Prescription:love

The chandeliers sparkled above, casting golden light on polished tables, expensive suits, and jeweled fingers wrapped around glasses of wine. The air was thick with perfume, smoke, and laughter that sounded too loud, too cruel.

Nora Daniels stood behind a red velvet curtain, her body trembling no matter how tightly she held her hands together. The black dress she wore was borrowed, too tight across her chest, and the cheap heels bit into her toes. She could hear the men out there. Their voices rose and fell, deep and sharp, like a pack of wolves ready to pounce.

Her stomach turned.

She didn't belong here.

This wasn't who she was.

But she had no choice.

Nora closed her eyes for a second, the bright noise of the crowd fading into the memory of her father lying on a hospital bed. His face was pale, his eyes tired but still warm whenever he looked at her. Machines beeped beside him, reminding her with every sound that time was running out.

Her father had always been her strength. He was the one who encouraged her to chase her dreams of becoming a nurse, the one who held her hand after her mother died of cancer and promised that, somehow, they would survive. But promises didn't pay hospital bills. Dreams didn't buy medicine.

And when the last bill came, higher than anything she had ever seen, reality crushed her.

That was why she was here. At an underground auction.

Her friend had whispered about it weeks ago, about how desperate women earned fast money by selling themselves to men who could afford them. Nora had laughed it off then. She was a student, not a prostitute. But when she saw her father coughing blood into his sheets, when she realized she had nothing left to sell except herself, laughter was no longer an option.

"Lot Twenty-One," the auctioneer's voice thundered.

Nora's eyes flew open.

The curtain jerked open.

The spotlight hit her.

"Gentlemen," the auctioneer boomed, "a new face. Fresh. Pure. Beautiful. Feast your eyes!"

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

Someone nudged her from behind, forcing her forward. Her legs shook as she stepped into the blinding light.

The room erupted.

Whistles. Cheers. Murmurs. Hungry eyes crawled over her, stripping her bare without touching her. She kept her chin high, though her insides screamed for her to run.

"She's perfect."

"Too young. Even better."

"I'll take her for the night."

Their words stabbed her ears, but she didn't flinch. If she showed weakness, they would devour her.

Nora forced herself to walk to the center of the stage, though each step felt like walking deeper into hell.

"Shall we begin the bidding?" the auctioneer grinned, lifting his hammer.

But before he could call the first number, a deep, calm voice cut through the noise.

"What a waste."

The room fell silent.

Every head turned.

Nora froze, her breath catching in her throat.

At the back of the room, half in shadow, a man sat with a glass of wine untouched before him. He wasn't like the others. His suit was perfectly tailored, his posture relaxed but commanding. He looked powerful, untouchable, the kind of man who didn't need to prove himself.

But it was his eyes that held her still. Cold, gray eyes, sharp as steel, locked directly on her.

"You're too young," he said, his voice low but carrying easily. "Too beautiful to sell yourself like this. How desperate are you?"

A ripple of shock ran through the room. Some men laughed. Others scowled, annoyed that the bidding was interrupted. But Nora... Nora's face burned hot.

How dare he?

He didn't know her. He didn't know her pain, her reasons. Who was he to judge her?

The man didn't stop. He reached inside his jacket, pulled out a sleek black pen, and opened a checkbook. The scratch of ink on paper echoed louder than the whispers filling the hall.

He tore the page cleanly, stood, and walked forward with slow, deliberate steps. The crowd parted for him without a word, as if he carried an invisible crown.

When he reached the stage, he handed the slip of paper-not to Nora, but to the auctioneer.

"She's leaving," he said simply. "Tonight."

Gasps filled the room.

The auctioneer hesitated, his eyes flicking between the money and the angry faces of bidders. But the man's stare was icy, unyielding. Finally, greed won. The check was taken.

Just like that, it was over.

The auctioneer cleared his throat awkwardly. "Lot Twenty-One is... withdrawn. Gentlemen, we move on."

Nora stood rooted to the spot, her fists clenched at her sides. The man hadn't spared her another look. He simply turned, walked back to his table, and sat down as if nothing had happened.

But his words stuck to her skin like fire.

How desperate are you?

Her chest rose and fell fast. She didn't know who he was. She didn't care.

All she knew was that she hated him.

--------------------------

Nora's legs felt numb as the assistant dragged her offstage. The spotlight cut away, but its burn still lingered on her skin. Her ears rang with the echo of mocking whispers, laughter, and that one voice that had shattered everything.

How desperate are you?

She ripped her arm free from the assistant's grip the moment they were backstage.

"I didn't ask for this," she whispered, her voice shaking with fury. "I didn't ask for him to-"

"Do you know who that man is?" the assistant cut her off, eyes wide. "You should be grateful. He just saved you."

