MORGANA FOSTERThe whispers started as soon as I entered the room. Nothing too audible, of course, but I knew how gossip among nurses worked. I knew that all the doctors were already aware that I was no longer involved with Elliot. I don't believe he spread the rumor, but if Beth told me, and if she told anyone else here at the hospital, that person was gossiping. That wasn't pleasant."Finally decided to grace us with your presence, Miss Forster?" Dr. Corel's voice sounded much sterner and more stressed today. Unlike the day we first met. The others under his guidance gave a muffled laugh. "That wasn't funny, I'm holding you all accountable. I don't tolerate tardiness.""I'm sorry, Dr. Corel," I said, trying to sound calm and friendly.He nodded."I'll let it slide because it's your first day, Miss Morgana, but be aware that this is not acceptable. This applies to all of you, no one here gets special treatment, no matter your family, status, or relationships. You'll all be treated the
MORGANA FOSTERI raise my eyes to meet the man's gaze again. He has angular features, a small frame, but even though he's lean, there's a hint of defined muscle. His hair is curly and in shades of brown, and he has deep, dark eyes, probably a studious type who doesn't get much sleep. Looking at him with a disinterested expression, I don't like people who flatter me, but I can't afford to deny having a friend at the hospital. Especially within my own team.I raise my hand and shake his hand back. "I can't tell you whether these rumors are true, but I can't say they're lies either," I say with a low laugh. "I did very well in my internship last year.""I know!" he says. "I researched a lot about you." He quickly corrects himself, "No, I'm not some kind of stalker. I just genuinely admire people who dedicate themselves to their work.""So, that's what you were talking to that redhead friend of yours about when I arrived?""Who? Keila?" He nood. "Yeah, that must be her." I said. He shrugs
MORGANA FOSTERI sighed heavily at the end of my shift. So far, the hardest part of my day was telling Trixie that the surgery hadn't been very successful. My heart ached, but that's the burden of being a doctor, to empathize and feel your patient's pain.I checked my phone and saw two messages from Ryan:Ryan: Good morning, dear! I forgot that you were starting work today. That was very careless of me.Ryan: I'm sending a bodyguard to pick you up tomorrow when your shift ends. I hope everything is going well on your first day. Kisses.I was massaging my own neck and stretching my back when a tall, dark man stopped me at the hospital door. Looking at him gave me chills; his features were both pleasant and intimidating."Are you Ms. Morgana Foster?" he asked, serious and stiff. His voice was deep and highly intimidating. I nodded, confirming my identity. "I'm Tyron. I'm your bodyguard from now on."I scoffed, laughing derisively and rolling my eyes, but he remained standing next to me,
MORGANA FOSTERThe next day, we drove to Rookgaard Airport. I wasn't sure why we needed to take a plane, but here we were. We were directed to a private lounge, and I didn't understand what was going on. I just followed Ryan around until we settled into our seats. Tyron and James had the luggage, taking it to the conveyor belt."Why are we here?" I asked, looking around."We're going to travel in my private jet," he replied, adjusting sunglasses on his face without offering more information.So, we boarded. The trip was quite smooth; I slept for most of it, and the few times I opened my eyes, Ryan was there, looking at me. It was a bit awkward, but I ignored the feeling. We landed on a small airstrip, a reserved island near the Bahamas, with only one hotel in the area.So, I assumed we would be staying there. Ryan checked us in, and I looked around while Tyrion unloaded the car.It looked like a paradise from movies. Palm trees, fine sand, the smell of beach water. Everything is perfec
MORGANA FOSTERIt's still bright outside when we finish our "special bath," and I'm still feeling breathless, trying to calm my breathing.I feel like I'm on cloud nine, and it's perfect. Ryan is perfect in bed for me.I'm tired of denying myself, tired of not being here or at least pretending I'm not. I feel the burning in my chest for him. He's drying himself next to me, and I keep my gaze on him, drying every part of his body. The desire to have him inside me again grows incessantly. My throat burning with desire. I swallow hard.I put on a robe from one of the bathroom countertops and go out to look for clothes. We didn't even have time to unpack, so I grab the blue suitcase lying on the floor. When I open it, I see that it's mine, and I start looking for clothes. I realize I didn't pack a bikini, I didn't pack much of anything, actually."Damn it. I really wanted to go to the beach..." I mutter discontentedly.I feel Ryan's hands wrapping around my waist and pulling me back. As he
