CHAPTER TWO - THE WARNING
1911 Words
JOY
The day slipped past faster than she expected.
Before she even realized it, evening had settled over the hospital. Joy gathered the last of her things and excused herself, offering polite goodbyes. She had spent the entire day trying to act normal, yet tension clung stubbornly to her shoulders.
Being in the same room as him had not helped.
Her father’s warning echoed constantly in her mind — no one must know they were relate.
Every conversation.
Every glance.
Every second near Martin felt dangerous.
And she needed answers.
“You can place those files on that shelf over there,” Dr. Sanchez said, not bothering to look up from his paperwork. “And remember, you need to be here early tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be here early tomorrow morning.”
“Good. You may leave now.”
Relief loosened something in her chest. She turned quickly, already thinking about confronting her father the moment she got home — but his voice stopped her before she reached theRodriguez.”
Her heart stumbled. What now?
She turned back. “Sir?”
“Your phone.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Oh… thank you. I was in a hurry.”
She took it, murmured another goodbye, and walked out before she could do something suspicious — like breathe too loudly.
In the locker room she changed into her clothes, then left the hospital and took a cab home since her father had already gone ahead.
MARTIN
After she left, the office felt strangely quiet.
Martin leaned back in his chair, staring at the door she had just walked through.
He didn’t like this feeling.
He was used to attention — used to women trying to impress him, laugh at everything he said, find reasons to stay longer than necessary. He never thought about them afterward.
But this…
This quiet pull toward someone he barely knew unsettled him.
She was different.
And that difference lingered long after she was gone.
JOY
When she arrived home, the scent of cooking greeted her at the door.Her father stood in the kitchen, focused over the stove.
“What’s for dinner, Dad?”
“Beef stew, rice, and fruit salad.”
She inhaled deeply. “It smells delicious. Can I help?
”
“No need. I’m almost done. Freshen up and come set the table.”
She obeyed, but impatience gnawed at her.
After dinner was served, she couldn’t hold it anymore.
“Dad… what was all that about?”
He sighed heavily.
“It’s for your own good.”
“My own good?” She frowned. “Please explain.”
He hesitated —“The Sanchez family is not who they seem. When your mother got sick, she needed a heart transplant. I searched everywhere for a matching donor, but it was impossible to find one. Then Don Sanchez approached me and said he could help. " But the kind of help he offered was not the legal kind. The black market that's where the heart came from.
Joy froze.
“I was desperate,” he continued quietly. “I didn’t care what it took. I only wanted to save your mother.”
He swallowed.
“The surgery succeeded… but during recovery her body rejected the heart. She didn’t survive.”
Silence filled the room.
“She warned me not to trust him,” he said softly. “Said it was like making a deal with the devil."
Joy’s chest tightened painfully.
“After her death, they didn’t let me go. They had me performing unauthorized surgeries. That’s why they must never know we’re related.”
“Then why let me intern there?” she asked.
“So I can keep an eye on you. So you stay safe.”
She stared at him
.
“And why didn’t you quit?”
“I’m a shareholder,” he replied. “And I’m too deep in. Leaving could make them see me as a threat. Sometimes it’s safer to stay close to your enemies.”
She lowered her gaze.
“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
After dinner she cleared the table and washed the dishes — but another thought slipped into her mind.
Her boss.
She shook her head immediately.He was Don Sanchez’s grandson.
She could not allow feelings to grow.
From now on — strictly professional.
MARTIN
He couldn’t concentrate after she left earlier.
“Jorge, can you cover my evening shift?” he asked.
Jorge stared at him. “What’s wrong with you today? You seem disoriented.”
Martin hesitated. “It’s… a woman.”
Jorge blinked, then laughed. “You? Because of a woman?”
“She’s different.”
Jorge leaned back in his chair, studying Martin with growing amusement.
“You should make a proper introduction then,” he said. “Who is she?”
Martin hesitated briefly before answering.
“She’s the new intern working under my supervision.”
Jorge raised a brow. “Do you know her from somewhere?”
Martin shook his head. “No. I met her today. I only know what was written in her résumé.”
Jorge shook his head. “You’re unbelievable. Fine — I’ll cover for you. But you owe me.”
JOY
Days passed quickly.
The hospital prepared for its forty-fifth anniversary celebration — and both Joy and her father were invited.
She had been focusing on her work for days, successfully avoiding unnecessary interaction with him — or at least trying to.
But that afternoon, he called her into his office.
Joy knocked lightly before stepping inside.
