The Healer of Shadows

Chapter 3 Fate

Years passed, and Nocturne graduated from Harvard Medical School with top honors and obtained his medical license. He became a highly skilled physician, renowned across the medical community for his expertise and dedication. During the early years of his career, he successfully performed numerous complex surgeries, particularly on cancer patients—many of whom went on to live healthy lives thanks to his precision and care.

Eventually, Nocturne was appointed as a doctor at the very hospital where his father had once served decades ago—a place filled with legacy and personal meaning. Around the same time, his Uncle Joy was promoted to chairman of the hospital, marking a proud moment for their family.

One day, as Nocturne walked into the hospital wearing his favorite sunglasses, he accidentally bumped into a woman in the lobby. The collision was gentle but enough to knock his sunglasses off. As they hit the ground, one side of the frame snapped, leaving his cherished accessory damaged. That unexpected encounter would soon prove to be more significant than either of them realized.

Nocturne: Hey! Watch where you're going!

The woman, clearly irritated, snapped back.

Joy: Excuse me? Do you even know who I am? Where are your manners, huh?

Nocturne took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Nocturne: Oh wow, you're the one who's mad? These sunglasses are expensive—I can't believe this just happened!

Before the argument could escalate, a red warning light flashed in the hallway, signaling an emergency. Joy immediately rushed toward the operating room, responding to a patient in critical condition. Nocturne, still shaken, didn’t recognize that the woman he had just bumped into was the same person he had once saved when they were both eighteen.

As he tried to fix his broken sunglasses, Nocturne made his way to the doctors’ meeting room, where Joy’s Uncle’s Secretary was already waiting. Inside, Joy was presenting a surgical case she had recently handled. Nocturne stood up mid-discussion, visibly disagreeing with her approach. In the heat of the moment, his sunglasses slipped off again.

Joy turned to him, surprised.

Joy: Huh? So you were the one wearing sunglasses earlier? What are you even doing here? Who let you in here?

The room buzzed with tension until Joy’s Uncle’s Secretary stood up and addressed the group.

Secretary (Uncle Joy’s): Before we continue, please settle down. I have an important announcement to make. Starting today, we have a new Attending Surgeon. Everyone, please welcome Dr. Nocturne.

Joy’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn’t expected this news, and hearing it from her uncle’s secretary left her stunned.

After the discussion about the surgical cases, Joy rushed toward Nocturne, visibly flustered and remorseful. She stopped just in front of him, clasping her hands together in apology.

Joy: I'm truly sorry for earlier. I didn’t realize you were our Attending Surgeon, and I hope you can forgive me.

Nocturne raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden change in tone. He crossed his arms and gave a half-smile.

Nocturne: Alright, I’ll forgive you—just this once. But you owe me now.

Joy laughed nervously, nodding in agreement.

Joy: Okay, I’ll put that on your tab. See you later!

Later that evening, at a cozy restaurant near the hospital, Joy and Nocturne shared a meal together. The tension from earlier had melted away, replaced by casual conversation and laughter. They talked about hospital life, the chaos of emergency cases, and the quirks of their fellow staff.

It was the beginning of an unexpected friendship—maybe even something more.

Several months later, Nocturne became well-known among the hospital staff and was promoted as Head of the Surgery Department.

The next day, Nocturne tucked the vial of medicine into the inner pocket of his jacket. He had a busy schedule ahead—an urgent meeting with Joy and the other ranking doctors to interview applicants for a doctor assistant position.

Several candidates came and went, many failing to meet the hospital’s high standards. Just as they were about to wrap up, one final applicant entered the room. Her name was Clara.

After a brief but impressive interview, Nocturne made his decision.

Nocturne: You’re hired. Starting today, you’ll begin your job training. I’ll be your guide and mentor, helping you learn everything you need to know about being a doctor’s assistant.

Clara’s face lit up with gratitude.

Clara: Thank you, Dr. Nocturne! I’ll do my best and improve every day. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity!

On next day, as he was heading to his room, he had no idea that someone he had hired was secretly spying on him. Clara had been given a mission long before she applied for the position of assistant doctor. In truth, she was a servant of Father Nocturne’s enemy. That enemy’s sole purpose was to observe Nocturne’s daily activities in the hospital and look for any vulnerabilities..