Beneath The Ruthless Don.

Melanie p.o.v

It's a sunny day and also a good day today for me, I turned twenty-one today. So you can imagine the excitement, I woke up with so much positivity and I intend to stay that way all through today.

"Hi, Luke." I greet, standing beside my little patient. Luke is an eight-year-old, who just got a heart transplant done.

He hasn't noticed me yet, too busy with his tablet. That's why I had to call him.

"Hi, Mels." He greeted me back, but not taking his eyes off the tablet. I smiled widely, Luke is so a sweet boy.

But when he was first brought in, he was rude and throw tantrums, kicking the nurses who were assigned to him out. Apparently, he was only a lovely child until his condition, and was bedridden. He hated being treated like a patient, and more than anything other things, he hated staying on a hospital bed.

I was the only one to volunteer to be his attending nurse, since others were reluctant to. And he has grown comfortable with my presence.

"How are you doing today?" I ask.

"Fine." He replied simply.

I began Luke's daily check-up, he chatted excitedly about his favorite video game. I smiled and nodded, making notes on his chart as I worked.

"Okay, Luke, let's take a look at your incision site," I said, gently lifting his gown to inspect the area.

"Hey, Mels? May I ask you something?" Luke asked, wincing slightly as I cleaned the site.

"Of course, Luke!" I replied, applying a fresh dressing to the area.

"What are you doing for your birthday today?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I smiled, palpating his abdomen to check for any tenderness. "Well, I'm working, of course! But my friends are taking me out for dinner tonight."

As I checked his vitals, Luke continued to chat about his favorite foods and activities. I listened attentively, asking questions and making supportive noises.

"Okay, Luke, let's get you sitting up and take a look at your lungs," I said, helping him sit up and using my stethoscope to listen to his chest.

"Can I have ice cream for dessert tonight?" Luke asked, his eyes pleading.

I smiled, making a note on his chart. "We'll see, Luke. But first, let's get through physical therapy, okay?"

A knock came from the door, "come in." I called out.

Hailey, my colleague, poked her head in. "Hey, Melanie, Dr. Thompson wants to see you urgently, he's waiting for you outside the ICU room."

My heart skipped a beat, I wanted to limp for joy. There's a major operation that's about to take place and Dr. Thompson is the surgeon in charge of the surgery. I wanted to be on the operating team, to witness the first major surgery in my life, but unfortunately, they can't have an intern nurse onboard yet. To avoid mistakes and delays.

So when she said Dr. Thompson wants to see me out of the operation room, I almost that it was to bring onboard.

"Okay, thanks Hailey. I'll head there now." I replied, turning to Luke. "I'll be back soon, Hailey's going to take care of you in the main time."

"Okay." Luke nodded, looking a bit concerned.

Hailey smiled and took over, checking Luke's IV lines and monitors. "Don't worry, Luke, you're in safe hands."

I nodded in appreciation and headed out the door, wondering what Dr. Thompson wants to tell me.

•••

Just as Hailey said, Dr. Thompson is waiting impatiently outside the ICU room.

"Sir, you sent for me?" I called when got close to him.

"Yes, Melanie. We've received a request from one of our important client for an emergency procedure at their residence. And we are short of staff, you're the only available nurse."

"But, sir, I'm just an intern..." I started, but he swiftly interrupted me.

"I'm aware of that, Melanie. However, this client is extremely important, you'll be part of the medical team, assisting with the procedure. It's an unusual request, but I know I can count on you."

I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for such a high-stakes assignment. But I have to take a step in my career.

"Yes, sir. When do we leave?"

"The team is assembling in the lobby in 20 minutes. Be prepared for a unique situation, Melanie. This client's needs are...unconventional."

My curiosity turned to trepidation. What did "unconventional" mean? I didn't dwell on it, pushing whatever questions I have in my mind aside and focusing on my task.

Chapter 2

Melanie p.o.v

The van ride to a stop and we alighted the van, I was met with a view that left me breathless. I felt a sense of awe at the sprawling mansion standing proudly under the sun.