“Miss Rodriguez,” he said, gesturing for her to come closer. “I assume you received the invitation to tomorrow’s party. I hope you’ll be attending. I’d like to introduce you to some people who may help your career in the long run.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied politely. “I will be in attendance.”
He studied her for a moment, his gaze more observant than usual.
“And I wanted to ask… is something the matter? You’ve been avoiding me. You’re even standing next to the door like you might run the moment you get the chance.” His voice softened slightly. “If you’re uncomfortable with me as your supervisor, I can have Maggie assign you to another doctor.”
Her heart jumped.
“No, sir,” she said quickly. “I’m fine. I’m just trying to keep up with your schedule. I’m okay.”
He held her gaze for another second before nodding.
“Very well. You may leave now.”
She walked out, closing the door gently behind her.
What was she thinking?
That had been the perfect opportunity to request a transfer — and he had been the one to suggest it. Accepting wouldn’t have seemed suspicious at all.
Yet she had refused.“
Joy had barely stepped away from the office when a voice startled her from behind.
“Girl, you’re lucky.”
She jumped slightly and turned. “Maggie! Where did you come from? You scared me.”
“Lucky?” Joy added quickly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Maggie crossed her arms, clearly unconvinced. “Seems like our boss is very interested in helping you. And the way he looks at you — the concern — don’t tell me you haven’t noticed.”
“Noticed what?”
“He’s into you.”
Joy scoffed. “You’re hallucinating, Maggie. I’m leaving. See you.”
Maggie only smirked. “Whatever. You’re the only one who doesn’t see it.”
Joy had taken a few steps when Maggie called after her again.
“Wait! I was thinking I’d come over to your place tomorrow so we can get ready together for the party.”
Joy paused for a split second before answering. “Mmm… how about I come to your place instead? Mine’s under renovation.”
Maggie frowned. “And where exactly have you been staying?”
“At my place… why?”
“Nope. Absolutely not. You’re not staying in a house under renovation.” Maggie dug into her bag and pulled out a spare key. “Go get your things today. You’re staying with me until it’s done.”
Joy hesitated. “You sure about that?”
“Of course. That’s what friends are for.”
Joy smiled softly. “Okay… thanks, Maggie.”
MARTIN
From his office doorway, Martin watched the interaction from a distance.
So she didn’t want to work under his supervision.
He didn’t understand her. She was uneasy around him — that much was obvious — yet she had refused his offer to transfer.
Joy… I’ll figure out what you’re hiding.
JOY
Later that evening, Joy spoke to her father while packing a small bag.
“I’ll be staying with Maggie for the time being,” she said. “She insisted on coming over, so I had to tell her my house is under renovation.”She sighed. “I don’t like lying to her. She’s been really good to me… she considers me a friend. And I do too. It feels wrong.”
“I know, Joy,” her father said gently. “But it’s something we have to do. You did the right thing. I’m okay with you staying with her — she’s a kind soul. Just keep in touch. At work we can’t talk freely.”
“I will. I’ve already packed. I’ll call you when I get there.”
Joy unlocked Maggie’s apartment door.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t be home,” she said as she stepped inside. “That’s why you gave me the key.”
Maggie laughed. “The key is because you live here now. And you’re right — I was supposed to be working late organizing tomorrow’s party, but they hired an event planner. My job was just making sure the right people got invitations. That’s done. So… welcome to my humble abode.”Joy looked around in awe. “There’s nothing humble about this place, Maggie. It looks amazing.”
“Come on,” Maggie said, leading her down the hallway. “This will be your room. Make yourself at home.”
She spun around excitedly. “Now — tomorrow’s party. Tell me you have a dress.
I can’t wait to doll you up.”
Joy laughed nervously.
Maggie grinned mischievously. “He’s going to be drooling over you like you’re a piece of meat he can’t wait to devour.”
Joy stiffened. “Who?”
“You know who. Your cheeks turn red just thinking about him.”
“Stop it,” Joy said quickly. “It’s not funny, and I don’t know who you’re referring to.”
“Alright, alright,” Maggie chuckled. “But that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
Joy looked away.The thought of him did something to her — something she refused to name.
She had made a promise. She would not let herself get close.
“Hey,” Maggie said, waving a hand in front of her face. “Where did you zone off to?”
Joy blinked. “Sorry… you were saying?”
“Have you had dinner?”
“No, not yet.”
“Good. I’ll make us something, and afterward you’ll show me the dress you’re wearing tomorrow.”
Joy nodded, forcing her thoughts away from a certain pair of blue eyes.
Business only.
Nothing more
- Writer
