"Dr. Roman!" The nurse who had brought Patricia in called out, but he ignored her completely. Without a word, he stormed toward Patricia, grabbed her wrist, and yanked her away from the patient.
"I… I… I am performing CPR. It's urgent and we need to save the patient's life," she stammered, her breath shaky as she met his piercing gaze. His fury was palpable, and she knew there was no escaping it.
"Who gave you permission to touch her?!" He barked, making her flinch. Her lips parted in a silent gasp as tears threatened to spill. Why had she ever thought she could stand up to a man like him? Just his glare was enough to make her tremble.
"I will take responsibility for her! But the patient needs urgent help, please let her continue," the nurse stepped in quickly, offering a lifeline. Patricia felt a wave of relief wash over her. If the nurse hadn't spoken up, she might have collapsed right there.
"Will you also pay with your life if the patient dies?" He asked coldly, still staring at Patricia. The nurse froze, lost for words, her voice catching in her throat. Patricia's heartbeat quickened, her mind screaming for a miracle. She silently vowed never to get involved again in what didn't concern her again.
"Please… let go. It hurts," she whispered, lowering her head. But instead of easing his grip, he tightened it, making her whimper. Then, without warning, he yanked her closer until their faces were mere inches apart.
Patricia blinked rapidly, caught in his shadow. His black obsidian eyes were terrifying and yet, somehow captivating. She knew she shouldn't be feeling this way, not now, not here, but how could she think straight when he was so close? Her eyes accidentally landed on the tattoo peeking from his neck. It was one word…death.
Who tattoos death on their body? She had never believed anyone could be more terrifying than her stepmother or grandmother. If they were demons, he was the devil himself.
"If she dies, you die. Go on," he whispered, and a chill ran through her body as goosebumps rose across her skin. Her entire frame trembled as he finally released her and stepped back. She stood frozen, shaken.
"What are you doing? Continue the CPR!" The nurse snapped her out of it.
Snapping back to focus, Patricia climbed back onto the bed and resumed CPR. She continued for five more minutes, her arms growing heavy. Just as she began preparing herself to meet her end, the patient suddenly gasped for air.
Patricia's eyes widened. She let out a shaky laugh, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks.
"Can you see me? How many fingers?" She asked, waving her hand in front of the woman.
"Fo…four," the patient croaked, her voice hoarse at first, then clearer.
Relieved, Patricia stepped down from the bed. "Give her water, and prepare some drips," she instructed, exhaling deeply.
"Bring her to my office," came Roman's voice. When she turned around, he was already gone.
"Thank you," the nurse said quickly before Roman's assistant approached.
"Miss, please follow me," Kay said calmly.
Patricia nodded and followed him at once. Her first day at work, and she had already managed to enrage the hospital's owner. What a way to begin. She was sure she would be fired today. But if she could finalize the divorce, it would all be worth it.
"Miss, your bag!" The nurse called after her. Thankfully, they hadn't walked far and she retrieved her bag.
When they arrived at Dr. Roman's office, Patricia was surprised by how spacious it was. The room had a homely feel to it, almost like a studio apartment. Something told her he was the type of doctor who worked overnight, judging by the setup. There was even a small gym area that caught her attention. If he weren't so terrifying, he might actually seem like an interesting man.
"She's here," Kay announced, then quietly left the room.
Patricia swallowed hard and glanced at the door, quickly gauging the distance just in case she needed to run. Her eyes dropped to Roman, and even from the back, he looked powerful. His broad frame and jet-black hair gave him a striking appearance. She was sure he had no shortage of female company at night.
But why did that even matter? She was engaged for goodness' sake!
"What do you want? Money? Sex?" He asked suddenly, breaking the silence. His back was still turned.
"What?" Patricia blinked, stunned. Was he being serious? What did he take her for, some desperate girl chasing after his wealth or status?
"I don't have time to waste. Which one is it?" He asked again, colder this time, turning around to face her. He began walking toward her, each step making her heart pound faster. She instinctively stepped back.
"I… I don't understand what you mean, but I don't want anything from you. Thank you," she replied quietly, lowering her head.
"So, you treated a patient you don't know, in a hospital that just happens to be mine, purely out of kindness?" He asked, now only a step away from her.
"Yes…well, no…I mean, I was just employed here and hadn't even been signed in yet. I stumbled upon the scene and couldn't ignore a patient in distress," she answered, still avoiding his gaze. The silence that followed was deafening. Slowly, she raised her head.
Suddenly, he grabbed her jaw, his grip tight and painful. She cried out, squeezing her eyes shut.
"Who sent you?! Was it him?!" He thundered.
The force of his anger sent her stumbling to the floor, her body trembling. A single tear slid down her cheek as she forced the words out.
"I came here to seek a divorce from you. We are married," she said, causing his hand to drop and his brows to rise in surprise.
Rubbing her sore jaw, she continued, "I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's true. We are legally married, and I need your help to terminate the certificate."
She reached into her bag, rummaging for a few seconds before pulling out a folded document. Opening it in front of him, she revealed the marriage certificate.
Roman glanced at it and said coolly, "I am impressed. You are the first one to come forward like this. Most of the others never had the guts."
Then he turned and began walking away.
"No, I am serious!" She called out, stepping after him. "I don't even know how this happened, I just want it resolved. Help me, and I swear you will never see me again." She didn't know where her courage was coming from, but she pressed on.
"How will that work when you are employed here?" He replied without looking back. "The next time we meet, you will be fired. Leave."
With that, he disappeared into a separate room. Just as Patricia was about to follow him, the door swung open and two bodyguards entered.