The two-story estate was a masterpiece of modern luxury, with clean lines, high ceilings and expansive windows that seemed to stretch on. The exterior was clad in warm, honey-colored stone, complemented by rich wood and meticulously manicured lawns.

A circular driveway made of polished black stone swept up to the entrance, where a pair of imposing wooden doors stood guard. The surrounding grounds were immaculately landscaped, with perfectly trimmed hedges and a sprinkling green garden adding a touch of vibrancy to the scene.

"Wow." I whispered.

I felt a lot out of my depth as I gaze up at the grandeur of the mansion. Who lives here? Obviously a filthy billionaire, I shrug.

"Come along." The guard's voice cut into my thoughts. "We need to move quickly, we don't have much time." He bark impatiently, his tone firm and harsh.

I nodded and reluctantly tore my gaze away from the beauty and followed behind him and Dr. Danny.

As we followed the guard, I notice his gruff demeanor. His stern expression and clipped pace made me feel like we were in some kind of trouble. He led us through the imposing wooden doors and into a grand foyer, with a sweeping staircase curving up to the left and a crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling.

Dr. Danny, who had been quiet until now, let out a low whistle as he took in the opulent surroundings. "Wow, this is quite a place," he muttered, his eyes wide with wonder.

The guard shot him a disapproving look. "Move along. We don't have time for sightseeing."

Dr. Danny nodded sheepishly, but I could tell he was just as impressed as I was. We followed the guard through a series of lavish rooms, each one more stunning than the last. Finally, we arrived at a set of double doors, which the guard pushed open with a gruff nod.

"Wait here," he growled, disappearing inside.

Dr. Danny turned to me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, Melanie, it looks like we're in for a treat. I've never seen a place like this."

I smiled, still feeling a bit awestruck. "Me neither, Doctor. I wonder who lives here."

"I think we're about to find out." Dr. Danny chuckled.

The guard motioned for us to enter, I felt a shiver run down my spine. The room was located in a secluded part of the house, far from the grandeur and opulence we had seen earlier. The air was thick with an eerie silence, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

Dr. Danny pushed open the door, and I hesitated for a moment before following him inside. The sight before us made my blood run cold. A man lay strapped to a bed, his body limp and unconscious. Beneath him, a pool of blood soaked the bed, staining the sheets a deep crimson. I could tell that he had been tortured, his body broken and battered beyond recognition.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I took in the scene. What had happened here? Who was this man, and why had he been subjected to such brutality?

A voice echoed from the dark side of the room, making me jump. "Doctor, revive him."

I spun around, trying to locate the source of the voice, but the room was shrouded in shadows. Dr. Danny hesitated, looking at me uncertainly before approaching the bed.

"Who is this man?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with concern.

The voice from the darkness didn't respond. Instead, it repeated its command. "Revive him, I need him alive."

"Yes, Sir." Dr. Danny respond respectfully, and carefully not to offend whosoever he is.

I felt a chill run down my spine as Dr. Danny began to work on the man, trying to revive him. I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were in grave danger, trapped in a sinister game with unknown players.

Melanie p.o.v

I let out a sigh of relief as Dr. Danny finally managed to revive the man. His chest began to rise and fall with shallow breaths, and a faint pulse returned to his wrist. I had been worried that we would lose him, especially with the mysterious voice from the darkness urging Dr. Danny to hurry up.

As the man's eyelids fluttered open, I could see the pain and confusion etched on his face. He was barely conscious, his gaze drifting in and out of focus.

Suddenly, the voice from the darkness spoke up, its tone cold and menacing. "Enough. He's alive. Now, let's get what we came for."

A figure emerged from the shadows, his features still obscured by the dim lighting. He approached the bed, his eyes fixed intently on the wounded man.

"Tell me, Marcus," the mysterious man said, his voice dripping with malice. "Where is the package?"

Marcus's eyes rolled wildly, struggling to focus. He mumbled incoherently, his words slurred.

The mysterious man's face twisted in frustration. "Speak clearly, Marcus. Where. Is. The. Package?"

Marcus's gaze drifted to Dr. Danny. and me, filled with a desperate plea for help. I felt a surge of compassion, wanting to shield him from further harm.

