In a small town where everyone knew each other, it was impossible to hide.
Lucien Moretti owned half of the town's buildings. No one dared look him in the eye. He is involved in every illegal and legal business, and even the mayor never questioned him.
He is a dangerous man, feared everywhere he went.
Unknown to Victoria, who is new to the town and unaware of its rules or how things were done, she would soon come face to face with the danger that is Lucien Moretti.
Victoria's POV
I never thought I would move to a small town after my internship ended, where I knew no one except for my best friend Veronica who came to this town a few months ago. But it was the only place that offered me a job Loretta's Private Hospital.
Victoria arrived in Stonehaven Town and hurried straight to the hospital. It was her first day, and she was already running late. As she rushed toward Mr. Hart's office, she collided with someone coming out of the office
Lucien.
Her heart skipped a beat. Without even looking back, she ducked inside the office and closed the door.
"Are you okay, sir?" Lucien's assistant asked.
Victoria froze. Did she not know who he is? She hadn't even apologized.
"We're running late, sir," the assistant added, glancing nervously at Lucien.
Lucien didn't move. His eyes were dark, unreadable, and cold.
Am… sorry," Victoria stammered, bowing her head slightly.
"Watch where you're going," Lucien replied coldly, his voice low and sharp, before turning and leaving.
Victoria's hands trembled as she made her way to the office.
"Good morning, Mr. Hart," she said nervously.
"First day, and you're already late," Mr. Hart snapped.
"I… I'm sorry, th—"
Before she could finish, he cut her off sharply. "This should be the first and last time. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," she replied, swallowing her nerves.
"You'll be assisting Doctor Harem this week," he added, his tone leaving no room for argument.
At that moment, the office door opened. A tall, handsome man in a crisp white coat stepped inside.
"Good morning, Doctor Hart," he greeted politely.
"Good morning, Doctor Harem," Mr. Hart replied.
"This is the new assigned doctor," Mr. Hart said, gesturing toward Victoria. "Victoria, she will be assisting you this week."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Victoria," the man said, offering a warm smile.
"The pleasure is mine," Victoria replied, feeling a little relief at his kindness.
"Shall we go? I'll show you around and everything you'll need to know," he said, motioning toward the door.
So, what made you come to a small town like this?" Doctor Harem asked as they walked.
"It's quiet… and nice," Victoria replied, "and it's the only hospital that offered me a job. Plus, the pay is good. It's just my first day in town."
"Quiet and nice," Doctor Harem repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"
"Well, on my way here, I saw the whole town. It looked peaceful," Victoria said honestly.
Doctor Harem shook his head slightly. "If that's what you think… fine. But be careful. And don't meddle in what doesn't concern you, okay?"
Victoria hesitated. "Okay," she murmured, a strange feeling prickling at the back of her neck.
"This is the cafeteria. Our tour ends here. Let's go treat some patients," Doctor Harem said, gesturing ahead.
Victoria's POV
What does he mean by be careful? Is something going on in this town?
"Doctor Victoria!" Doctor Harem called, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Ah, yes, I'm coming," she replied, hurrying to catch up.
After a long day at work, Victoria walked to the nearest bus station to wait for the next bus.
Just then, Doctor Harem drove by. He spotted her immediately and offered her a ride home.
"I'm fine, really. I can wait for the bus," she said, shaking her head.
Doctor Harem didn't take no for an answer. He waited patiently, and after five minutes of gentle debate, Victoria finally relented. She gave him her address: 5th Avenue Street.
The car was quiet. Neither spoke, until Doctor Harem finally broke the silence.
"So… do you have any family here?"
"No, just my best friend. What about you?" she asked.
"My whole family is here. I grew up here," he replied, eyes briefly on the road.
"I didn't know that… do you ever leave town?" Victoria asked.
"Yes. I was away for about ten years. Came back when the hospital opened," he said, smiling faintly.
Soon, they reached her stop.
"This is my place. Thanks for the ride," she said, gathering her bag.
"You're welcome. Goodnight," he replied.
"Goodnight," she echoed, stepping out of the car.
The street was dark and quiet. Just as she reached the door, a scream made her jump. She spun around — it was her best friend, Veronica, who flicked on the lights.
"Oh my God! I missed you so much!" Veronica exclaimed, rushing forward.
"I missed you too!" Victoria replied, hugging her tightly.
"So… how was your first day?" Veronica asked.
"It was okay… though I didn't make a great impression. I was late," Victoria admitted.
"Well, that's nothing new. You're always late," Veronica teased.
"Not helping!" Victoria laughed.
"Sorry, sorry! I'll be your alarm from now on. You'll always be on time," Veronica said confidently.
"Thanks, Vee," Victoria smiled.
"You're welcome, Tee," Veronica replied.
"Okay, I have so much to tell you! Come on, I'll show you your bedroom," Veronica said, grabbing Victoria's hand and leading her inside.
After a long chat, Victoria and Veronica finally settled in for the night.
"Goodnight, Tee," Veronica said, flipping off her bedside lamp.
"Goodnight, Vee," Victoria replied, curling under her blanket.
The house was quiet now, the earlier excitement fading into calm. But as Victoria drifted toward sleep, a small part of her couldn't shake the feeling that her life in Stonehaven Town was about to change… in ways she couldn't yet imagine.