In her desperation, she pounded the man's back hard and yelled, "Who are you? Let me go, let me go!" The man did not heed her words, letting her hit and shout as he continued walking briskly. Nina was too anxious and agitated to think clearly. All she wanted was to break free from his grasp. She had only been in this place for a few days, unfamiliar with the environment and unsure if there were any thieves or criminals around. She feared getting hurt and her first instinct was to escape the danger.But no matter how hard she pounded, the man showed no intention of harming her. This was not the behavior of a criminal. Plus, even though she was yelling loudly, he did not seem afraid. Could it be...Just as she began to piece things together, she found herself gently placed back on the ground. When she saw his face clearly, Nina's expression changed completely. "You..."But before the words could leave her lips, Nina realized that their relationship had deteriorated to this point,
"How about the baby in your belly?" Nash almost shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. Hearing his voice, Nina's pupils shrank in shock. He suddenly discovered her pregnancy, catching her completely off guard and momentarily leaving her unable to provide a rational explanation.Seeing her stunned expression, Nash knew it was all true. He sneered coldly, "No words? You're the first person to betray me in my entire life. How should I punish you?"Nina felt the heat and danger emanating from his large, powerful hands. She wondered how he managed to find her a few days later, only to realize that he had learned about her pregnancy.Staring into Nash's menacing eyes, she felt as if he could devour her alive. She dared not tell him the truth. Protecting her belly with one hand, she said, "Nash, even if I am pregnant, I haven't violated our agreement of non-interference between us, as you once said. I hope you'll honor your words. Besides, hardly anyone knows about our marriage. If we divo
Nina slapped Nash hard.Nash did not flinch, he caught her slap head-on, leaving a bright red mark on his face. He tilted his head and then coldly stared at Nina.Nina was also shocked, looking at her hand. She had slapped him with considerable force, and her hand was stinging. Her own reaction surprised her as well. In their seven years together, they had conflicts before, but she had never raised her hand. In fact, she doubted if anyone had ever hit Nash before."Nina..." Nash's voice was filled with menace.Nina withdrew her numb hand, explaining, "I didn't mean to... If you didn't act out, I wouldn't have hit you!"Nash was seething with anger. Nina had the courage to leave him and even to strike him. His clenched fists crackled with tension. His furious demeanor made Nina tremble, fearing he might retaliate with a slap of his own.But Nash just continued to stare at her coldly. "You're willing to do anything for this man!"Nina would not disclose the truth about the child
She even resorted to drugging him! He had only one demand which was to terminate the pregnancy, and she refused! She even wanted to carry someone else's child. How dare she! How dare she utter such words to him! In the end, Nash released her hand, no longer forcing her. However, his gaze was icy, filled with enough disappointment towards her. "Nina, you'll regret this!" His words were firm and decisive. With that said, he paid no attention to Nina's sad expression. Her eyes, slightly teary, showed her strong will as a single tear ran down her cheek, revealing her refusal to give in to him.Nash left without a second glance, disappearing from Nina's view. Nina slowly sank to the ground. Her hands were sore from the tug-of-war and her eyes downcast, filled with indescribable anguish. She was utterly alone. Yet, this solitude was not what she initially desired. It was only after years of disappointment that she thought being alone was preferable and that ending her marriage was
After pausing for several seconds, Nina looked up at Kate. "You want me to interview the CEO of York Corporation?" Kate folded her hands and stood up casually. "Yes, any problem? Interviewing Nash isn't something anyone can handle. You're the most suitable."Nina closed the file and said, "My resume clearly states that I left York Corporation. Aren't you sending me back?"She had left York Corporation without notice. Returning now would be embarrassing.Kate shrugged, unaware of Nina's conflict with Nash. "Just because you came from York Corporation doesn't mean you're off the hook. This task is yours."Nina placed the file on the table. "Chief Editor, I decline this assignment."She did not want any more involvement with Nash.Moreover, he would not treat her well this time. It was a dilemma.Kate insisted, "Didn't I say it before? You need to step out of your comfort zone. Interviewing Nash is a challenge, but I've assigned it to others before. Nash isn't giving anyone an ea
In just a few days at the TV station, Nina had already remembered the names of her colleagues, although she had not interacted with everyone yet. For instance, she had never spoken to Michelle, the person in front of her."That's how it is," Nina said, picking up the scattered documents.Michelle was not pleased. "Why did the editor assign such a task to you? You've only just arrived. Who do you think you are?"Nina sensed the sting in Michelle's words. "I also feel I might not be up to the task." She was familiar with this situation. It seemed like this assignment was desirable, so she glanced at Michelle and asked, "Do you want to go?"Michelle did not answer. With her pride wounded, she gave a cold snort and headed straight to the editor's office.Nina was not bothered by Michelle's arrogance. If Michelle took on the task and the editor approved, it would be for the best. Although the TV station was highly competitive, Nina had seen enough of the world to know that an inter
