From Rivalry to Romance: The Game of Hearts

[Elena's POV]

I woke up suddenly, my eyes barely open, and stumbled into the bathroom when the alarm sounded at 7 am. I quickly closed the door, unbuttoned my shirt, and turned on the faucet, hoping the steam would fully wake me up. After removing my black sweatpants, I stepped into the shower, bracing myself for the cold water. Despite the initial shock, I felt more alert and lively. Wrapping a towel around myself, I turned off the water when I finished showering.

When I looked in the mirror, my eyes appeared completely awake. I didn't get a good look because I was so busy getting dressed. I chose to wear my Converse sneakers with my blue medical scrubs. I enjoy how it enhances my pale complexion. I haven't worn dark colors in a long time, but that will change this year. I'm returning to my normal self. I spent the entire summer learning how to put my long, blond curly hair back into braids.

I say bored because having no friends and having to work all summer is really unbearable. I used light makeup, a little highlighter on my cheekbones, mascara, and a little lip gloss. "Let's do it Elena, you look good," I said to myself in the mirror. After my parents died in a car accident, I traveled to America and lived with my aunt. Not my real aunt, but Aunt Liza, my mother's best friend.

I grabbed my folders and CV as I went down the stairs. My aunt and her son, Michael, one of the (S.S) Silver Shine pack's Lycan princes, are already at the table eating breakfast. I say one of the pack's Lycan since he has two other brothers who are still working the night shift. All three were triplets and famous neurosurgeons in America. Michael is reading the newspaper while drinking his coffee. He looks just like his mother, with black hair and blue eyes. He is 12 years older than me, attractive, but rude and arrogant. In the absence of his mother, he is always attempting to irritate me and make harsh comments. But I don't care because, due to my breakup with Marcus, I'm no longer interested in men's things. Well, how I met him is another story.

My aunt sings, "Good morning, honey," from the table.

"Good morning Aunt," I told her as I slid into a chair at the bar top.

She passed me a plate of bacon and eggs, and I smiled warmly at her. She is so sweet. Always taking care of me. Her long black hair is tied into a sloppy bun on top of her head. She's still wearing her jammies. As a mother of triplet Lycans, she really doesn't need to work. The triplets earn enough to sustain her.

"Are you excited for your job interview?" She asked, her beautiful blue eyes beaming with a smile.

I gulped hard. She had no idea what happened to my pack or why I came here for the job instead of doing it in Brazil. All she knew was that my parents had died, and I needed a fresh start, so I relocated here. I had to tell her this since I was so depressed afterward all. Thankfully, she did not press me on it. My aunt just informed me she would always be available if I wanted to talk. I honestly wish I could have. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone. Besides, I got through just fine on my own.

"Yeah, I'm excited for my interview. And since 'HE' is Michael's senior, I am looking forward to it." I told her with a warm smile plastered on my lips.

My Aunt rolled her eyes at me. "I told you to have some fun while doing this task later. You've just broken up and lost your parents, but no why do you have to listen to me," she teased.

"That's not a bad thing mom, at least she will distract her mind like this," Michael said without looking away from the paper. I sigh and bite into my egg, always rude and arrogant.

"Yeah, Aunt, Michael is right; it is not a bad thing. Besides, I haven't broken up now; it has been a year, and I've moved on." I blinked quickly as I lied, attempting to cover my emotions. It is true that I hate Marcus and do not want to love any man again, but I have not moved on. I loved him wholeheartedly. I even gave him my virginity, but he went without saying anything after killing my parents.

"I know you're very brave, honey, but you should also socialize a little," she remarked, smiling warmly. My aunt thinks I should be sneaking out, breaking curfew, drinking, and all that. Even before I became a social outcast, I was not interested in all of it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed hanging out with my pack mates, but I was also focused on my pack as the future Alpha. Getting a new job and earning enough money for my pack was a big deal for me now. I know my pack mates can earn their own money, but I still want to save enough for hard times like these.

Despite what happened last year, I wanted to stay close to my pack, but I had no other choice except to move to America. My pack, the Blood Rose Pack, was not like this. We were strong and capable among other wolf packs, but something happened last year that forced me to move on. I now want to be a capable Alpha for my pack.

After that, we ate breakfast silently. Michael set the newspaper aside and checked his wristwatch for time. Just then, there was a loud car horn outside. Michael rushed to his feet, grabbing his white lab coat.

"That is my ride. See you later." He said as he left the room.

"Why don't you drop Elena for her job interview?" My aunt called after him.

Michael paused near the door and stared at me with a serious expression on his face. "You want to come with me, Elena?" He asked. He knew I would say no. I'm not sure why I'm scared of him. My heart was racing when he gazed right into my eyes. When a voice interrupts us, our eyes lock briefly.

"Of course, she will come, she is new to this city and doesn't know the location of our hospital where you recommended her a job," I turned to see David, who looked precisely like Michael, with dirty blond hair and light blue eyes. However, his personality was diametrically opposed to Michael's. He isn't rude or pompous. David has genuinely provided a safe haven for me in his presence. He is the only person in the house who knows the truth. Or I could say that I only trust him in this house after my aunt. He's also 12 years older than me and has always protected me, which I appreciate.

