The Plaza

The afternoon sun in Madrid was golden and unforgiving, bouncing off the white-stone facades of the Plaza de Oriente. Ariana felt like she was stepping out of a tomb as she exited the Lopez mansion and climbed into the back of the SUV. The library—and the sound of Mateo’s voice—still clung to her like a second skin.

"Oh my god, you look so much better!" Cami chirped, tucking a loose strand of Ariana’s hair behind her ear. "The white shirt is a bit... 'I'm about to go on a shift,' but it’s definitely more comfortable than that green dress. Honestly, Ari, you were so quiet at breakfast. My dad didn't bore you to death with those protocols, did he?"

"No," Ariana lied, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "He was... very thorough."

"He’s a perfectionist. It’s why he’s the best surgeon in the country, but he can be a total hard-ass." Cami laughed, oblivious to the way Ariana flinched at the description. "But don't worry. This afternoon is about us. Churros and wine. Mostly wine."

As they sat at a small, elegant table at an outdoor café overlooking the Royal Palace, Ariana tried to force herself to relax. She watched the tourists and the pigeons, trying to reclaim the version of herself that existed forty-eight hours ago.

"So," Cami said, leaning in, her eyes dancing with excitement. "Now that you've officially met him, what do you think? Be honest. Is he as intimidating as I told you?"

Ariana nearly choked on her sip of white wine. "He's... a lot, Cami. I'm not sure he even likes me."

"Right? People at the hospital call him 'El Cirujano de Hielo'—The Ice Surgeon. Because he never loses his cool. Not once." Cami sighed, swirling her glass. "Sometimes I wish he’d just... react, you know? But I guess that’s what makes him Mateo Lopez."

He reacts, Ariana thought bitterly, feeling the phantom heat of his thumb against her throat. He reacts when no one is looking.

"Anyway," Cami continued, "I told him you’re moving in tomorrow. He didn't even argue. Usually, he’s so picky about who stays in the house, but he actually said it was a 'logical arrangement' given your new role. That’s basically a glowing endorsement from him."

"Cami, are you sure about this?" Ariana asked, her voice small. "I don't like this... feeling. Maybe I should just stay at my place. It’s a lot to ask of your family."

ahhh

"Don't you dare! We’ve planned this for years," Cami pouted. "Besides, Dad is barely ever there. He lives at the hospital. You’ll have the whole guest wing to yourself. It’ll be like our own private dorm, but with better wine and a chef."

Before Ariana could argue further, a shadow fell over their table.

"Dr. Lopez’s daughter? And... Miss Cole, I presume?"

Ariana looked up to see a tall, elegant man in a white lab coat over a sharp suit.

"Dr. Moreno!" Cami beamed. "Ari, this is Dr. Moreno, one of the senior residents. He works directly under my dad."

"I saw your file on the Chief’s desk this morning, Miss Cole," Moreno said, his eyes lingering on Ariana with a clear interest. "The Chief spoke very highly of your credentials. He was quite adamant about which ward you'd be assigned to. It’s rare to see him take such a personal interest in a new hire."

"He did?" Ariana asked, her voice hollow.

"Oh, absolutely. He’s already rearranged the January schedule to ensure your rotations align with his surgical blocks," Moreno added. "I look forward to working with you. Perhaps I can show you the local spots once you’ve settled in?"

"She's moving into our house tomorrow," Cami added helpfully.

Moreno’s eyebrows shot up. "The Lopez estate? Well. You’re certainly in the inner circle then. See you at the hospital, Miss Cole."

As he walked away, Ariana felt the noose tighten. Mateo hadn't just 'approved' her move; he was architecting her entire life.

"See?" Cami smiled, popping a grape into her mouth. "Everyone is already obsessed with you. It’s going to be the best year ever."

Ariana looked at the palace, the grand, beautiful building suddenly looking like a fortress she was being locked inside.

Cami’s phone buzzed on the table. She looked at it and groaned.

"Ugh, Dad just texted. He’s leaving the hospital early. He wants us back for an 'early dinner' to discuss your move-in logistics. He said... and I quote... 'Make sure Ariana is ready. I don't like to be kept waiting.'"

Ariana looked at her half-finished wine. The sun was setting and so was her mood.