BENEATH THE VELAREZ NAME SERIES BOOK ONE: THE FIRST TO BURN

Chapter Two: Patient 2430

I was sipping coffee in the kitchen when Erica came out of her room. I gave her a sharp glare, and she just responded with a peace sign.

“Can we establish a curfew now?” I seriously suggested. With the way her noise echoed from midnight to dawn, you'd think she had no shift today.

“You’re so OA, bitin nga ako eh!” she laughed. This girl, I swear.

“I’m not kidding! I woke up thinking someone was getting murdered in your room. I understand you and Dylan are a thing, but please, Erica, either do it quietly or go somewhere else.” I rolled my eyes, still exhausted from lack of sleep.

“Okay, okay. Ang aga-aga ang init ulo mo. Gusto mo hanapan na lang kita para fresh ka tuwing umaga,” she teased. She plopped down across from me, propped her legs on her chair, and casually grabbed a piece of pandesal I bought earlier. Ang kapal talaga. “You’re up early? Let me check… 5:30? New schedule?” she looked at me, waiting for a reply.

I shook my head. “I was assigned to a VIP patient just last night. I need to go to a meeting to sign an NDA and go through my responsibilities. Sensitive and apparently a high-profile case.”

Her eyes widened as she choked on her bread. I quickly handed her my coffee.

“You got assigned? How?”

“Yesterday, while I was having coffee, Dr. Elian came up to me and offered it. I was shocked too,” I shrugged. But now that I think about it, why me? Of all people Dr. Elian could’ve approached—those he’s closer to—I barely interacted with him all these years. We pass each other in the hallway, maybe raise an eyebrow, nod, that's it. Our work overlaps only occasionally, and even then it’s strictly professional. So why me? Did Ma’am Tessa mention my name? Or maybe he asked around and my hard work caught his attention? But still, this is a VIP case. A big one. The whole hospital was in shock when they found out we were handling this patient. And now there’s an NDA? And a morning meeting? I’ll even meet the family today—or am I just assuming things?

“Hello? Selene? You still with me?” Erica waved in front of my face. There she was again, grinning like the cat that caught the mouse.

“Dr. Elian recommended you? Is this his way of confessing? Baka pampalakas lang 'yan, offer niya yung job sayo, HAHAHA!” She moved next to me, teasing. “Instinct ko, he likes you. Lagi kang tinatanong non eh.”

“Stop it, Erica. And I’m serious—curfew.” I stood up and started getting ready to leave. “He only asked Ma’am Tessa who was available, and she mentioned me.”

She rolled her eyes. “That Tessa… I bet she gave it to you because it’s a pain in the a*s assignment. Alam mo naman yan, tayong dalawa palagi ang target. Buntis ata yun at tayo ang pinaglihian. Kung ‘di lang siya head nurse—nakalmot ko na ‘yun.”

Erica really had it out for Ma’am Tessa. They always clashed.

“I’m heading out. Lock the door when you leave later. Don’t forget.” I turned to her with a stern look. “And I meant what I said about you and Dylan.” She just waved me off and shut the door.

At the hospital, I dropped by the pantry to grab some coffee. Coincidentally, Ma’am Tessa was there too. After a brief chat, we headed to the meeting room. My stomach twisted at the sight of the people already inside. I didn’t recognize anyone—and they clearly held high positions.

“That’s the Chairman of the Board,” Ma’am Tessa whispered, pointing to a tall man in his sixties. His silver-gray hair was pulled neatly into a bun. Slender but imposing, he stood upright with elegance. Cold and commanding presence. His hazel eyes pierced through his gold-rimmed glasses.

“That’s Atty. Lucio Tan-Rivera,” she added.

I nodded.

“And beside him is Dr. Adrian Guevarra, our Medical Director.” He looked vaguely familiar. “He used to be our top trauma surgeon. A true pride of Celestine General Hospital.”

Ah, right. I’d seen his framed photo in the hallway. Even in his 40s, he looked striking—broad shoulders, obviously athletic.

