YOU ARE MY LIGHT

CHAPTER 3: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

My first day, and my heart wouldn’t stop racing. Everything felt brand new — the bright white walls, the sharp smell of antiseptic and fresh coffee. I was finally here, living the dream I’d chased for so long. Even the nervousness tasted sweet.

During break, the nurses huddled together, whispering like schoolgirls.

I edged closer, ears wide open. I’ve always been a sucker for a good story.

“Mr Vincent is coming back to work today,” one nurse said excitedly. “He’s been off for two whole days.”

Mr Vincent. That name again. Joy had mentioned him so many times — the hospital’s Mr Handsome, the one every single lady was dying to get close to… except her.

“He’s too cold, too hard to approach,” Joy had told me dramatically. “One minute with him and you’re shaking. He puts fear in people without even trying.”

“I’ve missed him so much,” another nurse sighed dreamily.

“I told you he was probably with his secret girlfriend,” someone teased.

I rolled my eyes and mimicked their excitement under my breath, nodding like I agreed. Whatever. I wasn’t here for him. But that little K-drama-loving part of me… she wanted to see if he was really as handsome as the rumors claimed.

Handsome like the man I spilled coffee on this morning.

The thought hit me like a slap. My breath caught.

All day I’d been replaying that embarrassing moment — only seeing his hand, panicking, blurting out Korean apologies, touching his chest to clean the coffee without even asking, shoving a dollar into his hand like a maniac, then running away like my life depended on it.

He probably thinks I’m crazy.

“I’m gonna report you to your husband!” one nurse joked. The group burst into laughter.

Still smiling, I grabbed my empty cup and headed to the coffee station. I’d heard way too much about this popular doctor — I needed to see him for myself.

I poured a fresh cup of hot coffee, then froze. Maybe I should switch to cold from now on. The memory of that spill still burned.

Joy appeared beside me. “Why are you staring at that coffee like it offended you?”

“I’m thinking of switching to cold coffee,” I said playfully. “I think I’m traumatized because of what happened this morning.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Girl, you’re losing it.”

“What happened that’s traumatizing you?” she teased, eyes sparkling.

I gave her a look. “Really, Joy?”

She giggled harder. “I didn’t do anything bad! You’re just a light drinker. But seriously, what happened?”

“Girl, so many things. I bumped into a strong surface—”

“You’re hurt?” she gasped, spinning me around to check for injuries.

“I bumped into someone and spilled coffee all over—”

My words died in my throat.

A familiar figure was walking straight toward our station.

My eyes widened. My mouth fell open.

“You bumped into someone…” Joy followed my gaze. “What’s wrong?”

“Fast — let’s go back now,” she whispered urgently, grabbing my arm.

“Why? Now?” I asked, confused, but it was too late.

He was already in the room.

The whole atmosphere changed instantly. Every nurse stood straighter, faces glowing like they’d had a full makeover in seconds. The room went dead silent — you could hear a pin drop.

I leaned toward Joy, whispering, “Joy, what’s going on? Is this the chairman? He looks so young… I thought he was old. Is he here to punish us? We still have time.”

Joy stayed quiet, elbowing me hard to shut up. I didn’t notice.

“What?” I whispered again.

Then I followed her eyes.

My own eyes flew open wider. My mouth went completely dry.

It was him.

The same guy I’d bumped into this morning.

The same guy who probably thought I was crazy.

What is he doing here? Is this fate? What kind of twisted K-drama fate is this?

He was looking straight at me — calm, no expression, completely composed.

“Mr Vincent,” the head nurse said sweetly, drawing his attention. “What brings you here?”

“I need a nurse who can handle a trauma case.”

Trauma? Sir, I’m the one traumatized right now.

“I’ll do it, sir!” one nurse jumped forward eagerly.

He didn’t respond. He simply turned, pausing right at the door beside me. He didn’t look at me. Didn’t look at anyone.

“I think we should focus more on our work than on gossip,” he said, voice deep, smooth, dripping with quiet authority. Not angry — just… heavy.

Then he walked out.

I finally breathed — and my knees gave out.

I collapsed against Joy.

Is this how my dream job ends? On my very first day?

I didn’t know his exact position, but one thing was clear — this man was anything but ordinary. And now he knows exactly how crazy I can be.