[Elena's POV]

"No, I'm fine. I enjoy walking." I replied with a smile. "Thanks though."

Michael nodded. "Okay, then I am going." He said.

"Hey wait man, why are you in a hurry?" David spoke and turned to face me. "I know you enjoy walking, but you still have to accompany Michael. You cannot be late for a job interview because it is already 9: 30 a.m. and you must be there at 11 a.m." He reminded me.

"Hey Mom, good morning," Noel, the third triplet, remarked as he hugged their mother. He flung his white lab coat onto the sofa and sat at the table for breakfast. He ignored me as if I didn't exist for him. All the triplets treat me differently. I don't mind because I already have what I want from one of them.

"Okay, you have 5 minutes to finish your breakfast; I'll be waiting for you outside in the car," Michael said as he walked to his black SUV.

"Ok," I responded, turning around and shoving a piece of bacon into my mouth.

I hurriedly stood up, took out my white lab coat and file, and finished my dinner. I gave my aunt a hug and a kiss on top of her head before leaving. Michael was waiting for me in his car when I got into it. He got in the car and sped away as soon as I got inside. The morning rush was in full swing when we entered the throng of people on the streets. Everything seemed active as the sounds of people conversing and cars honking permeated the atmosphere. I put my AirPods in my ears and listened to my music till I found something I liked because I knew our trip would be monotonous. My step has a little extra vigor. It's going to be a wonderful day today. I will stop at nothing to get this job.

After driving for forty minutes, he came to a halt in front of a massive white edifice. So this was the hospital where they worked, I assumed. Even in the morning, the hospital appears to be quite active. A few people were walking around outside, and some were inside receiving their health exams. The sun was just beginning to rise above the buildings, glistening off the windows that looked out onto the ocean. The entire atmosphere was ethereal and wonderful. I was ready to exit his car when he grabbed my wrist and forced me to face him. I was astonished by his movements, yet he seemed to be fairly calm.

"Best of luck," he said while looking at me through his sunglasses. I must say he is breathtaking.

"Thanks," I shrugged, grabbed my file, and got out of his car. Before entering the building, I turned my head to face him, who was still observing me. "Didn't he want to come in for his duty?" I thought to myself. "Earlier he was running late." I sighed and rolled my eyes. When I entered the office, I noted the same silent and serene atmosphere that I had experienced outside. There is no hurry and bustle. Everyone seems preoccupied with their own work. Examining medical records and comparing patient information to data on their computer.

I studied medicine and have always aspired to be a doctor, but if I am hired for this position, it will be my first professional experience. I took a big breath and approached the receptionist with a phony yet warm smile on my face, explaining the reason for my visit. She nodded with the same warm grin, but I couldn't tell if it was genuine or not. She picked up the phone and called the number. After a few seconds, she spoke, took my name, and explained why I was visiting. She asked me to wait 5 minutes after the phone call ended. I was sitting on a sofa, shaking my head, when my gaze wandered on the main office wall. I was stunned the moment I saw it. I didn't expect to find it here.

The receptionist instructed me to wait in the waiting area for 5 minutes since the senior surgeon and department head who would be conducting my interview were in a meeting with other surgeons. I nodded with the same pleasant grin and strolled over to the sofa. I waited patiently for 5 minutes in the waiting area, and he still hadn't come out. I'm getting nervous, and I'm not sure what to do with myself. It felt like ten minutes had passed when the door opened and a short man dressed in a suit and tie entered. He smiled and said hello before walking directly to me and shaking my hand. Then he invited me to go up to the office where the interview would be conducted.

I thanked you with a little bend of my head and went upstairs to the suggested office. The path to his office appeared quite contemporary, with large windows overlooking a metropolitan park. Suddenly, my gaze rested on the main office wall. I was stunned the moment I saw it. I didn't expect to find it here. I noticed the nameplate outside the office wall, which stated "Assistant Prof. Dr Marcus Lorenzo, Head of the Department." My head froze when I saw this name after a year. My hands grew wobbly, and I'm not sure if it was because of rage or fear. All those memories were flooding back, and I couldn't stop feeling angry. Anger at myself, rage at Marcus, who stole my family, peace, and pack, and rage at him for ruining my life.

I'll never forget how he let my parents die in a car accident that cost me everything. That jerk is going to die. I took a big breath and walked directly inside the office. I instantly sat in a chair facing him, trying not to stare at my reflection in the window behind me. This escalated the situation, and to make matters worse, the man seated next to me appeared unconcerned. I suppose he's showing me his good manners as if I don't know his actual nature. Ironic, eh!!

We were quiet for 30 minutes until he broke the ice. "Hi, Ms. Elena Juan. I am Marcus Lorenzo. You can call me Marcus. How are you?" he inquired gently. I recognized that scoundrel in my mind, but I merely responded with a tiny bow head before answering him."I am fine and very well thank you." I responded with a phony smile. He grinned slightly again."I know this will sound sudden, but since we are going to be working together in the future, and you need to help me in this case," he added with a straight face.

"I'm here for an interview, aren't you going to ask me a question?" I inquired, sounding a little surprised.

