All Chapters of Beneath The Facade : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Aiden Soft music floats in the background, complementing the ambiance and décor of the restaurant I've chosen for this occasion. The menus are tantalizing, the tables set to perfection, and the setting evokes a flavorful blend of romance. The lighting dances across Katherine's olive skin, enhancing her radiance.Katherine is a stunning woman. She looks queenly in her attire: a shimmering turquoise spaghetti dress that clings to her body like a second skin. She's the kind of woman men would go weak in the knees for. However, tonight's outcome is an irony to the venue I've picked.I anticipate her reaction as the silence lingers after I drop the bombshell. Her expression falls slowly, her mouth thinning into a flat line, following my announcement. I watch her with alertness as she twirls her fork and knife expertly on either side of her plate. She assesses me with a grave look that makes me contemplate bolting.Fear the silent ones, they say. For they are the most brutal. The silence s

Hermione It remains a few hours before my shift is over. I don't have any surgery scheduled until the next two days. Mercifully.As I step out into the hallway, my path is intercepted by Professor Patel.He is one of the oldest doctors to have worked in the hospital, even though he attempts to appear young.He never fails to dye his graying hairs into an obsidian black. He has that air of cheerfulness about him, which is a sharp contrast to my typical aloofness and icy personality.Residents love to join his team rather than be under my mentorship. "Impressive performance, as always, Professor Pierce," Doctor Patel says, clapping loudly.My dad's name is Pierce - Jackson Pierce. My mom refuses to change her surname fully to his after marriage, hence the two surnames on my profile: Hermione Watson Pierce. I introduce myself first as Hermione Pierce, before adding Watson as my other surname. Most of my colleagues are often baffled by this act of mine, wondering why I would hide my af

Hermione I stormed out of my mom's office in annoyance the previous day. However, I still looked up the details of the second son she had chosen for me. His reports were just as egregious as the prospect of getting married to his father - a reckless playboy with a lackadaisical attitude toward his duties. I wondered what my mom was thinking, trying to matchmake me with a man like him.She was concocting another of her manipulative plans, deliberately choosing the less ambitious Mendes brother to gain the upper hand in our marriage. I cringed at the thought of my life with him, being played like a puppet at my mom's disposal.When I recalled his thoughts about me, which I had overheard at the restaurant, I couldn't help but tut. Our paths crossing had been an unexpected turn of events. I hadn't realized he was sitting behind me until he mentioned my name. I'm not the type to eavesdrop on other people's conversations, but the restaurant's setting wasn't conducive to subtlety.I had alm

Hermione I set down my pen after finishing writing Chairman Gonzalez's surgical report, and I hand it to Dr. May, who is standing by to have it delivered. She takes it from me and promptly leaves my office after a brief bow, her eyes cast downward in respect.I sit comfortably in my chair, taking a moment of respite before going on my rounds and calling it a day. I roll back the sleeve of my lab coat, check the time on my wristwatch, and let out a soft sigh. I twist my mouth in discomfort at the impending date I have with Aiden Mendes, feeling a sense of dread wash over me.The date will be awkward, undoubtedly. I would rather work overnight in the hospital, surrounded by the familiar scent of antiseptic and the hum of medical equipment, than endure the distress of sitting at a table with Aiden Mendes, making small talk and pretending to be interested. I doubt that we will find a common ground to connect, given our vastly different backgrounds and personalities. We are two opposing

AidenMy phone chimes as I halt my car in Dad's parking space. I glance down at it, a surly expression on my face. It's a message from Mr. Neil. He's following through on his promise, forwarding Hermione Watson Pierce's dossier to me. My gaze flickers to the bouquet lying sideways on the seat next to me. I had high hopes for tonight's evening, but they were promptly dashed with her lack of appearance. Her disregard for me is noted loud and clear.I pick up my phone, leaving the bouquet in the car, and get out. I lock the door and make my way inside. So, this is what being heartbroken feels like. I should be heading to purgatory now to repent for the numerous hearts I've scarred in the past while dating aimlessly. I continue on my way towards my room, kick off my shoes with the back of my feet, undress, and step into the shower. My clothes litter the path to the lavish bathroom in my room. I kick them out of my way and turn on the shower.Water rains down on my head, and I stand the