MORGANA FOSTERIt's a little past 2:00 p.m. when we leave the boutique. Ryan still has a pouty look because I didn't let him into the fitting room, it's adorable. The wind passing by carries the scent of the salty beach water as we walk through the hotel toward the restaurant.Tyron is walking behind us, carrying the bags. I insisted he didn't need to, but he took the bags without even responding to my insistence. We reach the restaurant door, and he turns to Ryan."Thank you for bringing me here," I say, looking at him with a smile. "I think I really needed this.""We both did," he replies, holding my hand. "Sometimes it's important to disconnect from everything and just be present.""Mr. Ryan, I'll stay here at the door," he says, holding the bags and crossing his hands in front of his body."Okay, I'll call if I need anything."I squeeze Ryan's hand and draw his attention to me. He leans his face in so I can whisper."Ryan, he should eat with us," I say. "He's been with us since ear
MORGANA FOSTERAfter the long post-beach shower, I put on a floral dress with a light fabric, tie one side of my hair back, wear small nickel earrings, and slip on comfortable flats. Ryan is still in the shower. I sit on the bed and check my phone. There are a few messages from Bethany.10:00 am.Bethany: How's the trip going? I want pictures! I miss you! Kisses5:00 PMBethany: I had a fight with John! He's such an idiot sometimes.Morgana: The trip is going great. I'll send pictures soon! You and John need to make up!Ryan exits the bathroom, drying his hair. He gives me a broad smile and approaches, planting a kiss on my cheek."Go get dressed," I say, pleased by his recent affectionate gestures. "I'm starting to get hungry."He gently brushes a strand of hair from my face."I was thinking of ordering dinner in the room," he says, looking at the bed, his voice smooth and soft. So tempting that it makes me squeeze my legs tightly."No way," I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. "I
ELENA KYLEJames is coming back from the airport. It seems Ryan and Morgana are getting along. My chest aches a little with the feeling of loss, but I refuse to cry. I decided a month ago that this wouldn't shake me. So, I won't let it. And the days with James have been good.James arrives while I'm preparing lunch. I decided to put my few culinary skills to use and make something for him to thank him for all the care he has given me over the past few days. My small belly is starting to grow into a rounded bump.Some ingredients of my spectacular paella make me a little nauseous, but I continue preparing the dish because it's the only one I know how to cook perfectly.I hear the front door open. James calls my name from the door."I'm in the kitchen!" I shout back while stirring the broth in the pan.He comes into the kitchen holding a grocery bag, placing it on the marble countertop."Miss Kyle, you shouldn't be cooking," he says, approaching and taking the spoon from my hand.I inter
MORGANA FOSTERI hurried down the hallway with my heart beating fast and my breath catching. If she found me, I was done for. I ducked under the table, covering my body with the curtain, trying not to make any noise."Gotcha!" The little blonde head ran towards me, stumbling in front of me. The bright blue eyes, as clear as Ryan's, stared at me with a toothless, gleaming smile."Oh, Alanis," I replied, patting the little one's head, "you found me, huh?"Alanis laughed, a childish, joy-filled laugh that filled the room. She pointed to the makeshift hiding spot under the table."'I found you, Auntie, but you're terrible at this!'" she exclaimed, her eyes still filled with amusement.I rolled my eyes affectionately, knowing my hiding attempt was useless. "'You're too smart, Alanis. I can't escape you, it seems.'"The little one got up and sat beside me, playing with her fingers as she looked at me. "'You look sad, Morgana. Why?'"I smiled, trying to disguise my feelings in front of her i
Four months later, Rookgaard, California. Burke's grandparents' house."The trial is in a week," Sorya says. "Do you want to go?"The dining table, once filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses and utensils, is now immersed in complete silence. I look around to make sure I'm not alone in my silence. I swallow the bitter ache of the hours of terror I suffered at the hands of the two women."I don't feel like seeing them again," I mutter, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "Just the thought of sharing the same space with them fills me with anger.""And you don't have to go if you don't want to!" Elena says, laying her hand on mine, giving me a warm smile. Her cheeks are rosy, and her belly is huge. The baby will be born soon.I give her a weak smile and mumble a quiet thank you to her. At first, I never thought I'd feel comfortable beside my 'rival,' but now that she's engaged to James, her presence is no longer a threat to me.