[Elena's POV]

"I already know your talent, and Dr. Micheal recommended you here, so I think you're the right choice for our hospital," he stated, staring at the laptop screen. Phew!! At least he remembered me. I let out a deep sigh. Another 5 minutes passed with no words.

"I think it is advisable to start with the first question right away. Is there anything specific you want from me regarding this?" He said, breaking the silence.

I paused for a second or two before deciding it was best to just move straight forward. "Yes, actually. Could you please provide me with a copy of the file you utilized for this case? I need to know about the patient's history first." I replied pleasantly again. He looked astonished for a second before nodding and smiling. He picked out white and blue files from beside his chair and handed them to me. After taking the file and beginning to skim through it, I set it aside. We spent around 20 minutes answering irrelevant questions concerning the case.

I saw he didn't seem concerned by my presence during the brief one-hour meeting. He appeared as controlled and composed as always. This is the attraction that draws me in. I was burning inside for vengeance. I'm not sure how I kept myself in control. I was faking a smile to get to the bottom of things. Before I take my revenge, I'd like to cleanse my mind. I'm not sure what he was asking, but after an hour, we had asked all of the important questions. I stood up from my seat after finishing this so-called interview or the start of my trial. He extended his arm to shake my hand, expressing gratitude. I took it with a heavy heart and left his office.

After arriving at my aunt's house via cab, I went straight to my room. Aunt was presumably doing something, while Noel and David were most likely sleeping due to their night shift. I placed my CV on the table, opened the patient's file I had brought with me, and began reading it. It was a stabbing case in which a husband repeatedly stabbed his wife below the stomach for stealing his money. But why? I asked myself. I mean how a wife took money that her husband earned for her, or how he wasn't providing enough for her to live on, so she stole it, and he became enraged and attempted to kill her.

I'm not sure why he offered me such a basic surgery case; perhaps it's simply because he didn't want to waste his so-called precious time on it, and he handed it to me so he could assess my skills and decide whether I was competent to work in his hospital.

In either case, I'll perform the surgery and treat her to complete my route. But right now, I'm very hungry and I'm craving pizza. My stomach is rumbling loudly in the background. It sounds like it's about to consume me completely. Before that, I need to take a shower because I just got out of the hospital. I went to the bathroom and had a shower; I didn't have the energy. However, I feel better after feeling the warm water on my skin. I wrapped the towel around my body and got out of it. I changed into my casual gray tee and purple sweatpants and walked right to the kitchen. I was starving, so I just grabbed whatever I saw in the fridge; I didn't have enough energy to create a plate of pizza for myself. That shower depleted my remaining energy.

I was standing in the kitchen, toasting bread with my favorite mango jam, when I heard David's voice. I was astonished and whirled around to confront him. I'm not sure when he came behind me or what he was doing here. It's time for him to sleep, right? I observed him standing shirtless, showing his six packs of tan skin and gray sweat sans slippers. His light blue eyes focused on my green eyes.

"What are you doing here, David?" I asked him to distract his focus. Instead, he was staring at me. His arms crossed over his chest, and his lips pouted as if he was pondering deeply about something. His hair was wet and unkempt, with a trace of sweat emanating from him. What an attractive man. I thought to myself as I looked into his eyes. In my perspective, he looks quite sexy.

"Giving you a treat for passing the job interview," he remarked with the sweetest smile on his face. But my stone heart will not fall for it. I turned my head down and resumed toasting my bread.

"Treat, why?" I inquired as I took a mouthful of my jambread sandwich.

"Michael called and told me that you got your job," he said, winking. "Finally you got that change in your life that you always yearned for."

I knew he was lying because Michael never phoned during his duty hours, and he had an arrogant attitude. Besides, I'm on trial, and I didn't get the opportunity for the interview, so Marcus will never lie to Michael. Obviously, he's here to flirt with me. Let us play along with his deception, I thought as I finished my final bite.

"So, ma'am, I'm at your service; tell me what you want to eat," he asked amusingly.

"Lasagna, fried chicken, risotto, and polenta with mango shake," I tell him, hiding my smile.

With a sly smile, he narrowed his eyes and said, "Darling, don't worry. It will be ready for dinner in three hours. Simply take a seat and start counting down." He went to the pantry and dug around for a while before gathering everything. I inhaled deeply before walking into the room. I never intended to help him in the kitchen. I never asked him in the first place. If he wants to impress me, you should strive hard, sweetheart. I took out the book again and began reading through the file with complete focus till I fell asleep. I'm not sure how many hours I slept. My eyes popped up as I saw a man's face was just above mine. I yelled.

In my fear, I tossed the file across the room and attempted to leap out of the sofa as far away from his body as possible - which was not very far - but I tumbled off and onto the floor. I turned to look up and saw David. What's he doing here? I placed my hand on my chest to calm my rushing heart. I just had a nightmare, and now this. It's too much for me to handle at one moment.

"Ahh! I'm sorry for scaring you, Miss Elena," He added, seeing my horrified expression. He offered his hand to me, which I grasped before rising from the floor and sitting on the sofa again. "I didn't mean to do this. I just came here to wake you up for dinner.