New Job

New Job
Roland's Point of View:

I looked at my black suit in the mirror once again, making sure it made me look responsible, and I nodded, pleased with myself.

I brushed my hair with my hand, adjusted my bowtie, and picked up my briefcase.

“Today will be great,” I said a short prayer to myself before leaving my room. The mansion was quiet, the only people lurking around were the maids. As for my father, he hasn't returned from the country he traveled to. Quinoa had spent the night in Alex's mother's house, while her mother was off shopping somewhere.

“This is great!” I squealed and greeted the working maids. I loved being the only one around, it gave me the freedom and privacy I so much desired. I knew that when my father came back, he would surely send for me, and although I wasn't ready to see him, I had begun to prepare myself mentally.

I came out of the mansion's black gate and took a deep breath before I entered my car.

Living alone gives me so much privacy, and I enjoy it, but I had to move into the family mansion because my apartment was still being arranged.

As I drove to my new hospital, I felt a little nervous. This wasn't my first time in a hospital, in fact, I was famous in my former country, because of the many successful surgeries I carried out. But I was in a new environment, surrounded by total strangers, I just wasn't sure if I would be able to nail it like I always did

My mind wandered to Riley. We'd grown apart over the years, but I still cared deeply for her. The way she had replied to me was a bit discouraging, but I knew I deserved it. My little conversation with her had increased my suspicion. Something was indeed bothering her, and I aimed to find out what.

I arrived at the hospital, and as I stepped out of the car, the sounds of the moving patients enveloped me. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the day's challenges.

As I walked into the hospital, the sleek glass and steel facade gave way to a modern, well-appointed interior. The lobby was spacious, with a high ceiling and a gleaming marble floor. A large, circular reception desk dominated the center of the room, staffed by friendly-looking receptionists who greeted patients and visitors with warm smiles.

To one side of the lobby, a comfortable-looking waiting area beckoned, with plush armchairs and sofas arranged around a large, flat-screen TV. The walls were adorned with vibrant artwork, adding a touch of warmth and humanity to the otherwise clinical atmosphere.

Beyond the lobby, the hospital's corridors stretched out in every direction, lined with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by nurses and doctors who moved with quiet confidence and purpose. The air was filled with the faint scent of disinfectant and the soft beeping of monitors, a reminder of the life-saving work that went on within these walls.

I looked around, admiring everywhere. This was my first time in this hospital, but I was determined to make the best of it.

"Good morning, sir. My name is Lola, and I am your assistant," A young woman greeted me with a smile on her face, handing me a cup of steaming hot coffee.

"Good morning, Lola," I replied, taking a sip of the coffee. "It's really nice to meet me."

Lola smiled once again. “The feeling is mutual. You don't look nervous, most times when a new doctor is brought in, they tend to be anxious,” she confessed.

“Is that so?” I arched my brows. But if only she knew that beneath my calm facade, I was shivering like a baby. “Why do they get nervous? Is it perhaps because they don't have you as an assistant?” I asked with a friendly smile.

Lola smacked her tongue and politely carried my briefcase. “No, I think it's because they don't have the same working attitude as you!” She said, and I couldn't help but grin.

My nerves calmed down a little, and I was glad to have her as my assistant. As she briefed me on the day's schedule, my mind kept drifting back to Riley, but every time it did, I tried to focus on my assistant.

“So this is your office,” Lola informed me. My office was located in a quiet corner of the hospital, overlooking a beautiful garden. The room was tastefully decorated, with a large, mahogany desk and comfortable, leather-upholstered chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined one wall, packed with medical texts and journals, while a large, flat-screen computer monitor dominated one corner of the desk.

“This is beautiful. I love it, thank you,” I appreciated, as I looked around.

Lola's face was blank, and she simply put my briefcase on the desk. “You shouldn't thank me, I wasn't the one who pulled the string. But whoever did must be influential, because the hospital was planning on giving you a very small office before,” She confessed, and my eyes widened in surprise.

“Someone influential pulled the strings for me?” I asked rhetorically, wondering what she meant. I purposefully refused to tell my dad and Quinoa where I worked to prevent something like this from happening. “I worked my ass off to secure my place in this hospital. I can't even explain the numerous virtual interviews I attended, no one pulled the string for me. My hard work brought me here,” I argued.

Lola sighed, “I wasn't judging you, okay? As long as you can save dying patients' lives, then there's no need to feel ashamed,” she replied, and a smile appeared on her face. “But I will warn you that this journey won't be easy, and a lot of doctors might bully and look down on you. Also, the director would like to see you in her office,” she informed me, and without waiting for my response, she bowed and left.

“Great, just great!” I said, and angrily hit my hand on my desk.

I felt frustrated. I had several sleepless nights because I wanted to prevent something like this from happening. I wanted to show the hospital that I made my way to the top without my father's money, but once again, my family had decided to steal my moment. I wasn't sure who did this, but I made up my mind to find out.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I couldn't let Lola's words get to me. I knew I was a skilled doctor, and I had worked hard to get where I was. I didn't need anyone's approval or validation.

I smoothed out my suit jacket and made my way to the director's office. I had no idea what she wanted to see me about, but I was determined to make a good impression.

As I walked down the corridor, I couldn't help but wonder if I was supposed to give up my office for a smaller one as an act of humility. “But what if they think of it as rebellious behavior?” I wondered aloud.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. I took a deep breath, knocked on the director's door, and stepped inside.

"Ah, Dr. Roland," the director said, smiling warmly. "Welcome to our hospital. I trust you're settling in well?"

I nodded, taking a seat in the chair opposite her desk. "Yes, thank you. Everyone's been very welcoming." That wasn't entirely a lie, Lola had been welcoming, and she was the only one I had met.

The director leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers together. "I must say, we're all very impressed with your credentials. You come highly recommended."

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to working here and making a difference." I didn't know if I was supposed to ask for the name of the person who pulled the string, so I kept quiet about it.

The director nodded, her expression serious. "I'm glad to hear that. However, I do need to discuss something with you. There's been some... concern about your appointment."

My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with possibilities. "Concern?" I repeated. "What kind of concern?”

The director kept quiet for a while before responding. “We are thinking of transferring you to our more advanced hospital. We are worried that this place might not be to your liking, considering your reputation,” she replied.

A bright smile settled on my face, and I thought she meant that my reputation as a good surgeon preceded me. “Thank you so much for the consideration, ma'am. But trust me, I like this working environment, it's warm and friendly,” I said, but the director didn't look convinced.

“But, what if you get bullied? What if one day you decide that I was the one stopping you from moving on to a more advanced hospital? I might lose my job, and this hospital stands the chance of losing its patients,” The director replied, and I furrowed my brows, confused.

“I don't understand what you're talking about. I doubt a mere surgeon can fire a director, and make the hospital lose a patient,” I was lost on what she was talking about, and I looked at her, expecting answers.

“Indeed, a mere surgeon is incapable of doing that, but you are not a mere surgeon. You have powerful backing,” the director replied, and I hit my face on my palm angrily.

“How did they find out?” I asked myself.