Dr. Danny stepped forward. "He's not in any condition to answer questions. He needs medical attention, now." His voice wasn't firm, but he was hoping to help the man

The mysterious man's gaze snapped to Dr. Danny, his eyes flashing with warning. "You'll keep him alive, Doctor. That's all that matters. Now, Marcus... tell me."

Marcus's voice was barely audible, but I caught the words "...hidden...safe...never find..."

The mysterious man's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "We'll see about that."

I felt a chill run down my spine as the atmosphere in the room grew more ominous. What package was Marcus hiding? And what did this mysterious man plan to do with him?

The sound of a gunshot echoed through the room, making me jump. Before any of us could react, the wounded man's body went limp, his eyes frozen in a permanent stare.

"No!" Dr. Danny exclaimed, rushing to Marcus's side. "He's gone." He confirmed after checking for a heartbeat.

The mysterious man's face twisted in rage, his gun still smoking in his hand. "Fool," he muttered to himself.

I stood in shock, my mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. One moment, Marcus was struggling to stay alive; the next, he was gone.

I stood frozen in shock, the mysterious man's pristine attire caught my attention. Not a single stain or speck of blood marred his clothes. It was as if he hated getting himself dirty.

I, on the other hand, was covered in Marcus's blood. I shuddered, feeling a wave of nausea wash over me. Dr. Danny handed me a towel, and I quickly cleaned myself off, trying to compose myself.

The mysterious man's voice cut through the silence. "Stop the bleeding, nurse. We need to dispose of him properly."

I stared at him incredulously. "You want me to...after what you just did?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Yes, after what I just did. I don't tolerate any mistakes."

I shook my head, horror and disgust welling up inside me. "No. I won't help you cover up a murder."

The mysterious man chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Amusing. Nobody tells me no. Not even Dr. Danny here." He glanced at Dr. Danny, who looked away, his face pale.

He obviously knew who this mysterious man was, I noticed his eyes went wide in shock and fear early when the mystery man emerges to view. I'm the only clueless one in this room.

"Especially not you, little nurse," he continued. "You see, I can make people disappear. Even the police won't find you. You'll spend the rest of your life here with me, want to make a bet?."

My heart sank. I felt trapped, caught in a nightmare.

Dr. Danny voice was barely audible. "Melanie, please..."

The mysterious man's gaze locked onto mine. "So, will you cooperate?"

I swallowed hard, weighing my options. Refuse and risk imprisonment, or comply and become an accomplice to murder? Either way, I was trapped.

"What's your choice, nurse?" he pressed.

I hesitated, my mind racing. What would I do?

"I won't do it," I said finally, trying to sound firm despite the trembling in my voice.

The mysterious man's smile grew wider. "Very well. Take her away."

Two guards stepped forward, grasping my arms tightly. Dr. Danny protested, but was silenced by a warning glance from the mysterious man.

As they dragged me away, I caught a glimpse of Dr. Danny's worried face. "Melanie, I'm sorry!"

I was pulled down a dimly lit corridor, the air thick with the scent of disinfectant and decay. We stopped at a heavy metal door, adorned with rusting hinges and a large padlock.

The guard unlocked the door, revealing a narrow stairway leading into darkness. "The basement," he shoved me forward.

I stumbled down the stairs, my heart racing. The door creaked shut behind me, enveloping me in total darkness. I felt fear, terror even.

I could literally feel myself shivering like a dry leaf, what have I gotten myself into? I cried inwardly.

Suddenly, a faint light flickered to life, illuminating a cramped, dingy room. A single chair and a small table occupied the space.

A figure emerged from the shadows – the mysterious man.

"Change your mind, nurse?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

I squared my shoulders, defying the fear creeping up my spine. "I won't help you."

He shrugged. "Suit yourself. But know this: I own you now."

"I find you interesting." With that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving me alone in the cold, damp basement.

I was completely at his mercy at this point. I have no idea how I'd be able to survive and come out of this mess I've landed into.

Who's going to come to my rescue, and what's worse, I don't know where I am or who this man is.