THE DEVIL'S DOCTOR

Chapter 1 Sophia Pov. I stepped out of the operating room, my scrub cap discarded, revealing my long, dark hair tied back in a ponytail. Eight hours of intense focus had etched exhaustion on my face, but a sense of accomplishment buoyed my spirits. The complex glioblastoma multiforme tumor removal had been a success. "Susan, can you take over the post-op?" I asked my assistant, Dr. Thompson, handing over the patient's charts. Susan nodded, concern etching her features. "You've earned a break, Sophia. Go celebrate." I smiled, thinking of Alex, my boyfriend of three years. Tonight was his birthday, and I had plans. As I changed into my street clothes, my mind wandered. I recalled our first date; it was a total mess. I arrived at the date venue and left just two minutes after my arrival, called in for another emergency surgery. Being a psychiatric doctor has been challenging; I rarely have time for myself and my fiancé. Three years had passed. I had missed most of Alex's birthdays since we started dating, always stuck in the hospital or on call. Tonight would make up for lost time. I slipped into my favorite red dress, the one Alex loved, and styled my hair in loose waves. A spritz of my signature perfume, and I felt like a new woman. Birthdays had become a bittersweet reminder of my demanding schedule. Last year, I'd spent his birthday in the ER, and the year before, I'd been on a 36-hour shift. Tonight, I vowed to make it up to him. I smiled, feeling a sense of liberation as I applied lipstick, a rare indulgence. For the first time in years, I allowed myself a moment of vanity. The vibrant red shade matched my dress, and I felt like a new woman. In six months, my residency would end. The grueling hours, endless shifts, and constant stress would finally cease. Alex and I had plans, plans we'd nurtured since medical school. "Marry me," he'd whispered on a quiet night, "after residency. We'll build a life together." My heart had soared. I envisioned lazy Sundays, family vacations, and quiet evenings with the love of my life. No more missed birthdays, no more delayed celebrations. As I blotted my lips, my thoughts drifted to our future. A small ceremony on the beach, surrounded by loved ones. A honeymoon in Bora Bora, where we'd relax and recharge. Our life would be filled with laughter, adventure, and love. My mind wandered back to the day I met Alex, a bright-eyed kid in middle school. I had been the new girl, shy and scarred, reeling from the tragedy that had shattered my world. The memories still lingered, etched like scars on my heart. My biological parents, taken from me in the most horrific way imaginable – trapped inside their burning house, succumbing to the flames. My adoptive parents, kind and loving, had taken me in, offering a safe haven. Alex had been my rock, my confidant, my neighbor, and friend. We'd bonded over shared laughter, sleepovers, and late-night conversations. As we grew older, our friendship blossomed into something more. Alex had been my steady anchor, supporting me through medical school and residency. I smiled, admiring my reflection. The red dress hugged my curves, and my hair cascaded down my back in soft waves. I looked and felt amazing. I carefully picked up the cake and wine I had bought earlier, my excitement building. A quick glance at the clock confirmed it was 4:00 PM. As I walked to the elevator, colleagues stopped me, admiring my transformation. "Dr. Lee, you look stunning! Got a date tonight?" one nurse asked, winking. I chuckled, my smile hinting at secrets. "Maybe," I teased. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped in, my heart racing with anticipation. Just as the doors closed, the hospital intercom crackled to life. "Code Blue, Trauma Team to ER. Code Blue." My heart sank. My eyes locked onto the cake and wine in my hands. "Duty calls," I whispered, stepping out of the elevator. The ER erupted into chaos as nurses rushed in with a stretcher. I swiftly handed the cake and wine to a passing intern. "Take these to my car, please." The intern nodded, eyes wide. I sprinted toward the ER, my mind shifting gears. "What's the situation?" I demanded. "Twenty-five-year-old male, severe head trauma from a car accident," a nurse replied. "GCS 5, bp 80/40, and dropping!" I assessed the patient, my trained eyes scanning. -Severe epidural hematoma -Cerebral edema -Potential brain stem damage. "Get OR 3 prepped for emergency craniotomy," I barked. "We need to relieve the pressure, now!" The team sprang into action. As I scrubbed in, for a while, I forgot my date with Alex. This patient's life hung in the balance. "Let's move!" I urged, gowning up. The OR doors swung open, and the battle to save a life began. Hours passed in a blur of focused intensity. I trudged out of the OR, exhaustion etched on my face. The intricate surgery had demanded every ounce of my skill and focus. I checked the time, my heart sinking. 9:45 PM. How had the hours slipped away? My mind flashed to Alex, waiting for me. Our special night, ruined once again. I hastily changed into casual clothes, abandoning my beautiful red dress. No time for makeup or hair; I simply tied my hair back and rushed to my car. As I drove, my thoughts swirled. Would Alex still be waiting? Had he given up on me? The uncertainty gnawed at my heart. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. Would Alex understand? Forgive me for yet another missed celebration?