexander despises lateness. You're the only person he's ever let off without punishment. Don't do it again, understand?"

I nodded quickly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

The nurse leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Be careful, He's a brilliant surgeon, but he's ruthless when it comes to rules."

"I... I understand," I said softly. My voice sounded far away, even to me.

Lila drew closer and held my hand tightly, squeezing gently. Her bright eyes tried to chase away my fear. "It's all right," she said with a reassuring smile.

"You'll get used to him. Just don't be late again, okay? I can't afford to lose my best friend."

I forced a smile and nodded quickly. "It's okay lila... I'll be careful."

Saying that is more like a waste of time because deep inside my mind, I have a lot of questions to ask.

How on earth am I going to hide my pregnancy from him?

Chapter 5

Alexander's POV

It's been a few weeks almost 4 weeks since that night with her, but the memories still replays in my head like a shadow I cannot shake off. But every time I closed my eyes her beautiful face filled my mind...the way she kissed me, the way her eyes were filled with lust and craving got me captivated.

I've been with a lot of women in my life but I will be honest that none of them ever haunted me the way she does. At some point I thought I was going crazy, on a normal note I was supposed to forget everything about her after paying her off and move on.

Instead, I find myself replaying every sound she made while I was snatching her soul from her body that night as if my mind refuses to let it go.

Sometimes I even had to wonder if she is the same girl from my childhood, the one girl who saved me in a way I couldn't explain. Yeah! I know the thought felt ridiculous but I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it..her presence kept gaining at me.

After that night, I even had to drive down to that same street each day to look for her indirectly, maybe I could see her...but there was nothing. Eventually I had to force myself to let it go, but my heart refused to listen.

This morning began like every other day and I felt so energetic, waking up before sunrise, checking my emails first and marking some important surgeries on my calendar. I dressed up in my crisp white coat and drove off.

Upon getting to the hospital I went straight to the waiting floor which was where all interns gathered for a brief orientation. But there were supposed to be just five of them, which is only candidates who were picked out specifically from hundreds of applications.

But then when I counted the list I saw just four at that point, I got so pissed off because one thing I don't spare is lateness but when she rushed in breathing heavily, my heart pounded against my chest as my eyes widened in disbelief.

What is she doing here?

I was captivated immediately by her beautiful eyes and curvy body from the scrub she was putting on. She is damn pretty! And for a moment, I totally forgot the other interns and was caught off guard. My chest tightened as the memories of that night crashed over me like a storm.

And more importantly....what does it mean that we will be working under the same hospital? This isn't good. This isn't good at all.

I shifted my gaze away from her immediately and kept my eyes on the file pretending to focus on the file in my hand but when I tried to scold her and she pleaded with me, I couldn't get myself to dismiss her again.

And at that moment, I felt like I wanted to protect her. And that was how I signed her file against my rules and allowed her to stay. I could imagine the facial expressions of the other nurses right now.

***

I left with Bernard to my office, my mind still filled with questions and excitement at the same time. Bernard has been my colleague and oldest friend for so long and I was arranging some files on the table when he folded his arms beside me grinning like a five year old child.

"Alright dude," Bernard said with a knowing smirk. "What was that about? Since when do you go easy on interns? Don't tell me you've suddenly grown a soft spot for that pretty girl, Or..." His eyes narrowed mischievously. "Do you have a crush on her?"

I froze immediately I heard that and my hands stopped with the files, I was totally caught off guard and my jaw tightened slightly. I've known benard for so long as someone who has always been annoyingly perceptive.

"She's the girl," I said quietly.

"What girl?"

"The one I told you about. The night I... I had a one-night stand with."

Immediately he heard that his eyes widened in shock and his lips parted slightly in disbelief before i knew it, he started laughing loudly

"No way! Don't tell me she's the same mystery woman you couldn't stop talking about for days. The one who's been living rent-free in your head. Damn, Alex." He giggled but I refused to give him the satisfaction that he wanted.

"Hundreds of interns would sell their souls for a glance from you and you've never blinked. She must be special. And she's gorgeous. I mean, I can see why you..."

"Stop! Please...." My voice came out sharper than I intended. I felt so irritated at his over blabbering tease and telling me exactly how I felt.

But I knew that on the other hand, he was right about Mara, she's just different from the others and that difference scares me more than I'd admit it.

"It was a mistake ... .and that's all. Look, I need to stay away from her. We're going to work together, and I can't afford distractions so anything that happened between us is all in the past and this ends here."

Bernard leaned back, grinning like a cat with a secret. "Sure, boss. Whatever you say. But you might want to sit down for this next part."

"What part?" I asked him, narrowing my eyes.

He tapped his phone, pretending to check something while enjoying my growing annoyance.

"I'm calling the admin. Guess who just got approved to work the same shift as you, for the entire internship? I sent them a message now to allow Mara to work with you for the entire process."

My eyes opened slowly from shock and I stared at him, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach. "You wouldn't dare! Don't try that"

"Oh, I already did," he said with a laugh. "Consider it... fate."

My chest was boiling with anger but even if I had the power to stop that from happening, I just couldn't!

I cursed under my breath as benard chuckled all the way out of my office.

Fate? Now this is the worst part of it all!

Mara's POV

The senior nurse gave me a patient file to submit to the admin's office. I walked down the hallway holding the file tightly. For some reason I felt so nervous on my first day because of him.

My mind wasn't focused on the file in my hand...it was spinning around Doctor Alexander. How am I supposed to hide my pregnancy while working here? The question burned in my head.

And that was when I regretted everything that happened that night. I was the cause of all this and had it been I listened to him when he whispered that we should use protection because he wasn't ready to be a father then this wouldn't have happened.

He didn't want a child yet here I am, carrying his child inside me. This is the main reason why I shouldn't even disclose it to him because if he finds out, he will reject the baby automatically for sure!

I will not give him that power to do that, I will protect my baby even if it means hiding the truth every single day of this internship.

But the problem is, how do I get to hide this pregnancy? How do I hide something that will eventually show up? My uniform has already started tightening around my waist even if it's just 3 weeks.

It can't be hidden for long.

I went into the administration office and found the senior nurse there...I tried to focus and handed her the file I was holding as she handed me my work schedule.

"You'll find your supervisor listed inside, you will be supervised by him throughout your internship" she said briskly.

I thanked her and left the office, flipping through the schedule as I walked. My eyes skimmed the names searching for my supervisor while I mistakenly bumped into someone and the book fell and scattered on the floor.

I slowly looked up to apologize and my stomach dropped. It was him...Dr. Alexandra his eyes were locked into mine and I couldn't help but part my lips slightly at the sight of those golden brown.

His expression was unreadable and I felt my pulse quickening, he looked composed as always but the way he looked at me right now shows he recognises me.

"I...I'm sorry," I stammered, bending quickly to gather the scattered papers. My fingers trembled.

He picked them up instead with a calm precision and scanned through it slowly

"Miss Mara," he said finally, his voice low but clear, "it seems we'll be working together from now on. I'm your supervisor for this internship."

The words struck me like a tidal wave as my eyes widened in disbelief I felt cold shivers rushing down my spine.

"What?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.

His expression didn't change, but he just gave the faintest and mischievous smile like a lot planned for me.

"Yes," he said, handing the file back to me. "You and I will be on the same shift. Starting from now."

No! No! This can't happen, my heart pounded against my ribs. I wanted to scream and ask for a different supervisor apart from him but all i could do was just to stand there frozen and staring into his eyes. Of all the doctors in this hospital, why him?

What kind of a cruel twist of fate is this? How am I supposed to stay away from him now?

It seems like I can't stay away from him after all.