“Hi, you must be the assigned nurse?” A petite, morena woman approached me. Her hair was tied in a neat bun, her face lined with laugh lines.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answered shortly, unsure who she was.

“Ma’am Letty, this is Selene, one of our best nurses,” Ma’am Tessa introduced. “Selene, this is our Chief Nurse. You’ll report to her and update her regularly.”

I shook her hand—surprisingly soft. She looked strict but maternal.

She smiled, then called another nurse over. “This is Nurse Elaine Cruz, your shift partner. I hope you two get along.”

Elaine waved, “Hi, nice to meet you.” She was shorter than me, around 5’4, toned and slim. Her chest-length hair was tied back like mine.

“Nice to meet you too, Elaine.”

“Just Elaine,” she said with a grin. “Too formal with the ‘Ms.’ stuff.”

We sat at the far end of the long meeting table. The meeting hadn’t started yet—probably waiting for the patient’s family. You could already feel how serious this was. Even Ma’am Tessa looked anxious. How rare it must be to meet this many hospital executives in one room.

Moments later, a tall, intimidating woman walked in. Sharp cheekbones, around 5’7, flawless skin, immaculately dressed. She had a commanding aura that filled the entire room. Assistants trailed behind her as she took a seat at the center of the table.

“Who is she, Ma’am Tessa?” I whispered, awed.

“No idea. First time I’ve seen her,” she replied quietly.

“She’s President Cressida Villafranca-Velarez,” Ma’am Letty informed us. She gave me a gentle smile and signaled for me to pay attention.

Velarez? Same surname as mine. But wow, we’re not even in the same universe.

This patient must be extremely important—if even the hospital president is present. Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure about this assignment anymore. But I couldn’t back out now. I needed this job. For my family. For our future.

President Cressida began speaking. “As I mentioned, once anything about this patient leaves this room, termination is immediate. I want full confidentiality. All I ask is six months of care. After that, do as you please.”

Six months? Does the patient have a deadline?

“I want daily reports. These nurses should focus only on the patient—no other tasks. I’ll double their salaries. Triple, if needed. But they must stay strictly on the VIP floor. No one enters or leaves unaccompanied. I want no leaks.”

She turned toward us. “Where are the assigned nurses?”

Elaine and I stood up and introduced ourselves. My nerves were sky-high. The room felt like it could swallow me whole.

“Elaine Cruz, Madam President,” she said politely.

President Cressida only rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. Yikes.

“I’m Sele—” I started, but she cut me off.

“You must be the one recommended by Dr. Elian Reyes,” she said, locking eyes with me. “You look familiar. I’ve been trying to place it. You remind me of someone…”

Before I could respond, Dr. Elian walked in. Everyone turned to him.

“Sorry, emergency. Did I miss anything?” he asked me.

I shook my head.

“Dr. Elian, it’s been a while. How’s your father?” The president stood, hugged him, and they chatted comfortably.

They clearly knew each other well.

The meeting finally began. We were briefed on our responsibilities and given our new schedule—two-week shifts. I’d start with 6am to 7pm for two weeks, then Elaine would take over for the night shifts, and vice versa. We weren’t allowed to leave the floor without a security escort. The entire VIP floor was ours—nurses' rooms, doctor's quarters, a pantry, and other facilities.

We were handed contracts, and wow—triple the usual salary. A blessing for me, I can give my parents enough for our family needs. Then came the NDA. Elaine signed without reading, which pressured me to do the same. I skimmed before signing.

Elaine later shared she’d been a private nurse for the president’s family. They even did a background check on her. But me? Nothing. No call, no interview. Maybe because I was personally recommended by Dr. Elian?

“Are you okay, Ms. Selene?” Dr. Elian appeared beside me, startling me.

“Ah, yes, Doc. And thank you—for the recommendation.”

“No worries. I just recommended the best,” he winked. But before I could react, the president called him over to ride the elevator.

Elaine and I waited for our VIP IDs to access the elevator. Ma’am Tessa returned to the Nurse Station.

