Alle Kapitel von WAS I TOO LATE?: Kapitel 11 – Kapitel 20

The automatic doors slid open, and I stepped into St. Victoria Medical Center wearing my white coat for the first time. The faint scent of antiseptic filled the air as doctors and nurses hurried through the corridors, each focused on saving another life. Despite the nervous flutter in my stomach, a sense of purpose settled over me."Good morning, Dr. Brooks."I turned to find a cheerful nurse with a bright smile extending her hand."I'm Lily. I'll be showing you around today."I returned her smile."It's nice to meet you."As we walked through the busy halls, Lily pointed out the different departments, introducing me to staff along the way. Everyone seemed welcoming, and for the first time since arriving in the city, I felt like I belonged somewhere.Just as we reached the Emergency Department, a doctor in blue scrubs hurried over, carrying a patient file."You must be Dr. Ariana Brooks," he said with an easy smile. "I've heard a lot about yesterday's interview. I'm Dr. Adrian Hayes."

Morning came with little sleep, but I refused to let another anonymous message control my life. I tied my hair into a ponytail, slipped into my white coat, and reminded myself why I became a doctor in the first place.To save lives.The hospital was as busy as ever. Between ward rounds, emergency consultations, and checking on recovering patients, the hours passed quickly. By the end of my shift, I had barely noticed the ache in my feet."You look exhausted."I looked up to find Lily grinning at me with her hands on her hips."That's because I am.""Perfect," she said. "Then you definitely need dinner."Before I could refuse, another voice joined in."I agree."Dr. Adrian Hayes walked over, still wearing his surgical cap around his neck."You've spent an entire week working yourself into the ground. One meal won't hurt."I laughed softly."You two don't give people much of a choice, do you?""Nope," Lily answered proudly. "Come on. There's a small restaurant nearby. The food is amazin

The invitation sat on my bedside table all night.Every time I looked at it, the silver letters seemed to shine brighter.The Volkov Foundation Annual Charity Gala.I still didn't know who Damien Volkov was, but judging by the elegance of the invitation, he was someone important.The next morning, I slipped it into my handbag before leaving for work.The hospital was unusually lively.Doctors and nurses hurried through the corridors, talking excitedly about the gala."I heard half the city's elite will be there.""It's a fundraising event for the children's wing.""Our chairman is attending too."I slowed my steps."Our chairman?"Lily appeared beside me carrying a stack of patient files."You didn't know?" she asked."Know what?""Mr. Moretti rarely attends public events, but everyone says he'll be at tonight's gala."My heart skipped."Mr. Moretti?"She looked at me curiously."You've met him before, haven't you?""Only... briefly."Lily smiled."Then you're lucky. Most employees ne

music softened, conversations faded into the background as every eye in the ballroom seemed to settle on me.On my left stood Lucian Moretti, calm and unreadable in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.On my right stood Damien Volkov, wearing an effortless smile that somehow felt more dangerous than welcoming.Both men waited.Neither spoke.Neither looked away.My heart hammered against my ribs."I..."Before I could answer, another familiar voice interrupted the heavy silence."Dr. Brooks."Adrian stepped forward with an apologetic smile."I believe you promised me the first dance."For a second, I stared at him, completely caught off guard.Then I realized what he was doing.He was giving me an escape.A grateful smile spread across my face."I believe I did."I slipped my hand into Adrian's."If you'll excuse us."Without waiting for another response, Adrian led me toward the center of the ballroom as the orchestra began a slow waltz.Behind us, Damien chuckled quietly."Clever."Lu

The first thing I heard was screaming, then came the sound of shattering glass.People scattered in every direction as panic swept through the ballroom."Get down!"Someone pulled me toward the floor just as another chandelier swayed violently overhead.My eyes searched the crowd until they found him.Lucian.He was still standing.One hand pressed against his left shoulder.Dark blood seeped through the sleeve of his tuxedo.My heart lurched."Mr. Moretti!"Without thinking, I ran toward him."Ariana!" Adrian shouted from behind me."It's dangerous!"I didn't stop.I was a doctor before anything else.By the time I reached Lucian, Marco and several security guards had already formed a protective circle around him."Boss, we need to leave."Lucian ignored him.His eyes remained fixed on me."I'm fine."I frowned."No, you're bleeding.""It's only a scratch."I grabbed his wrist before he could pull away."Sit down."For a brief moment, everyone around us froze.No one spoke to Lucian