"Saved me?" Nora let out a bitter laugh. "No. He ruined me. That was my only chance. My father-" Her voice broke, her throat tight.

The assistant looked away, uncomfortable. "Doesn't matter. Once he speaks, no one argues. Not here. Not anywhere."

Nora didn't reply. She was too angry, too humiliated. Without another word, she stormed toward the exit, the sound of her heels sharp against the polished floor.

The cool night air hit her face the moment she pushed open the doors. She breathed deeply, hoping it would steady her racing heart, but nothing could wash away the sting of what had just happened.

She had swallowed her pride, stepped into that hell for her father's sake-and in less than five minutes, a stranger had branded her as desperate and pathetic in front of them all.

Hot tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wouldn't cry. Not here. Not because of him.

She hurried across the dimly lit parking lot, wrapping her arms around herself as if the night could swallow her whole.

And then-she froze.

The sound of steady footsteps echoed behind her.

Her pulse jumped. She turned, and her breath caught.

It was him.

The man from the auction.

Up close, under the flickering light of the lamp post, he looked even more intimidating. Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features that seemed carved from stone. His eyes-those piercing gray eyes-watched her with the same cold intensity as before.

Nora's heart hammered, but she forced herself to stand tall.

"Are you following me?" she snapped, her voice harsher than she intended.

He stopped a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. "You're welcome."

Her mouth fell open. "Welcome?"

"I saved you from making the worst mistake of your life," he said simply, as if his words were law. "You don't belong in a place like that."

Nora laughed, the sound sharp, almost hysterical. "You don't even know me. You don't know what I need, what I've been through. And yet you think you can walk in, throw money around, and play hero?"

His jaw tightened. For the first time, something flickered in his eyes-annoyance, maybe anger. But his voice stayed calm.

"I don't care about your excuses," he said. "You're not meant to be sold to men like them. If you have any sense left, you'll stay away from places like this."

Nora's chest rose and fell, fury burning through her veins. She wanted to scream at him, to tell him that she hadn't gone there for herself, that every humiliating step she had taken was for her father. But why should she? Why should she bare her pain to a stranger who looked at her with nothing but contempt?

Instead, she lifted her chin, forcing strength into her voice.

"I didn't need your saving," she said coldly. "And I don't need your money either."

She turned, walking fast toward the bus stop at the edge of the street.

But his voice followed her, low and firm, sending a shiver down her spine.

"You'll regret this path, little girl."

She didn't look back. She couldn't. Because if she did, she was afraid she'd see those steel-gray eyes again, stripping her soul bare.

All she knew was that she hated him.

And she prayed she would never see him again.

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.

------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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."

------------------------------

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.

The corridors of St. Havens Hospital smelled faintly of antiseptic, coffee, and nerves. Dozens of fresh-faced interns gathered in the training hall, their new white coats crisp, their shoes squeaking on the polished floor.

Most of them looked excited-buzzing with chatter about rotations, surgeries, and which departments they hoped to shadow in. But Nora Daniels stood at the farthest end of the line, silent, her hands fisted tightly at her sides.

She was trying to disappear.

The trouble was, Adrian Blackwood had already seen her.

He walked in with his usual presence, tall, composed, his white coat hanging perfectly from broad shoulders. His gray eyes swept the hall, assessing each face like he was looking for flaws before anyone had the chance to prove themselves.

And when those eyes landed on her, his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

Nora's breath hitched. She lowered her gaze, praying he'd move on.

But Adrian never moved on when it came to her.

"Daniels," his voice rang out suddenly, smooth and sharp all at once.

Every head in the hall turned instantly.

Nora froze. Her stomach dropped, her knees wobbling beneath her.

"I-yes, sir," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Step forward."

Her heart slammed against her ribs as she obeyed. She could feel the other interns' eyes boring into her, curiosity and confusion radiating from them. Somewhere near the front, Maya frowned, clearly puzzled.

Adrian let his gaze sweep her up and down, deliberately slow. "Tell me, Daniels. Why are you here?"

Nora's lips trembled. "To... to learn, sir."

A smirk ghosted across his mouth-sharp, disbelieving. "To learn," he repeated. "Interesting. Because from where I'm standing, you don't look prepared. Your uniform is wrinkled. Your shoes aren't regulation. And you were late."

The room buzzed with whispers. A few interns chuckled under their breath.

Nora's chest tightened painfully. She wanted to explain-about her father in the hospital, about her overnight shift at the restaurant, about running across the city just to make it here at all. But Adrian's gaze was so cutting that the words stuck in her throat.