“Are you close with Dr. Elian?” Elaine asked.

I shook my head. “Not really. Barely talk to him.”

She just nodded, then fell silent.

Once we received our IDs, we headed to the VIP floor. It felt like stepping into a five-star hotel.

The VIP room, 2430, was massive. (Think sleek interiors, warm lighting, dark wood paneling with marble accents. There’s a medical bed that doesn’t even look like one, surrounded by plush armchairs, a full entertainment setup, and even a floral arrangement station. An elegant mini-kitchen hides behind frosted glass doors. Everything smells faintly of orchids and cleanliness.)

Inside was the president, Atty. Rivera, Dr. Elian checking the patient’s vitals.

The man on the bed was slim and tall, rigid in posture despite his sleep. He looked 76, skin light olive with age spots. His white hair swept back neatly. He looked cold yet fragile, peaceful yet distant. Familiar… and unfamiliar all at once.

Once his vitals were checked, Dr. Elian reported everything was stable. The rest of the executives said their goodbyes, leaving only the president.

“All you need to do is your job. Six months. That’s all I require,” she said flatly, without even looking at the patient. “He just needs to stay alive for six months.”

“Madam President,” I called softly, hesitantly. She raised an eyebrow. “Why only six months?”

She scoffed. “That’s all I need him alive for.”

Ouch. So he’s dying?

Even if she saw him as business, for us nurses, it’s more than just a job. He didn’t even have family visit during his transfer. No wife. No children. No one. Just this cold woman claiming to care—for six months only.

“I have to go,” Dr. Elian said.

“I’m leaving too. I’ve got no business here anymore,” said the president, walking off with him. He briefly tapped my shoulder before leaving.

That left just me, Elaine, and Ma’am Letty.

“Come, I’ll show you your rooms,” Ma’am Letty said.

Elaine’s room was across Room 2430. It had its own bathroom, bed, mini-kitchen, closet, TV, and a monitor connected to the patient’s room.

Mine was identical, except I had a large window overlooking the city. Both were fully furnished. We could stay here for six months—Madam President's recommendation, to prevent information leaks. Ma’am Letty’s room was beside mine. Across from us was the doctor’s quarters, still unoccupied. Other rooms included a fully-equipped pantry, gym, lounge area, and a small library for quiet breaks. (All designed like a luxury suite.)

Later, we returned to Room 2430. Ma’am Letty gave us detailed instructions—what to monitor, what’s prohibited, and the patient’s preferences.

“Always keep fresh flowers. It’s Don Eugenio’s daily request,” she reminded.

“Don Eugenio?” I asked.

She nodded. “Don Eugenio Velarez.”

My eyes widened.

“He’s Madam President’s father-in-law.”

What?! Then why treat him like that? Like a burden? Like a stranger?

“I… why is she…” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

“If I were you, Selene, don’t ask. Pretend you’re deaf, blind, and mute. That’s the only way to survive,” Elaine said. She didn’t even flinch. Did she already know all of this?

Where were Don Eugenio’s children? His wife? Grandchildren? Why was he alone in this big room?

No amount of money can replace the people who truly love you. I looked at him—and I swear, I saw pain. Loss. Loneliness etched on his sleeping face.

“All I need is to stay silent? To close my eyes?” I asked them quietly.

They looked at me with worry—and nodded.

This patient… he’s more than just a VIP.

I lingered inside the VIP room after Ma’am Letty and Elaine stepped out. The soft, consistent beep of the monitors filled the silence. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and lavender—a strange mix. The patient, Don Eugenio Velarez, lay peacefully, a man who once must have commanded entire rooms now silent and still.

I walked closer and gently adjusted his blanket.

"You're all alone now, aren't you?" I whispered, almost afraid someone would hear. “Wala man lang bumisita… kahit apo, o anak…”

His chest rose and fell, rhythmic but weak. He looked fragile, and despite his intimidating aura, there was sadness in the lines of his face.

