Chapter 2 FIRST DAY OF INTERSHIP

The bus rattled along the road, stopping and starting with every pothole. Nora sat pressed against the window, her forehead resting on the cool glass. Her eyes stung from lack of sleep, but closing them only made the memories from last night rush back. The music, the men's hungry eyes, the gavel coming down at the auction. Her chest tightened.

She pulled her jacket tighter around her body, though it wasn't the cold she was shielding herself from - it was the shame.

"Next stop, Green Street!" the driver shouted.

Nora jerked upright, blinking away her thoughts. She gathered her bag, clutching it like a lifeline as she got down from the bus. The faint morning breeze carried the smell of roasted corn from a roadside seller. It should have been comforting, but Nora's stomach twisted. She had no appetite.

Maya's apartment wasn't far. The moment Nora knocked, the door swung open, and Maya, already dressed smartly in her intern scrubs, beamed at her.

"There you are! I thought you'd overslept," Maya said, stepping aside.

Nora managed a smile, her lips trembling. "I... didn't sleep much."

"Same," Maya laughed. "I was too nervous. First day at the hospital, can you believe it? We're finally here."

Nora's smile wavered. Maya had no idea what had happened the night before. Nora dropped her bag in the corner and sank onto the couch.

"You can crash here later if you want," Maya offered, tying her shoelaces. "But aren't you working your shift at the restaurant before the internship?"

Nora nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just a few hours."

Maya gave her a sympathetic glance. "You're going to burn out if you keep this up."

Nora forced a small laugh. "I don't really have a choice."

Maya frowned but didn't push. "Alright. Wish me luck, bestie!" She hugged Nora tightly before rushing out the door.

The silence that followed was heavy. Nora sank deeper into the couch, staring at the ceiling. She allowed herself only a few minutes of rest before dragging herself up again. She couldn't afford to be late for work.

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The restaurant was already buzzing with customers by the time Nora arrived. The manager, a stout man with a permanent scowl, spotted her slipping through the back door.

"You're late again, Nora!" he barked.

"I'm sorry, sir. The bus-"

"Save it. Table four needs their order. Move!"

Nora tied her apron and hurried to the tables, plastering a polite smile on her face as she took orders. One customer snapped his fingers at her impatiently, spilling a drink on the table.

"Are you blind? Wipe this!" he snarled.

Nora bit her tongue, forcing herself to bow slightly. "Right away, sir."

Her hands shook as she cleaned the mess. Her father's face flashed in her mind, weak and pale in the hospital bed. She reminded herself that this was all for him. Every humiliation, every sacrifice.

Hours dragged by like years. When her shift finally ended, she peeled off her apron, stuffed it into her bag, and rushed out.

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At the hospital, the smell of disinfectant greeted her as she hurried down the hall. She entered her father's room quietly. He was awake, propped up against the pillows, reading an old newspaper.

"Dad," she whispered, her voice softening.

His tired eyes brightened when he saw her. "Nora. You look exhausted."

She forced a smile, sitting by his side. "I'm fine. How are you feeling today?"

He coughed lightly. "Better. The doctors are doing their best."

Nora squeezed his hand, hiding the lump in her throat.

"Today's your first day as an intern, isn't it?" he asked, pride flickering in his eyes. "You're going to make a great doctor."

Nora swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at her. If only he knew what she had done to keep him here, in this bed.

"Yes, Dad," she whispered. "I'll do my best."

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By the time she arrived at the hospital's main wing for orientation, the other interns were already gathered. Maya waved from the front row, but Nora slipped quietly to the back.

The head of the department walked in - tall, commanding, his presence sucking the air out of the room. Dr. Adrian Black. His sharp eyes scanned the interns like a hawk circling prey.

Nora's heart plummeted. She ducked her head, praying he wouldn't notice her.

But his gaze lingered. Recognition flared in his eyes. His lips curled, almost amused.

"You," he said suddenly.

Every head turned. Nora froze.

"Are you one of the interns?" His voice was smooth but laced with mockery.

Nora nodded quickly, her face burning. She couldn't even lift her head.

Adrian chuckled under his breath, the sound dripping with disbelief. The other interns exchanged confused glances, whispering. Maya looked from Nora to Adrian, frowning, but said nothing.

The orientation dragged on painfully. Nora could feel Adrian's eyes on her more than once, as though daring her to crumble.

When it ended, she thought she could slip away unnoticed. But his voice cut through the crowd.

"Miss..." He checked the list. "Miss Nora Daniel. My office. Now."

Her knees nearly buckled, but she followed.

Inside his office, he leaned casually against his desk, arms folded. His eyes glittered with cruel amusement.

"Let me make one thing clear," he said slowly, his voice sharp as glass. "This hospital is not a marketplace. If you think you can use the same tactics you used last night, you're mistaken."

Nora's eyes widened. "I-I don't-"

"Don't bother denying it." His tone was cold. "If you try to seduce any of the doctors or even the patients for money, I will personally make sure your license is revoked before you even earn it."

The words hit her like a physical blow. Tears stung her eyes, but she bit her lip, refusing to break in front of him.

Adrian smirked, as though satisfied with her silence. "You may go."

Nora turned quickly, leaving his office before the tears could spill. The door shut behind her, and she pressed her back against the wall, trembling.

Her dream - her entire future - was already under fire. And the one man standing in her way was the only man who knew her secret.