"Okay," replied Nina softly.Seeing her lack of reaction, Michelle initially wanted to say something but then felt she was giving too much importance to this newcomer. She withdrew her gaze, maintaining her haughty posture, picked up the files, and turned on her high heels to leave.Watching Michelle's departure, Angel made a face.Noticing Angel's antics, Nina could not help but ask, "What's your issue with Michelle?"Angel replied, "She's rubbed many people the wrong way, not just me. They're angry but silent because she's the best performer here!"Nina remarked, "There's a reason she's the top performer. She dares to seize opportunities and work hard!""It's not just that. She's ruthless," Angel continued. "I had a good project before, one that could have been my way out of typing all day here. Even though success wasn't guaranteed, I deserved a chance. But Michelle snatched it away. She doesn't want to give newcomers a chance. She wants to be the perennial favorite at the TV
Michelle took the water bottle and smiled, "This time I'll succeed for sure. I'll definitely get a promotion and a raise. I've heard internal news that the chief editor position is opening up, and my performance stands out the most. The chief editor position will be mine. When that happens, I'll groom you two to be the next me, and I won't forget your contributions!""That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Michelle!" The two girls were delighted. Their prospects depended entirely on whether Michelle could ascend to the chief editor position.Michelle made several calls to York Corporation again, using the same excuses as before. She did not want to wait idly anymore, with no results. Based on her past experience, she knew she had to fight for it herself.After a four-hour drive, they arrived at the entrance of York Corporation's building. Michelle had also bribed the security guard, repeatedly asking, "Are you sure Nash will leave from here at 5 p.m.?""Absolutely. Mr. York usually e
The trash can sailed through the air, scattering its foul-smelling contents across the police station, filling the air with a pungent odor. Several young officers flanked Kieran from both sides, trying to grab hold of his arms. But Kieran thrashed wildly, his surprising strength allowing him to break free from one officer’s grip. With a sharp elbow strike, he hit another officer square in the stomach. The officer grunted in pain, stumbling back a few steps but gritted his teeth and held his ground. The scene in the reception hall descended into chaos. Civilians seeking assistance huddled in corners, some shrieking in fear. Mrs. Stone stood to the side, wringing her hands and stomping her feet in desperation. Her voice, pleading and panicked, was drowned out by her son’s shouting. “Kieran, stop this! Calm down!” she cried. But Kieran was too far gone, consumed by his manic performance. He couldn’t—or wouldn’t—hear her. The situation was teetering on the brink of tot
Karina stared at the flood of messages, feeling nothing but disgust and revulsion. Kieran’s texts were growing increasingly obsessive, filled with unhinged threats, unreasonable demands, and even veiled warnings against her safety. No. She couldn’t allow the Stone family’s harassment to continue unchecked. Taking a deep breath, she decisively dialed the police. She provided the authorities with a detailed account of the Stone family’s relentless harassment, including Kieran’s disturbing demands and the threatening content of his messages. The officers assured her that they would investigate promptly and provide her with protection if necessary. With the police now involved, Karina finally felt a sliver of relief. *The response was swift. The blare of sirens pierced through the city’s noise as several police cars raced toward Kieran’s address. Flashing red and blue lights reflected off the surrounding buildings, drawing curious stares from passersby. Guided by
The Stone family wasn’t just greedy. They were relentless, always pushing boundaries and expecting more.Karina sighed. “It’s not that I can’t stand up to them, but sometimes it feels unnecessary. There are things that just can’t be explained.”Wilfred didn’t press further. “Pack your things and come with me. I have to travel for a project negotiation that will help our hospital continue expanding.” He was determined to firmly establish himself in Birkham, not just for his professional ambitions but also because Nina was there. Wilfred wanted to protect her and mentor his students, ensuring they could safeguard Nina’s children in the future. “But didn’t we already promise a patient that we’d perform surgery?” Karina asked, a little hesitant. “I’ll arrange for someone else to handle it.” While Karina might have been the better choice for the surgery, Wilfred had other options, including pulling Caleb in at the last minute. “Alright,” Karina replied. Since Wilfred had
