— NOLAN'S POV —
By the time I pulled into the hospital parking lot, my jaw ached from how tightly I'd been clenching it. The steering wheel still held the faint imprint of my grip from earlier.
The first thing I saw when I stepped out? Two men in black suits standing by the main gate. Sunglasses. Earpieces. Arms folded in that we're totally not intimidating, we're just standing here way.
Not again.
I didn't even slow down. I was too drained to pick another fight with Varek. It wouldn't matter what I said—he'd just smile, make some smug remark, and the bodyguards would still be here tomorrow. So I ignored them, kept walking, and told myself to breathe.
The automatic doors slid open, and the familiar scent of antiseptic hit me.
Relief trickled in when I realized Varek himself wasn't here. His presence was… a minefield. With him around, I always felt like I was tiptoeing on glass—never sure which step would set him off, or make him draw closer in that way that left my thoughts tangled for hours.
I started down the corridor, letting the quiet hum of the hospital fill my ears. My mind wasn't on patients or rounds, though. Not yet. I passed the director's office, and the sight of the frosted glass door stopped me mid-step.
That photo from the orphanage flashed in my mind—the charity dinner, my old caretaker smiling, and behind her… him. The director.
I had almost let it slip from my mind. Too many things had happened after that visit, but now the memory burned sharp again. The orphanage. The hospital. My missing years. I knew—knew—they were connected.
I was so deep in thought that I almost jumped when someone tapped my shoulder.
I turned to see Zade's grin. "What's got you so lost in your head you didn't even see me?"
"Nothing. Just… random things," I said quickly.
I wasn't sure if I should tell him. The fewer people involved, the better. Varek was already keeping tabs on him just because of me—I wasn't about to make him a bigger target.
Zade's grin softened into concern."You sure? You know you can tell me anything, right?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why are you being so nice all of a sudden? That's not really your style, Zade. Don't worry." I smiled faintly, placing a hand on his shoulder in mock reassurance. "If anything happens, you'll be the first to know."
He rolled his eyes but didn't push, and we walked together toward my office. Then we parted ways.
The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was… nothing. No notes tucked under the keyboard. No flowers I didn't ask for. No subtle traces that someone had been here. For the first time in weeks, I felt like maybe—maybe—I wasn't being watched.
The feeling lasted exactly thirty seconds.
My phone buzzed on the desk. Of course—it was him.
A message from Varek:
Remember your place, Nolan. And maybe keep your hands to yourself—not resting on someone else's shoulder. Hands wandering like that could get you in trouble.
My blood went cold. A chill ran down my spine. My eyes darted to the hallway, the ceiling corners, the window.
How the hell do you know that? Are you stalking me again? I typed quickly.
His reply came instantly.
Varek - Not stalking. Just keeping an eye on you — for safety purposes.
Me - You're insane. Stop texting me unless you want a black eye.
Varek - Oh? So now we're fighting like an old married couple?
Me - Shut up, Varek. Or I'll block you.
Varek - Alright, alright. Focus on work, baby. See you at HOME.
I didn't reply. Just left him on "seen."
The man can't let me breathe for five minutes.
The frustration sat heavy in my chest.
I dropped into my chair, rubbing my temples. Enough. Today wasn't about him—it was about answers. I was going to start digging into this hospital, the orphanage, and every thread that connected the two.
And the first step… was the director's office.