Chapter 214

Chapter 214
IVANA’S POV

The air in the room was thick with tension, even though Alec and his men were gone. I stood frozen, staring at the door they'd just walked through, but his presence still lingered like a shadow crawling over my skin.

I was shivering despite the heat and at the same time, my face was damped with sweat.

My father moved toward me and wrapped me in a tight hug. His arms were warm, but his body trembled, even though he was trying to conceal it, it was obvious that he was very much shaken.

“How could you help someone like that?” he whispered into my hair. “He doesn’t deserve it.”

The fear in his voice could not be missed despite how hard he tried to mask it for my sake.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I whispered, guilt choking me. “I didn’t know who he was. I would never have helped him if I had.” I felt terrible for bringing such problem to my dad.

He pulled back, his hands resting on my shoulders as his eyes searched mine.

“I’ve already lost your mother. I can’t lose you too.”

Tears welled in his eyes, and it broke something inside me. My father was the strongest man I knew and now, he looked as helpless as I felt.

“I promise, nothing will happen to me,” I said, forcing a smile I didn’t feel. “And I won’t marry that man.”

Mark stepped forward, his fingers lacing through mine.

“I’ll protect you,” he promised, his tone fierce.

My father looked between us, desperation growing in his eyes. “You two should get married. Immediately. It’s the only way to protect her.”

Mark nodded without hesitation. “I’ll marry Ivana. I love her. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

I looked at them two good men trying to shield me. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the chilling fear that no one could protect me from Alec Nissandro.

I got ready for work in a rush the next morning, insisting to my father that I’d be fine. He wanted to drive me, but I reminded him his blood pressure couldn’t handle more stress.

By the time I arrived at the clinic, Grace rushed toward me, breathless and visibly shaken.

“Thank God you’re here, Ivana!”

“What’s wrong, Grace?” I asked, my chest tightening.

Before she could answer, Mr. Kendricks, our department head, appeared. His face was grim.

“Ivana. Come with me.”

I followed him, nerves tangling in my throat.

Inside his office, he didn’t sit. He just turned to me with a clipped tone. “Ivana, you can no longer continue your internship here.”

The floor seemed to fall out from under me and I stared at him wide eyed for a moment

“What?” I whispered, unable to process what I’d just heard. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, no,” he said quickly. “You’re one of the most promising interns we’ve had.”

“Then why?” My voice shook.

He hesitated, then forced a smile. “Actually, congratulations are in order. One of the hospital’s major sponsors has personally requested that you become his private nurse.”

My mouth went dry. “He… what?”

“Starting immediately, you’ll be attending to him at home.”

I tried to piece the information together. “Why me? I’m just an intern. Shouldn’t he ask for someone with more experience?”

“I don’t have those answers, Ivana. But the request came from the very top. And you’re expected outside.”

My legs felt heavy as I walked out of the office. Who the hell is this sponsor that's asking for me? My curiosity was at its peak as I stepped outside.

Outside, a convoy of sleek black cars lined the street. Men in dark suits stood by the vehicles, stone-faced.

My palms grew sweaty.

One of the guards opened the back door of the lead car. Another man stepped out, his face vaguely familiar. He opened the door fully then he stepped out.

Alec Nissandro.

I froze. My stomach twisted.

“You,” I hissed, spinning on my heel.

But before I could take two steps, a guard stepped into my path.

I turned back to Alec, rage and fear colliding in my chest.

“What do you want now?” I snapped.

He slowly removed his sunglasses. His storm-gray eyes pinned me in place. “You.”

I crossed my arms. “Well, I’m not interested. Find another nurse.”

He moved toward me slowly, deliberately, like a predator. I took a step back, but the guards had me surrounded.

He stopped right in front of me, and his hand rose to brush a lock of hair from my cheek. I flinched, but he didn’t care. He leaned in and inhaled deeply.

“I love your scent,” he said, his voice low, rough. “Like something forbidden.”

I shoved him with all the strength I had. “You’re sick.”

His smile curled, twisted, amused. “Exactly. That’s why I need a nurse like you. Only you can treat me, Ivana.”

His eyes gleamed with something darker than obsession…possession.

“And since we’re getting married next week,” he added smoothly, “consider this your pre-wedding assignment.”

Before I could protest, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me toward the car.

“Let me go!” I screamed, struggling against his grip.

But he was too strong. With a nod from him, the guards opened the door.

And he shoved me inside.

THE END...

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