It was late at night when Regina and Samantha alighted from the cab after leaving the hospital. They were laughing and chatting as they walked to the front door of Regina's apartment.
"I'm so proud of you, Gina. Dr. Mary told me how amazing you were in the operating room" Samantha said as they entered.
"I was scared, but I managed to pull through" Regina said, collapsing on the sofa.
The living room wasn't big, but it was cozy and beautifully decorated. The kitchen was small too but elegant. Regina's bedroom was painted a soft blue, while the second room had a light pink theme. Both rooms had private bathrooms, perfectly designed for the young ladies' comfortability.
"Sam, aren't you going to fix us something to eat? I'm hungry" Regina asked.
"You lazy girl" Samantha teased. "I should be charging you for all the cooking I do around here. But you know what? You deserve a treat after your first surgery today."
"Awwn, thank you, Sam. I'm really glad you live here with me" Regina said, smiling.
"We should call Cara and share the good news" Samantha said.
"Absolutely" Regina agreed.
"Wait… I heard you ran into Captain Ryan today" Samantha said.
"He had a face mask on, so I didn't see his face. But who told you about it?" Regina asked, curious.
"I overheard someone say you spilled coffee on his white ceremonial uniform. Girl, you should have been more careful. That uniform is a symbol of honor" Samantha said.
"And what about my doctor's coat? Why is everyone acting like he's some kind of god? What's so special about him anyway? He looked proud and full of himself" Regina said and rolled her eyes.
"Oh please. Women are literally obsessed with him. He's a national hero" Samantha said.
"I'm hungry, Sam. Let's forget about soldiers and heroes" Regina said.
"You really should try to apologize to him properly. It might help you stay on his good side" Samantha advised.
"Sam, I'm hungry. He better be careful not to end up with a brain issue and guess whose hands he'll end up in by that time?" Regina said jokingly.
"Come to the kitchen and learn something" Samantha said as she walked into the kitchen. Just then, Regina's phone rang.
"Go ahead, Samantha. I'll take this call… Hello, Dr. Hansel?" Regina answered as she walked into her room to talk.
At a luxurious condominium, Kate stepped out of the elevator and walked to an apartment door. She rang the bell, and when it opened, she smiled brightly at the man she came to see.
"Oliver!" Kate exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms.
"How are you, Kate?" Oliver asked, hugging her tightly.
"I'm good. I really thought you were joking when you told me to come over" she said, stroking his face.
"I would never joke about that. I've missed you" Oliver said, sitting down on the couch as Kate sat on his lap.
"I'm not going to work tomorrow. I want to spend time with you before you travel back again" Kate said.
"No, you should go to work" Oliver said.
"I have a rival now. Remember I told you about that Regina girl?" Kate said.
"Yes, what about her?" Oliver asked.
"I just can't stand her. She always acts like she knows everything" Kate said.
"Maybe she actually does?" Oliver teased.
"Let's change the topic. How's your company?" Kate asked.
"It's doing well. My business partner is handling things while I'm here" Oliver said.
"It's a pity you didn't set it up in Alcantra or Bungaria. Pelidesh is too far. I would have loved to visit you more often" Kate said.
"I understand. So, when are you going to tell your dad about us?" Oliver asked.
"Oliver, let's give it a little more time" Kate said.
"Time? We have been dating for two months already. Is your dad against us or have you just not told him about me?" Oliver asked. Just then, Kate's phone rang.
"Shhh" she hushed Oliver before picking up. "Dad?"
"Katherine, where are you?" Mr. Morgan asked.
"I went out, Dad. I won't be coming home tonight" Kate said.
"Why didn't you perform the surgery? Why did you let that girl take over? Your granduncle also asked me the same thing. Why are you always standing by while she shines?" CEO Morgan asked coldly.
"I was nervous, Dad. But I promise it won't happen again. I'm going to outshine her no matter what" Kate promised.
