Chapter 5(Adrian P.O.V)

My mind kept circling back to what Lola had said.

So Tori wasn’t mentally unstable, she was being drugged by her own brother.

For five years.

Just so he could claim everything.

And because their family owned this hospital, it was easy to keep her locked away and sedated.

That’s sick, I thought.

The rest of the day, I kept myself busy, assisting surgeons, checking in where I was needed, prescribing medications. It helped distract me from the dark knot tightening in my chest.

Late in the afternoon, my phone rang. Jack.

“Hey man,” I greeted.

“Where you at?” Jack asked.

“Sixth floor all day.”

“Still helping those crazy surgeons?” he grunted.

“Something like that,” I laughed.

“I’m hitting the club tonight. You in?”

“Nah, I need sleep.”

“Alright, see you tomorrow,” he said and hung up.

I exhaled and allowed myself a tired smile.

My phone rang again, Dr. Kingston.

“Come to my office. Now.”

He hung up immediately.

What now? I wondered as I made my way to his office. I knocked.

“Come in,” he called.

“Good afternoon, Doctor,” I said, giving a slight bow.

“Afternoon, Adrian. How are you today?” he asked, smiling warmly.

“I’m alright, sir.”

“Sit. We need to talk.”

I sat, trying not to look too tense.

“I’ve been observing you,” he began. “You’re diligent. Competent. Serious about your duties. The patient in Room 16 needs careful attention, more than one person can manage. I can’t handle her case alone. I’d like you to assist me. Think it over and give me your answer.”

“Of course. Thank you for considering me,” I said, shaking his hand.

As soon as I stepped outside, I whispered to myself, “Room 16.”

I was going to find out exactly what was going on.

Working with Dr. Kingston meant something else too, private VVIP patients. Higher pay. More opportunities.

Finally… I can finish paying off my loan, I thought with a grin.

I clocked out and drove home. The car was silent, but my thoughts weren’t.

What must Tori be feeling right now?

If anyone looked at Zayn Jordan, they would never guess. He acted kind, polite, always encouraging his staff. He once told me, “You should model, Adrian. Half our female patients pretend they’re sick just so they can see your face.”

Looks aren’t everything, I thought bitterly.

When I got home, the house was quiet.

“Nina?” I called.

No answer.

I went to her room and found her sleeping. Her face was pale, her breathing slow.

“Nina, you okay?” I asked, panic rising.

She didn’t open her eyes, but she managed, “Hey Ad… you’re back.”

“I just felt tired and decided to rest,” she murmured.

“Really?” I asked, brushing my hand against her cheek.

“Mmmh,” she whispered, finally opening her eyes.

“How was work?” she asked.

“Full of mystery,” I said.

“Oh? Tell me!”

I told her everything. Tori, the drugs, and Dr. Kingston’s offer.

“No one can be trusted,” Nina said sadly.

“I’m going to uncover the truth,” I promised.

“Be careful,” she warned gently.

“I’m just happy you can finally pay off your student loan,” she smiled.

“Yeah, and then I can take better care of you. You’ll go to college after high school,” I said, excitement bubbling in my chest.

“Come on, let’s make dinner,” I said, heading to my room to freshen up.

A few minutes later, we cooked together.

“You’re good at everything,” Nina sulked.

“Don’t be like that,” I teased, tickling her.

She squealed and swatted my head.

“Ow!” I yelped.

She burst into uncontrollable laughter.

After dinner, I turned on the TV.

“Let’s watch something funny.”

Nina pointed excitedly at the screen.

“That’s Kai Cenat!”

“Never heard of him,” I said.

She stared at me in disbelief.

“You’re so old-school, Adrian!”