Chapter 8 THE PAIRING

"But let me be clear," his voice cut my short admiration of him short, taking me back to the business of the day-getting to know our senior surgeon. "Degrees and titles mean nothing if you do not have the skill, the patience, and the dedication to become a great surgeon. Medicine is not just about knowledge; it is about precision, tough decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure."

Well, I have experienced that myself. That point where you have to tell a patient that she needs to undergo surgery. It was never easy for the patients, and it is upon us doctors to calmly explain to the patients the importance of reaching that decision. Some refuse even when you tell them that there is no other option.

"In this program, you will be tested-not just in your knowledge but in your strength, endurance, and ability to handle real-life medical situations. Some of you will make it to the top. Some of you will struggle. But if you are here today, it means you have potential. I look forward to working with you all." He nodded, a smile flickering on his lips for the first time.

"My, he looks more handsome when he smiles," a student beside me said as a round of applause erupted to appreciate Dr. Aldrich.

I clapped hard, with a smile on my face. And he was looking, looking at me. That smile widened for a minute before fading away.

He then turned to his laptop and started scrolling through it before speaking. "Now these are the names of students who will be assisting in surgeries," he announced. "You will go in pairs."

One by one, he read the names. Two by two, he matched everyone up. The students nodded, whispering to their assigned partners, excitement bubbling despite the thick atmosphere.

Then my name came up.

"Leylla Monroe. You will be alone for the time being."

Excuse me?

Whispers started. Confused glances were exchanged. The air thickened with tension, making it hard to breathe.

A cold chill ran down my spine. Alone? No partner? Actually, with him alone? How convenient was it that I was the only one he didn't pair?

I glanced at him, full of questions, but none came out. I wanted to know the why. His reasons. How he came up with that decision to just not pair me. But his look gave no room for questions, and besides, I didn't want to start something that would run me into trouble. Whatever his reasons were, nothing was going to stand in the way of me becoming like him-a renowned surgeon.

"Um, excuse me, Dad. I..."

"It's Dr. Aldrich for you and everyone, Dr. Vincent. Try to be professional." The way he spoke, the way he cut his son off just to correct him, the way he glared at him with a forced cool... Was there beef?

But poor Vincent didn't seem to be aware of any bad blood between them. That was why he kept trying to get noticed, to get acknowledged. But he kept failing, embarrassing himself instead. And I swear, the silent treatment he had received prior was better than that cold retort.

A shift rippled through the room. Heads turned. Brows furrowed. Even Marylyn looked stunned.

Vincent straightened in his seat, his expression darkening with every second. He looked almost sick by that time. Shame spread all over his face. "Sorry, Dr. Aldrich." His voice was broken; he sounded so broken and pitiful that even the devil could develop a soft spot for him. Just not me. Not me!

"Yes? What were you saying?" Dr. Aldrich asked.

"I am sorry, I missed my name. Who is my partner, and what day is my OR day?" He asked, trying not to sound so broken.

Mr. De'Lucca finally looked at him. Really looked at him. There was no warmth in his expression. No fatherly concern. Only a cold, unreadable stare. "You will meet me in my office," he said simply. "You and Marylyn."

That was it. No explanation. No care for how humiliated Vincent looked in front of everyone. He just didn't care. It was not like he was addressing someone he had any ties with.

Then, without another word, he turned and clicked his heels on the floor and walked out, carrying with him the authority he exuded.

Seriously, was he really his father?

Vincent shot up from his chair so fast it scraped against the floor. His face was twisted with anger, his jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack.

Well, none of what had gotten on his ass was any of my concern. I didn't care. I had my own worries to bother me. Like how it would be between the three of us in the same hospital and in the same field. And how I was going to train under the supervision of Dr. Aldrich all alone.

I picked up my backpack and sprang to my feet. I was aiming for the door, hoping I didn't run into Dr. Aldrich because I certainly wasn't ready to face him just yet. But before I could take a step, a strong hand grabbed me and pushed me back to my seat.

I flinched as a hot breath slapped my face. "What did you do?!" Vincent hissed, his face burning red from ear to ear.

His grip was tight, so tight. It was painful. His claws dug into my skin. His face was just inches from mine, his breath hot against my skin.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice beyond a whisper as I gritted my teeth to curb the pain in my hand.

"Don't you dare play dumb with me, Leylla. You stole the spotlight today when I should have been the one my father talked about. But instead, he is acting as if I am not his son. Weirdly, there seems to be tension between you two. Don't think that I did not notice." He groaned, tightening his grip on me.

"I still don't know what you are talking about. I did nothing...aah!" I screamed out the last part as his claws almost penetrated through my skin.