MORGANA FOSTER"You're really dumb, Mr. Burke!" Alessandra says, pressing the gun barrel against my head.I swallow hard, feeling the pressure and weight of the metal barrel on my head. My eyes automatically widen as if the whole world stops spinning when I hear the gun being cocked."Let's negotiate," Ryan says calmly, looking at the men with him, who step back a bit. "What do you want?""We've already said," Winnie replies this time. "16 million dollars in my account. By noon... And maybe I'll release this one here."She says, pulling my head back, which tilts backward. The taste of iron fills my mouth. Maybe this is it. A fight over money."Even if I wanted to, that's a lot of money," he replies."See? Mrs. Burke," Alessandra says with a laugh. "He doesn't think you're worth it.""In the end, all the Burke's are the same. Why are you so stubborn?" Winnie says, turning to face me. "Maybe he'll take us seriously if we shoot her. What do you think?"My breath remains irregular, my hea
MORGANA FOSTER"Missed me?" Alessandra's unmistakable voice cuts through the entire shed, invading my ears.A new flood of emotions fills my soul as I spot her profile appearing in the corner of my eye until she's fully in front of me.How did I let myself be fooled by that silly story of her becoming a nurse to take care of her mother?"What happened?" Alessandra sneers with a disdainful expression on her face. "Cat got your tongue?""I think she's a bit surprised that you're my daughter," Winnie declares.Alessandra walks over to Winnie's side and leans on the counter. I hadn't noticed before, but there's a short resemblance between the two. I feel completely different now. Foolish for never noticing anything strange about them.I swallow hard as I watch the two of them. I can't believe this is true. Part of me wants to completely deny that I could be so blind."What are we going to do with her?" Alessandra says, turning to her mother."I don't know," Winnie replies with a satisfied
RYAN BURKEI practically flew down the road incessantly without the certainty that I'll find her well. The damn phone rings so many times that I can't keep count. It rings eight times and goes to voicemail again."Hello, you've reached Doctor Foster, please leave your message after the beep."I insist on calling again, the echoing sound as the phone rings is deafening."Come on, Morgana!" I speak nervously. "Come on, pick up!""Hello, you've reached Doctor Foster, please leave your message after the beep."I slam both hands on the steering wheel in frustration.I pray in my heart that she's just too tired to hear the phone ringing. In fact, the adrenaline pumping through me, boiling like lava, begs to all the gods that she's just asleep in our room.I press down on the accelerator with a tight heart, thoughts that she might be in danger consume me entirely. I fear it might already be too late to reach her. Ronan's car is following me, I know it's him because I saw my mom getting into
MORGANA FOSTERShe gives a bitter smile as she finishes her speech. I can't imagine her pain, but I understand that it hurts. She paused, taking a breath, while I absorbed every word. The intensity of the moment deepened with each revelation."However, the compensation didn't bring my loved ones back," she continued, her gaze fixed on some point beyond me. "And the person responsible for maintaining that machine, who didn't do his job properly, was none other than your father, Morgana. He was the supervisor that night. And he wasn't there to ensure that everything was working properly."A chill ran down my spine. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My father, responsible for two deaths?"So, you think I should pay for his mistakes?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.Winnie gave a bitter smile. "No, Morgana. You don't understand. It's not just about revenge. It's about justice. He continued with his life, as if nothing had happened. As if any amount could pay for my son's lif
MORGANA FOSTERI wake up feeling a tight grip around my wrists, chest, and ankles. My suspicion is confirmed when I pull them and feel the rope scraping against my skin. I raise my head slowly, still feeling a heavy weight on it, accompanied by a throbbing buzz in my ear.I open and close my eyes a few times, getting used to the low light of the place. My mouth is completely dry; I run my lips around my tongue, partially moistening them.There's no noise outside. At least not near where I am.I try not to panic and breathe slowly to catch my breath.I see my bare feet and nails covered in dirt and small pieces of grass. Looking up, I spot the floating particles of dust coming through a tiny glass window. I look to the side, and the walls are cast iron. As if I'm in some sort of container or warehouse shed. The smell of mold and rust is faint but can be sensed in the environment.The floor is dirty, with dust everywhere. My dress is slightly torn at the hem, with tape wrapped around th
RYAN BURKEThe day at the company was chaotic. With Uncle Ned's departure, things spiraled out of control too quickly. Many questions arose about how things reached this point and went unnoticed by us all this time. And with all this situation, it fell to me to analyze all the transactions and operations carried out by him and his team. There were many suspicions and many discrepancies in the information.I had to inform Stefan and Nick about the recent events so they could be prepared to support my aunt Cibila. I assured them that I wouldn't involve the police in this out of consideration for our friendship and because we're family, but he would have to leave the company without any rights.Which is not unfair. I also passed on the information to my grandfather, who didn't have a very different reaction from the shareholders, but Grandpa Burke would handle Ned differently. And that was their problem. I spent the whole day analyzing every single transaction he made. There was a lot to
MORGANA FOSTERI remember little of being fully awake. Memories are jumbled in my mind like a giant, torturous blur. I feel my body being lifted from the chair and dragged outside the mansion. I can't scream, nor could I. My arms are lifted and pulled back, she drags me through the property with agony.Can I scream? But...Who would hear me? Bethany is with John. Ryan is at the company. I let Tyron off his duties earlier, James is taking care of Elena, and Alessandra hasn't been with us for months.What I can't get out of my head is how my stalker could be Winnie? What did I do to her? Why would she kidnap me or attempt on my life? I only met her after the Burkes, there was no real reason for her to target me.I couldn't believe it was her, my stalker. She who had always been so kind and friendly. The sweet woman who took care of all of us. It didn't seem real to me! How did this happen? How could she do such a thing?The blurry images of corridors and furniture passing through my eye