“Do people even care? Or are you just… waiting?” I added quietly.

"You shouldn't be saying things like that aloud," came a calm voice from behind me.

I turned with a small gasp. Dr. Elian was standing near the doorway, arms crossed, brow slightly raised.

"Doc, ang tahimik mong pumasok! Halos mabulunan ako sa kaba," I said, placing a hand on my chest. But deep down, I wasn’t just startled—I was embarrassed he saw me in that vulnerable moment. Akala ko ba may emergency ito?

He stepped forward slowly, hands in the pockets of his coat. “You care too much.”

“Is that… bad?”

“Not bad,” he said, looking at me closely. “Just dangerous. Especially in this part of the hospital.”

I looked away, unsure what to say. “I just feel like he’s… forgotten. Parang wala siyang kasama.”

“He was a powerful man. Maybe too powerful. And power always has a cost.”

We both turned back to the patient. And for a brief second, I felt Dr. Elian’s shoulder gently brush mine—comforting, even in silence.

Then the door suddenly swung open. I stepped back instinctively.

It was Madam President Cressida—again. This time, without her usual entourage.

She scanned the room with her sharp gaze, and her eyes landed directly on me. My heart pounded.

“I forgot my phone,” she said coldly, walking past us with commanding presence, heels clicking like warning shots across the floor.

It was there, on the small console beside Don Eugenio’s bed. She picked it up, but didn’t leave right away.

Instead, she looked at me. Dead in the eyes.

“What were you doing?” she asked. Her voice wasn’t loud—but sharp enough to pierce through skin.

“Just making him comfortable po,” I answered, straightening my posture.

“You looked like you were trying to connect.” She stepped closer, now within arm’s reach, phone in hand but gaze drilling into mine. “Let me be clear, Nurse Selene. You are here to monitor vitals, administer orders, and keep him alive. That’s it. Emotions are not part of your job description.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I muttered, throat tight.

She lingered, her presence suffocating. Then she turned to Dr. Elian and her expression—completely shifted. Softer. Familiar.

“Elian,” she said with a faint smile. “Tell your mother I’ll return her call tonight. I’ve been meaning to catch up.”

“I’ll let her know,” he replied politely.

She nodded once, then walked out, her cold energy trailing behind like smoke.

As soon as the door clicked shut, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“She really doesn’t like me,” I muttered under my breath.

Dr. Elian smirked. “Don’t take it personally. She doesn’t like most people.”

I turned to him. “But she’s friends with your family?”

“Childhood friends. But even then, she’s always been… intense.”

I looked back at Don Eugenio, who remained quietly asleep.

“She saw me caring,” I said softly. “And it offended her.”

“She doesn’t trust feelings. They’re messy. And in this place, mess gets buried.” His tone darkened slightly.

A long pause passed between us. Then he said, gently, “You’ll need to protect your heart, Selene. Not everything—or everyone—deserves it.”

I met his gaze. His words weren’t flirtatious. They were a warning.

“I’m just doing my job,” I whispered.

He looked at me—then at the sleeping Don Eugenio.

“Let’s hope it stays that simple.”

Later that night, I came back to Room 2430.

Everyone else had retired to their quarters. The hallway was silent. I just wanted to check the IV line, replace the orchid vase, then head to bed.

When I entered, the room was dim. The monitor beeped steadily in the background.

Don Eugenio was asleep—eyes closed, hands resting gently on his chest.

I moved quietly.

But just as I reached the table, I heard it.

A whisper. Broken and low.

“I found him…”

I turned.

His eyes were still closed.

“I found Elias… and his daughters…”

I stood frozen.

“I need them back… Casa is waiting…”

I didn’t breathe. I didn’t move.

“I need them… before it’s too late…”

Then silence.

He turned slightly in his sleep, face soft again. Peaceful.

But my chest was tight. My throat dry.

Elias… and his daughters?

My father's name is Elias…

I stared at the man in the bed.

Not knowing what to think.

Not realizing what I’d just stepped into.

Not yet.