Sera blocked Karina’s path, her expression cold and disdainful. “You think you can just use that money to brush me off? Do I look like someone who needs your measly cash?”She grabbed Karina’s arm tightly, her nails biting into her skin. “Let me make this clear. If you don’t do what I’ve asked, I’ll ruin you, Karina. Completely.”Karina’s fear was palpable, but the thought of endless torment and manipulation was even more terrifying. She met Sera’s fierce gaze with a calm, unyielding stare. “Do whatever you want. But let me remind you, the money you gave me? I’m willing to go down with you if it comes to that. My life might not be worth much, but you’ve worked so hard to get into Wilfred’s hospital. Are you really willing to throw that all away?”Sera faltered. She had worked incredibly hard to get where she was. Countless sleepless nights studying, memorizing every detail of her medical texts, and enduring the challenges of difficult patients had pushed her to the brink. She often
Sera’s gaze was so sharp it felt like it could pierce through Karina. Karina hadn’t expected her momentary greed to create such a mess. If she couldn’t stay a doctor, she would have no source of income, and her life would spiral further out of control. “Please, don’t do this. Tell me what you want, and I’ll keep helping you. Maybe… I could spike his drink for you again, or set up another opportunity,” Karina said, grabbing Sera’s hand out of desperation. Sera clearly wasn’t short on money. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to give Karina such a large sum back then.All she wanted now was to secure her position at the hospital.Sera pulled her hand away, a mocking smile on her face. “Set up another opportunity? Do you think Wilfred would fall for it twice? Do you take him for an idiot, Dr. Norman?” Wilfred wasn’t an idiot, and ordinary drugs didn’t seem to affect him much.Karina felt utterly helpless. One wrong step had led to another, and now she had no idea how to
“Starting today, you’ll officially resume your position as my assistant. I trust you’ll adapt quickly,” Wilfred said firmly. Karina’s eyes lit up with a hint of surprise. “Dr. Wilfred, really? I’ll do my best to fulfill the responsibilities of the assistant role.” Wilfred stood up and walked over to her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Familiarize yourself with the current work schedule and the relevant materials. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I have confidence in you.” Karina hesitated, a trace of worry crossing her face. “But… I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Wilfred already had an assistant. If Karina agreed to take the position, wouldn’t that make her a target for trouble from his former assistant? And then there were all the people at the hospital who were infatuated with Wilfred. Lately, she had already been spending more time with him, drawing enough attention as it was. If she officially became his assistant, she’d surely
Back home, the first thing Karina did was take a shower, cranking the water temperature to the highest setting as if that was the only way to wash away the grim memories of the night.She scrubbed her arms fiercely, the spots where those repulsive men had touched her. Even through her clothes, the thought made her feel sick. Again and again, she lathered herself with soap until her skin turned slightly red, but no matter how hard she tried, the discomfort in her heart lingered.After her shower, Karina changed into clean pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed, unable to sleep. Her gaze fell on her phone. She hesitated for a moment before sending a text to Wilfred.“Dr. Wilfred, I’m truly grateful for your help tonight. I’ll never forget it.”After sending the message, she set her phone down, hugged her knees, and curled up on the bed. Returning to the hospital had always been her dream, but now she worried whether she could truly meet expectations and not let Wilfred down.As she
The men exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly mumbling, “Sorry,” to Karina. Wilfred watched their retreating figures with thinly veiled disgust. Turning to Karina, he asked gently, “Are you okay?” Karina shook her head lightly, brushing it off. “I’m fine, Dr. Wilfred. Thank you.” Wilfred let out a soft sigh. “Come with me. You shouldn’t be working here.” Karina nodded, following him out of the private room. Wilfred guided Karina through the bustling bar. The pounding music and chaotic chatter seemed distant and muted, fading into the background as they moved. They made their way to the parking lot, where Wilfred opened the car door, carefully helping Karina into the passenger seat before getting in himself and starting the engine. As Karina buckled her seatbelt, she turned to Wilfred with a look of curiosity. “Dr. Wilfred, didn’t you say you had things to handle at the hospital? How did you get here so quickly?” Wilfred kept his ey
When Karina stepped into the room, one of the men, his gaze hazy from drink, chuckled and said, “Well, so this is the beauty they sent over?”Karina forced herself to stay calm and replied politely, “Good evening, gentlemen. Here’s the drinks you ordered.” She began placing the drinks on the table one by one, hoping to finish quickly. Before she could finish, another man grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. “Come, have a few drinks with us, sweetheart.”Karina’s heart raced as she pulled her hand away with force. “Sir, I’m just here to deliver your drinks. I don’t entertain guests.”The men burst into laughter. “What bar do you think you’re in? There’s no such thing as not entertaining here. Don’t play coy, sweetheart. Sit with us, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”Fear surged through Karina as she instinctively stepped back, trying to maintain some distance. “I’m really just here for work,” she said, her voice trembling. “Please respect me!”But the men, emboldened