Jaime

First impressions

The morning atmosphere in the hospital was bright and bustling. The scent of antiseptic lingered faintly in the air, mixing with the crisp chill of the air conditioners. The corridors echoed with hurried footsteps, the squeak of nurses’ shoes against polished floors, and the soft murmur of patients’ relatives waiting anxiously. The rhythmic beeping of monitors and the occasional distant call of “Doctor!” completed the lively picture of a hospital already in full swing despite the early hour.

“Good day, sir,” a young lady greeted warmly as Doctor Frank stepped in through the main entrance. His presence seemed to command instant attention. Many doctors and nurses trooped in, nodding respectfully and offering greetings of their own as he made his way through the wide hallway toward his office.

Jaime, trailing just behind him, grew more confused at the reception he received. The man’s handsome stature did not help either. Tall and well-built, Doctor Frank carried himself with effortless confidence. His white coat hung neatly over broad shoulders, giving him the dignified air of a man used to authority. His neatly trimmed hair framed a face both sharp and gentle, with warm eyes that held a natural charm. Even in the busy rush of the morning, it was impossible not to notice how striking he looked.

“The nurses and doctors greeting you,” Jaime finally asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she tried to keep up with his long strides.

“You haven’t gotten to know me yet, Jaime,” Doctor Frank replied smoothly, his lips curling into a skillful smile. “Don’t worry. All the workers are having a meeting today. I guess you’ll know more about me then.”

He spoke without slowing down, his white coat swaying slightly as he made his way toward the patient ward. Jaime followed closely, her confusion growing.

Even though he was the owner of the hospital,a man who could have easily sat back in a grand office, leaving the day-to-day struggles to others,Doctor Frank chose to work like every other staff member. He walked the halls, checked patients, listened to their concerns, and monitored their progress with his own eyes.

The workers’ meeting had already begun. Doctors, nurses, and cleaners’ assistants were instructed to head straight to the hospital hall. A voice echoed from one of the four corners of the walls, urging everyone forward. Jaime rushed quickly toward the hall, only to realize Doctor Frank was nowhere to be seen.

“Cough, cough…” A man cleared his throat before continuing.

“I assembled this meeting so that our CEO, the owner of this hospital, can address us on some important matters. Let’s welcome, Director Frank.”

Gasps and applause filled the hall as Doctor Frank stepped forward. His presence was commanding yet calm, and Jaime stood frozen, struck speechless by the respect he commanded.

For thirty minutes, Doctor Frank addressed the workers, giving instructions and encouragement before finally assigning them to their posts to ensure the day’s success.

When the meeting ended, Jaime hurried to his office. She laid her head on the desk, lost in her own swirling thoughts. The soft creak of the door closing snapped her back to reality. She quickly stood, forcing a smile to cover her unease.

“Good morning, boss,” she said, though her voice betrayed a nervous tremor. Her heart beat faster with every word.

“Hey, Jaime,” Frank’s voice was gentle yet probing. “We’ve seen today, but… is something the problem?” He stepped closer, his sharp gaze studying her pale face and faint expression. So near now, she could almost feel his breath brushing against her skin.

“Nothing, boss,” Jaime whispered, instinctively taking a step backward. She avoided his eyes, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table.

Frank tilted his head slightly, his voice soft but firm. “Why the sudden change of name, Jaime? Talk to me. Don’t I deserve more than just the word boss?” His eyes locked with hers, deep and searching, refusing to let her retreat.

“Frank,I mean, Doctor Frank,I can’t answer that,” she replied in a rush, her tone a mix of hesitation and escape. “We have a lot of schedules and patients to take care of.” Without waiting for his response, she slipped out of the office.

Moments later, Jaime texted Karl: Meet me at the restaurant close to the hospital.

By the time she sank into the soft couch at the restaurant, her thoughts had already drifted far away, tangled in confusions

Jaime’s mind was a battlefield of emotions. Why have I suddenly changed my feelings toward him? she thought. Am I sure I’m not under some kind of spell cast by this doctor’s handsomeness? What is happening to me? Her heart pounded faster at the thought. No… I’m really sure I need a therapist.

So lost was she in her thoughts that she didn’t notice when the waiter had placed a drink in front of her. Time slipped away until....

“Madam… Miss…” the waiter’s voice broke through the fog of her mind. Still no response. Finally, he tapped her shoulder gently.

“Miss, you’ve been served for over thirty minutes, and you still haven’t touched your drink.”

Jaime blinked back to reality. Her cheeks burned. “I didn’t come here for a drink. I’m sorry. But leave it,” she murmured, slipping some money into his hand as she rose from her seat. Leaving the untouched glass behind, she hurried out of the restaurant, her thoughts chasing her like shadows.

The sight of Allied Hospital loomed ahead. Its tall building stretched against the sky, white walls gleaming beneath the sun, its windows glinting like watchful eyes. Jaime paused at the entrance, drawing in a shaky breath before stepping inside. The familiar smell of antiseptics and faint perfume from passing nurses filled her lungs, grounding her. She forced her trembling legs forward until she reached Doctor Frank’s office.

Click. The door opened.

“Oh, it’s you,” Frank said, looking up from where he stood by the window.

“Yeah… sorry for not asking for permission to enter,” Jaime replied quickly, her voice a thin thread of nervous confidence.

“No problem. You’re always welcome,” Frank answered with a smile that softened his features. His dimples appeared, and Jaime’s heart skipped. She couldn’t stop the faint smile tugging at her lips as warmth spread through her chest.

“I can’t imagine such uniqueness…” she whispered, then quickly forced herself to look away.

Frank’s expression grew more serious, though his eyes remained gentle. “Jaime, I’ve noticed something in you—a sudden rush of emotions. I’ve only just gotten to know you, but… I think it’s time I voice this.”

Jaime’s breath caught in her throat. The room suddenly felt smaller, the air heavier. “Doctor Frank, I’ve only worked with you for two days. It shouldn’t be like this. You shouldn’t be telling me this.” Her voice trembled as she stepped back, clutching the door handle. “I’m so sorry. I have to leave.”

She turned too quickly and collided with someone. Papers scattered as the other figure steadied her.

“Hey, Doctor Ammy,I’m so sorry,” Jaime blurted, her eyes darting to the name embroidered on the lab coat.

Ammy’s eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating, as though she had been waiting for this moment. Her voice was silky but carried an edge. “Excuse me… Jaime, is it? Or what’s your name? I hope you’re not trying what I think you’re trying.”

“I...I don’t understand,” Jaime stammered, her chest tightening.

Ammy gave a knowing smirk, tilting her head with deliberate grace. Is doctor Frank in...

“No problem,” Jaime whispered, forcing calm into her tone though her heart raced.

Yes Miss any problem,” Jaime asked

Not your business, Ammy entered as she swing the door open.