I woke up feeling groggy, drained, and with extra-dark circles under my eyes. I couldn't fall asleep until nearly five in the morning. What happened last night left me angry, frustrated, and a little heartbroken. It was clear—they still didn't believe me.
No, not me—but the real Mia Isabella.
That girl must've done something seriously wrong in the past to lose the trust and faith of her brothers. Damn it, Mia. Now I have to clean up the mess you left behind, and I don't even know the full story. Did you really drug Lucas? Were you really taking drugs yourself?
Sighing, I dragged myself into the shower and got ready quickly. No way I was going to touch those ridiculous clubbing clothes again. I put on a simple knee-length floral dress, threw on a soft gray cardigan, and did a bit of makeup to cover the shadows under my eyes. One last look in the mirror—okay, not bad. Clean, presentable, even cute.
I grabbed my phone and wallet, slipped them into a sling bag I'd found in that hidden closet compartment, and headed out.
In the living room, only Grandpa Hugo and Aunty Mary were waiting for me. The other wolves—ahem, brothers—were thankfully nowhere in sight.
Thank goddess! I exhaled in relief.
Grandpa Hugo gave me a polite bow and said in a formal tone, "Good morning, Miss Mia. All the young masters have already left for work. Only Sir Matteo left a message. He asked that you go to the hospital first with the driver. He'll meet you at the psychiatric department after his morning rounds—around ten."
He sounded just like a secretary delivering a daily report to his boss.
"Alright," I replied, my tone flat, like a convicted criminal on her way to judgment. "Just give me a simple breakfast. I need some energy to survive this long, hectic day."
"Of course, Miss. I'll have it prepared right away," Aunty Mary said, stepping into the kitchen to give the order.
Fifteen minutes later, here I am—on the road in a sleek black Bentley, heading to the hospital. I'm not thrilled about it, but what can I do? It's not like I can argue with Matteo's plans, especially now that I know what kind of man he really is.
He looks polished and playful on the outside, but on the inside? A schemer through and through.
At least Mikael wears his disdain on his face—cold and direct. But Matteo? I can never quite read him. One minute he's teasing me like an older brother, the next he's barking out orders like some tyrannical crown prince. He's dangerous, like a beautiful red rose with hidden thorns—look too close and you'll bleed.
Whatever. I just have to stay sharp around him.
I'm lost in my own thoughts when the car pulls up in front of Lumora University Medical Centre—the place where I first woke up in this body. I step out slowly and wave off the kind driver, telling him I'll find my own way.
Inside, after getting through the big round glass doors, I looked around, scanning for signs to guide me to the psychiatry department. After spotting the right direction, I take the elevator to the eighteenth floor.
On the third floor, the elevator stops and three young nurses step in, chatting and laughing.
"I heard there's a new MO in psychiatry who's so handsome he might outshine even Dr. Matteo from my department. Is it true?" one of them asks eagerly, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The nurse with glasses and a cute dimple grins proudly. "Oh my god, yes! I swear, he's even better looking than Dr. Matteo and Dr. Leon from VIP. Our nurse QQ group chat has an ongoing poll for the hottest doctor in the hospital—and guess what? Dr. Alexius is still number one."
Huh? I perk up, silently listening like any normal girl who appreciates a good-looking face—and a bit of gossip.
"He only joined a month ago, but now every single day we've got nurses and even girl patients from other departments sneaking over to get a look at him!" she adds with a laugh. "Security's been working overtime just to handle the crowd."
"I heard he's only twenty-four and already holds two medical degrees," said the first nurse, sounding genuinely amazed.
"He got his license overseas and still chose to come back here. Such a gentleman," said the dimpled nurse, clearly proud to have him in her department.
"What's his other degree? Why psychiatry?" the third nurse, with a freckle on her face asks, clearly jealous.
"I asked our chief nurse! She said, he also has a degree in cardiothoracic surgery!" the dimpled one exclaims with wide eyes.
"What?! That's our department! Why didn't he join us instead of wasting his talents in psychiatry?" the freckled nurse groans in frustration. "What's wrong with his brain?"
Ting! The elevator doors slide open. The nurses step out, still chatting excitedly.
I stay behind, now alone in the elevator and still thinking about everything I just heard.
Hmm… sounds like I might need to join the fan club and spy on this so-called Dr. Alexius myself. If he really beats Matteo and Dr. Leon in looks, then he must be something else.
And I am headed to the psychiatric department anyway. What's the harm in taking a peek?
***
I wander down a long corridor that feels like it stretches on forever, growing more frustrated with every step. Why is this hospital so enormous—and why are there so many different wings? I'm supposed to head to the North Wing, but where is it exactly? It feels like I've taken a wrong turn somewhere.
Even worse, there's not a single soul around for me to ask. Great. What do I do now?
Just as I'm about to turn back, I spot someone coming around the corner—a man in a doctor's coat, holding a patient chart. He's walking while reading it, completely absorbed in whatever's written. Because he's emerging from another corridor, he doesn't see me right away and continues walking straight in my direction.
This is my chance!
I pick up my pace, quickly closing the distance. From behind, I notice his tall, straight frame and—wait—his hair. It's silver-gray!
"Um, excuse me, doctor? Can I ask you something? Where is the psychiatry department?" I say politely, reaching out to tap his broad shoulder so I don't startle him.
He suddenly stops.
And I, with my usual grace, walk straight into his back.
"Ow—my nose!" I yelp, pulling back and instinctively cupping my face. That definitely hurt.
The man slowly turns around, clearly surprised. And then I see his face—sharp features, flawless skin, and… pink eyes?
What?
His gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, I feel completely frozen. Those unusual eyes draw me in, as if they're quietly dissecting every thought in my head.
"Mia Isabella," he whispered, as if the words caught in his throat. His voice trembled, thick with disbelief—and something deeper, something that almost sounded like tears.
The chart in his hand slipped from his fingers and hit the floor with a loud smack, echoing off the sterile hospital walls.
I blinked, confused. "You… know me?" I asked, unsure whether to be cautious or curious.
His eyes—those strange, mesmerizing pink eyes—remained fixed on mine, wide with shock. He took a step forward, like he was afraid I might vanish if he moved too fast.
"It really is you," he said under his breath, almost like speaking to himself. "After all these years…"
Years? My heart skipped a beat. I'd never seen this man before—or at least, not in this lifetime.
"I'm sorry," I said carefully, stepping back a little. "Do we… know each other?"
Something inside him shifted. The flicker of hope in his expression dulled, replaced with a quiet ache. He exhaled slowly, then offered a small, sad smile.
"I see," he said softly. "You don't remember me." His words struck a chord. Somehow, they hurt more than they should have.
"I… lost some of my memory," I admitted, almost guiltily. "So if we met before… I don't remember it."
He crouched down to pick up the chart without saying a word. When he stood again, his expression was gentler, more composed. Still sad, but now tucked behind a mask of professionalism.
"I'm Dr. Alexius," he said, slipping the chart under his arm. "You said you want to ask me where the psychiatric department is, right? Come, I'll show you the way"
Oh? This is that Dr. Alexius? The heartthrob genius who has every nurse and patient swooning? The one who supposedly rivals even Matteo and Dr. Leon in looks and talent? And he just looked at me like I was the love of his life. Great! Just great!
"Th-thank you," I mumbled, feeling strangely nervous now.
He glanced at his watch and then back at me. "I still have a few minutes before my next appointment. Let's go."
And just like that, he turned and began walking slowly down the hall—without waiting for me to answer.
I hurried after him, my thoughts a mess.
Who is this man? And more importantly…what exactly was I to him before?