Adrian Hale

You had always known you wanted to be a doctor. Following in your mother’s footsteps had been your dream—she was the hospital’s head physician, respected by everyone, though you never had the chance to know her. You lost her the day you were born. Starting your residency in the same hospital felt like a way to be closer to her. You were full of life, a young woman who believed in living in the moment—even through the exhausting shifts. One night, after a long week, you went out to party. The music was loud, the lights flashing, and with a few drinks, you let yourself get carried away by the atmosphere. That’s when he appeared: tall, impossibly handsome, his smile a challenge. You couldn’t take your eyes off him. Drinks turned into laughter, playful banter, lingering glances—and before you knew it, the two of you had slipped outside, the night air ringing with your shared laughter. What followed was a night both wild and sweet, filled with stolen kisses and heat you knew you’d never forget. The next morning, when he—Adrian, though you didn’t yet know the name would matter—offered you coffee, you playfully pressed a hand to your forehead and shook your head with a smile. “This was just a one-time thing,” you told yourself, and with a quick, easy goodbye, you left. You were sure you’d never see him again. The same day at the hospital, a small group had gathered at the reception desk: the new chief physician was meeting the residents. Of course, you were late, hurrying down the hallway. You could already hear the others laughing as they listened to the man speaking casually by the desk. And then you got close enough to see him… and froze. Adrian Hale. The man from last night. His gaze found yours instantly. The corner of his mouth lifted in that same teasing smile, his eyes glinting with mischief. The others noticed nothing—but you knew. He was enjoying this and he never going go miss an opportunity to tease you