Chapter 1
Evelyn emerged from the operating room, her green scrubs bloodstained and her hair pulled up in a messy bun. She sighed with satisfaction as yet another successful operation was concluded. Her goal was to treat others, and she enjoyed her profession, but the long hours and demanding operations fatigued her.
As she approached her hospital office, she was welcomed by her closest friend, Vanessa, who was waiting for her with a big smile on her face.
"Hey, lady! I see another successful procedure. You're incredible!" Vanessa murmured as she hugged her tightly.
Evelyn gave a tired grin. "Many thanks, V. "I'm just relieved it's over." She groaned and sat in her favorite chair.
Vanessa's eyes twinkled with malice. She followed Evelyn. "Hey, I've got an idea." You need to relax and enjoy yourselves. "What about going to the ball tonight?"
Evelyn sighed. "Not at all, V. I'm exhausted. "All I want to do is go home and sleep."
Vanessa massaged her shoulders and pouted. "All right, Evey. It'll be a lot of fun. We'll dance, meet new people, and forget about work for one night. Please? Also, if you didn't accompany me, I'd be bored.
Evelyn shut her eyes. "I believe you should also take a break." "You must be tired from the long day of ward duties," she attempted to dismiss her, but Evelyn knew that this work wasn't as simple as it appeared.
“I would have skipped it if it hadn't been a ball, but I have to go. Furthermore, many important and prominent individuals would be there, and it would be an excellent opportunity for you to network if you want to be the director of the coronary care unit," Venessa enticed her. Her comments struck Evelyn right immediately.
Evelyn paused, but Vanessa knew exactly how to persuade her. "All right, fine. But only for a short time. I don't want to be out late."
Vanessa squealed with delight. "Yes! You won't regret it, I promise."
Evelyn couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. She knew Vanessa always had a way of making her have fun, even when she didn't feel like it. Maybe a night of dancing and laughter was exactly what she needed to forget about the stress of her job. Also, it could be a chance for her to change her life. Evelyn rushed home with Venessa after her shift, eager to prepare for the ball. She took a quick shower and slipped into her favorite black dress. It was simple but elegant, and it made her feel confident. She looked in the mirror and fixed her hair, pulling out a few strands to frame her face. She couldn't believe she was going out on a night like this, but Vanessa had convinced her that it would be worth it.
Vanessa was already dressed in a stunning red gown when Evelyn stepped out of the bathroom. She looked up and down, grinning from ear to ear. "Wow, Evey. You look stunning!"
Evelyn blushed. "Thanks, V.; you look hot too."
Vanessa grabbed her hand. "Come on, let's go before we're late."
The cold air of December hit them as soon as they stepped out of the apartment. Both girls didn't want to drive wearing such heavy dresses, so they quickly hailed a cab and arrived at the ball, which was held at a grand hotel in the heart of Milan. As they entered, Evelyn was surprised to see the large ballroom decorated with sparkling chandeliers and elegant floral arrangements. She had never been to such a grand event before. But she bet that it was normal for Venessa to see such a large ball as she came from a very rich and powerful family, unlike Evelyn, who came from a middle-class house.
They ordered some drinks and mingled with other guests, meeting new people and sharing stories. Vanessa was a social butterfly and knew how to strike up a conversation with anyone. Evelyn was more reserved, but she enjoyed listening to the stories people shared with her.
Suddenly, the large doors at the end of the hall swung open, and an aura of power flowed in, causing everyone to become quiet to the point that there was a pin-drop silence in the room. Evelyn felt her heart skip a beat as she turned to see what was happening.
A man walked in, tall and imposing, with piercing blue eyes and a sharp jawline. He wore a fitted black suit that hugged his muscular body, and his hair was slicked back, revealing his strong features. His presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room.
Evelyn couldn't take her eyes off him, and she wasn't alone. Every woman in the room was captivated by his presence, and even some of the men looked in awe. As he made his way through the crowd, people parted like the Red Sea, giving him a wide berth. He exuded power and confidence, and Evelyn couldn't help but wonder who he was. She had never seen anyone like him before.
Evelyn nudged her. "Who is he?" she whispered.
Venessa shook her head. "I have no idea."
As the man approached, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She wasn't one to be easily swept off her feet, but there was something about him that drew her in. Maybe it was his confidence or the way he carried himself. She didn't know, but she was intrigued.
He stopped a few feet away from them and scanned the room with his piercing blue eyes. Evelyn could feel her heart racing as he turned his gaze toward her. He held her stare for a moment, and Evelyn felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her body. It was as if he could see right through her, and she felt exposed.
But then he turned away, and the spell was broken. He walked towards a group of men who were chatting by the bar, and they greeted him with nods. Evelyn watched him as he conversed with them; his commanding presence still felt strong even from a distance. She felt like everyone in the room was scared of him.
"Who do you think he is?" Vanessa gossiped, breaking Evelyn's trance.
"I don't know," Evelyn replied, still watching him. "But he seems important."
Vanessa giggled. "Maybe he's a prince or a CEO. Or maybe he's just a handsome stranger."
Evelyn rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. There was something about him that made her curious, and she knew she wouldn't be able to rest until she found out more about him.
As the night wore on, Evelyn kept an eye on him, watching as he moved through the crowd effortlessly. He seemed to know everyone and was the center of attention wherever he went. But at the same time, Evelyn could feel that people were somewhat scared of him. Evelyn couldn't help but feel a little envious of his confidence and charisma.
But as the night drew to a close, the man disappeared without a trace, leaving Evelyn wondering who he was and why he had such an effect on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that they had some sort of connection, even though they had never spoken a word to each other.
Evelyn couldn't help but worry whether she'd ever see him again as Vanessa departed for the restroom, leaving her alone. And if she did, would she have the bravery to approach him? The folks in the hall told her that the attractive stranger's name was Zeus. She wanted to know more about him but didn't have the chance. Evelyn had been deep in concentration when she was startled awake by the sound of shattered glass. People began yelling and fleeing for safety as the place devolved into anarchy.
People were yelling and rushing in every direction. Tables and chairs were knocked down, and glasses broke on the floor.
Evelyn's heartbeat quickened as she realized there had been an attack taking place. She felt as if she were in a nightmare from which she couldn't awaken. She glanced around for Vanessa but couldn't find her. Fear grabbed her as she realized she was alone and unprotected.
She was startled to hear gunshots. Men in suits took guns from their fitted coats and began shooting at the assailants. The sound of gunshots rang throughout the ballroom, and Evelyn's ears felt like they were going to burst. She could see people collapsing, hurt, or worse. The hotel's magnificent marble floor was stained with blood.
Evelyn realized she needed to take shelter. She ducked under a table and hid, praying she wouldn't be noticed. She felt as if she were in a movie, yet it was all too real.
She could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to control her breathing. Her doctor's instincts were rising, and she wanted to help the injured, but she knew that as soon as she got out, she would either be captured or shot to death.
She looked around for Vanessa again, but she was nowhere to be found. Evelyn couldn't help but worry about her friend. Was she okay? Had she been caught in the crossfire?
As Evelyn tried to gather her thoughts, she heard footsteps approaching. She held her breath, hoping that whoever it was would pass her by. But instead, the footsteps came closer and closer until she saw a figure standing in front of her.
It was the man from earlier, Zeus, who had captivated her with his presence. He looked different now, his sharp features twisted with anger and determination. His suit was stained with blood, and his eyes blazed with fury. He held a pistol in his hand, and Evelyn couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.