He tilted his head, voice calm but merciless. "Tell me, Daniels, if a patient were in critical condition, should I trust someone who can't even arrive on time to save their life?"

Her voice broke as she whispered, "No, sir."

"Exactly," Adrian said coldly, turning to address the room as though her humiliation was a teaching point. "Hospitals are not playgrounds. Lives don't wait for you to get your act together. If you can't take responsibility, you don't belong here."

Nora felt her face burn hot as laughter rippled again. Her nails dug into her palms, the shame slicing deep.

"Return to your place," Adrian ordered.

She obeyed, her head bowed. She couldn't bear to look at Maya, who was staring at her with wide, questioning eyes.

The rest of the orientation was a blur. Adrian spoke about rotations, hospital rules, the expectations of discipline-but Nora could barely hear over the pounding of her own heart. His words clung to her like chains.

Desperation. Reckless. Doesn't belong here.

When the session finally ended, the interns clustered in groups, buzzing with gossip. Nora slipped out quickly, keeping her eyes on the floor. But she didn't get far.

"Nora!"

Maya grabbed her arm, pulling her aside into a quieter corridor. "What the hell was that?"

Nora shook her head quickly. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" Maya frowned, her dark brows knitting. "He humiliated you in front of everyone. He knew your name without checking the list. He looked at you like-like you'd done something. Nora, do you know him?"

Nora's breath caught. She opened her mouth, but no words came.

Her silence was enough.

Maya's eyes widened. "Oh my God. You do know him. How? What happened?"

Nora hugged her bag tightly to her chest. "I... I can't tell you."

"Nora," Maya said softly now, her tone almost pleading. "We're supposed to be best friends. You can tell me anything."

Her throat burned. She wanted to-wanted so badly to spill everything, to tell Maya about the auction, about how Adrian had been there, about the money, the shame, the way he looked at her like she was dirt beneath his shoes. But if she told Maya, she'd never look at her the same way again.

So she shook her head, forcing a weak smile. "It's fine. Just forget it."

Maya stared at her for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. But listen to me-whatever this is, whatever happened between you two... be careful. That man has power here. If you get on his bad side-"

Nora gave a humorless laugh, wiping her eyes quickly. "I think I already have."

-----------------

Later that day, the interns were sent into the surgical ward for observation. They crowded together in the hallway, watching through the large glass windows as doctors and nurses moved swiftly around a patient being prepped for surgery.

Adrian stood at the front, explaining the procedure in crisp, clinical detail. His voice carried effortlessly, every word clear. "This is a routine appendectomy. Straightforward, but still requires precision. Watch the team. Learn their rhythm. In surgery, every movement matters."

The interns scribbled notes, nodding eagerly.

Then his gaze flicked to Nora.

"Daniels," he said suddenly.

She froze. "Y-yes, sir?"

"Step inside."

The group gasped softly. Some of them looked envious, others gleeful, as though waiting for a spectacle.

Nora's heart hammered as she pushed the door open and stepped into the freezing-cold operating room. The doctors barely glanced at her, too focused on their work. The bright lights overhead made her squint, and the smell of disinfectant and sterile equipment was overwhelming.

Adrian gestured toward the tray of instruments. "Identify the scalpel."

Nora blinked at the array of shiny tools, her mind going blank. She knew this-she'd studied it-but under his burning stare, everything she'd memorized flew out of her head.

Her trembling hand hovered uncertainly before pointing to the wrong instrument.

Adrian's voice cut like ice. "That's not a scalpel. It's a forceps. Tell me, Daniels, would you like to hand a surgeon forceps instead of a scalpel while a patient is bleeding out?"

The surgeons in the room exchanged looks, some smirking faintly. Through the glass, Nora could see the other interns whispering and stifling laughs.

Her face turned crimson. "I-I'm sorry, sir-"

"Sorry doesn't save lives," Adrian snapped.

Her stomach dropped. Tears stung at the corners of her eyes, but she fought to keep them in.

Adrian turned to the group of interns outside. "This," he said, his voice clear and deliberate, "is what happens when you walk in unprepared. You embarrass yourself, and worse-you endanger patients."

Nora felt like the ground had been ripped from under her.

"Get out," Adrian ordered.

Her throat closed, humiliation burning like fire through her veins. She hurried out of the room, head bowed, tears spilling despite her efforts to hold them back.

When she rejoined the group, she could feel their eyes on her-judging, curious, mocking.

Maya stepped forward, her voice fierce. "Ignore them," she whispered quickly, slipping a tissue into Nora's hand.

But Nora couldn't ignore the one voice still echoing in her head.

Adrian's.

Sorry doesn't save lives.

And for the first time, she wondered if he really meant to destroy her completely.