Chapter One

As if the world had faded into nothing—the sharp scent of antiseptic lingering in the sterile air, the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock slicing through the silence—Chris fixed his almost translucent blue eyes on the black-tiled floor. His gaze was distant, vacant.

A faint crease formed on his forehead beneath the fringe of his neatly trimmed hair, resembling the delicate folds in fine fabric. He didn’t lift his head when the door creaked open and footsteps echoed into the ward.

“These are your medications.” A masculine yet soft voice broke the quiet. A dull thud followed as a tray was placed on the shelf bedside.

Chris clenched his fists, the sharp pain in his skull intensifying. His vision blurred as the floor seemed to shift beneath him, a relentless pounding in his head. He closed his eyes, a burning heat spreading through his chest.

He dug his nails into the fabric of his perfectly pressed suit to steady himself, the sting against his thighs grounding him. He drew a slow, controlled breath.

“You should listen to me, Christen.” The voice carried a quiet authority. The scrape of a chair against the tile signalled the doctor’s movements.

A faint trace of almond-scented cologne drifted to Chris, curling in his nostrils. His stomach clenched at the familiar scent, and an unbidden image flickered through his mind—a teasing smile, lips curving in amusement.

I’ve always hated Alex for this.

Chris shoved the memory to the back of his mind.

“Being my doctor doesn’t mean I must take your advice.” His voice was low, measured. Finally, he lifted his head, locking eyes with the young doctor.

Their gazes held, unspoken words flickering between them.

Alex’s lips curved slightly as if entertained. Chris had always hated that, too. It was as if Alex could see something Chris couldn’t, as if he could read the thoughts Chris refused to acknowledge.

Chris studied his face—his smooth, oval features, the depth of his midnight eyes—before shifting his gaze to the pristine white of his lab coat.

A sigh left Alex’s lips as he rubbed his palms against his thighs.

“This isn’t about advice.” He leaned in, eyes unwavering. “You don’t have a choice. There’s no way you can handle the project alone in your condition. Three months of intense work—without help? It’s impossible.”

Chris’ jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He straightened, ignoring the fire burning through his chest, and reached for the medication with steady hands, placing each item into his suitcase.

Alex’s eyes followed the movement—sharp, deliberate. The sleek black suit hugged Chris’s tall frame, the cut precise against his broad shoulders. The crisp white shirt underneath made him look even more put together, almost too polished for a hospital ward. His golden wristwatch caught the overhead light, gleaming quietly, like it knew something no one else did. Even his shoes, polished to a mirror shine, gave off a calm kind of power.

He looks like a model, Alex thought, watching him. He just needs to register for it. His gaze lingered on Chris’ face a moment longer, something unspoken stirring behind his eyes before he let out a quiet breath.

“You’ll collapse if you keep this up,” Alex warned, standing. “You can’t push yourself beyond your limit.”

Chris zipped his bag, gripping the handle so tightly it threatened to snap under the pressure. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his vision fluttering.

I can’t be this weak. Not now.

He’d always handled everything himself—his meals, his clothes, his work. No one could do it better. Trusting others only led to mistakes. How could he trust anyone? He had spent years doing things alone, avoiding attachments, avoiding the distractions of unnecessary relationships. Depending on no one but himself.

His heart lifted slightly at the thought, his shoulders squaring. The pain dulled, just a little.

So why should I rely on a mere assistant now? This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen sick.

“It’s just an assistant, not a lover or a family member. Why do you look so tense?” Alex’s voice cut through his thoughts, his tone edged with exasperation.

Chris smirked. “Tense? Me?” He turned to face Alex fully, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You should know me better. I don’t waste my time on foolish attachments.”

Alex gave a slow nod. “Then hiring an assistant shouldn’t be an issue.”

“No.” Chris’ voice was sharp, final. “You’re not just talking about hiring someone but a personal assistant. You want me to invite a stranger into my personal space. To have someone constantly by my side. And I don’t do that, Doctor Alex.”

“You’re suffering—”

“I’ve heard that enough.” Chris cut him off, his patience fraying. Shoving a hand into his pocket, he clenched his fingers into a fist, trying to still their tremor. His body burned from the inside out, his breath scraping against his lungs.

“This decision is mine,” he said coldly. “Whether I hire an assistant or not—it’s not up for discussion.” He turned on his heel, gripping the door handle, and yanking it open before stepping into the hallway.

Once the door clicked shut behind him, Chris fumbled in his pocket for the small container of pills. He popped four into his mouth, swallowing them dry. Leaning against the wall, he shut his eyes tightly, his brows drawing together as another sharp gasp escaped him.

You can’t act like this over a mere chest pain, Christen.

His breaths came shallow, his body slick with sweat. His white shirt clung to his damp skin, and he suddenly felt grimy, suffocated. He glanced down at his soiled shirt and groaned.

The steady echo of footsteps approaching the corridor jolted him upright.

I have to prove Alex wrong.

Straightening his shoulders, Chris strode forward, his expression unreadable. A passing nurse bowed slightly, but he didn’t acknowledge her. His focus was singular.

I’ve been doing this for years. Even if I were to die tomorrow, I wouldn’t need anyone.

A slow, sardonic smile curved his lips.

That is how strong I am, Doctor Alexander. He scoffed under his breath as if dismissing the pain still raging through him, burning like a silent storm beneath his skin.

Thanks for reading!