"I heard Ryan came to the hospital today. I want you to meet him. He's single, and this could be your chance to become Mrs. Powers. I'm planning to speak with Mr. Powers" CEO Morgan said.
"Dad, I've told you so many times that I'm not interested in that soldier. I don't love Ryan. I love someone else. Please don't force me" Kate said, sounding upset.
"If you don't want me to push you towards him, then prove yourself at work. Don't let Regina take all the credit. This hospital is our legacy, and you're supposed to carry it forward as the heiress" CEO Morgan said.
"Fine. But get ready to meet my fiancé too" Kate said before ending the call.
"Ryan from Powers Incorporated Groups? That's who your dad wants you to date?" Oliver asked.
"Yes, but I'm not interested" Kate said.
"Now I understand why you're still hiding me from your dad" Oliver said.
"You know I love you, Oliver. I would do anything for you. Just give me a little more time" she said.
"I get it, sweetheart. I love you too" Oliver said. "Now let me order something for us to eat… before I eat my favorite" he said, emphasizing the last part. Kate grinned and bit her lip playfully.
The next day at MUH, Regina and Gabriel, the intern, sat together in their office as they reviewed a patient's chart.
"This is similar to the last case. It's another subdural hematoma" Gabriel said as he studied the chart. "You should be able to handle this surgery yourself, even without Dr. Cyprus."
"Oh please, Gabriel. I don't think I can" Regina said, standing up. "Where is the Chief, anyway?"
"He went to meet with the chairman. And by the way, Dr. Kate isn't at work today" Gabriel said.
"How is that my concern?" Regina asked, removing her coat.
"You two don't like each other. And she hasn't even performed one surgery yet, even though Dr. Cyprus has given her chances" Gabriel said.
"Gabriel, leave me out of anything that has to do with Kate. Call me when Dr. Cyprus gets back" Regina said and walked out.
Back at Oliver's condominium, while Kate was in the shower, Oliver's phone rang. He answered and walked into the living room to talk.
"Hey man, how's it going?" Oliver asked.
"All good. By the way, I overheard you and your girl talking last night" the man on the phone said.
"Wait… I didn't hang up before she came in?" Oliver asked, surprised.
"Nope. I even heard her moaning. Bad guy" the man teased, and they both laughed.
"You idiot" Oliver said and turned back, checking to see if Kate was nearby.
"Oliver, you're getting too attached to this girl. Is this still revenge, or are you falling for her?" the man asked.
"Xavier, this is all part of the plan. I just need to get close to the Morgan family. She's my pawn in this game" Oliver said.
"But she really loves you" Xavier said.
"I know. I've got the charm and the looks. I'm not going to lose focus. I'm just trying to find out if the sins of her father run in her blood too" Oliver said.
"Even if she's innocent, no daughter would side with a man who wants her father's downfall. Don't let her love fool you. They don't deserve kindness" Xavier said.
"Oliver?" Kate called from the bedroom.
"Talk to you later, Xavier" Oliver said and hung up. "I'm coming, sweetheart" he said back.
At MUH, Regina was just finishing a phone call with Cara when she bumped into Dr. Strafford in the hallway.
"Dr. Coles" Dr. Strafford greeted with a warm smile.
"Hi" Regina said with a friendly smile.
"I haven't seen you around much. I guess you've been really busy" Dr. Strafford said, and Regina nodded. "I heard about your first major surgery. That's impressive."
"Thank you" Regina said.
"Can I invite you to lunch? I hope you're free" Dr. Strafford asked.
"Um…" Regina hesitated.
"Please don't say no. I already found out the surgery has been postponed and Dr. Cyprus is busy with the chairman. I would just like to know more about the youngest neurosurgeon in Alcantra" Dr. Strafford said with a grin.
"Well, alright. I'll come" Regina said, blushing slightly.
"There's a nice restaurant nearby. You'll love the food" Dr. Strafford said, and Regina forced a smile as she nodded a yes.