"Doc Marquez, I to tell you that if a witness didn't show up to prove your innocence, I can't help you any further." I feel like heaven and earth have fallen on me at what I heard. I could hardly raise my head.
I mean, how do I even find a man I've never met?
It's day three and I still can't find the man who I can assure than can and will prove that I didn't do anything wrong.
But where can I find that one person who is trying to destroy my life? I don't even know his name, I haven't seen his face.
I am not going to lose my license just because someone is accusing me of things I didn't even know.
Premedical degree for three years followed by M.D program which would be for another 4 years. After 7 years of study, I have to study again for another year to get this license and, how many years for residency training and just like that? I was framed up?
I am being sued for malpractice when I never handled an ulcer patient? Excuse me? I wish I did!
How can I look for someone who's been missing for how many years?
I can't fathom what to do. It was as if my brain would explode thinking about the possibilities and I feel like I am almost running out of air inside my body.
I sat down trying to collect my thoughts.
Kris, my best friend, who is working as a general surgeon as well, sat beside me and offer me a cup of tea. Who would reject something that would help you clears your mind?
"Adel, I heard what happened." the moment he mentioned it, my head feel like exploding with confetti congratulating him that he actually found out. I mean, who wouldn't know? "As much as I wanted to help you, I'm just as clueless as you." Of course, I am too. How did they get a medical record of a patient that is years missing?
Kris handed me a cup of tea, I can feel it in my throat! "I never got the chance to enjoy operating on a patient with an ulcer. I never got the chance to use my scalpel on him," I sighed as lay my head on his shoulder.
As much as I love my tea, I love scalpels too. "That's why you are named as Queen of Surgeon," I shrugged weakly at what he said. Why did I even deserve that title? "But before I forgot, how was your sister doing?"
"Let's just talk about the patient I never had, okay?" all of a sudden, the tea tasted bitter. Suddenly, it's hard to swallow down the tea. "Let's not add fuel to the fire, okay?" my head is already aching. It's like I'm out of 12 hours non-stop operation. "Why don't we go out for a drink?"
I am really desperate to forget, first. I wanted to forget everything right now or my head will explode. But, who am I kidding? "Bestie, pass. As much as I want to accompany you, I still have my night shift. Better luck next time." I swear, his laugh is not something I would want to hear every day.
He waved his goodbye before leaving. I somehow sighed in relief. As my mind went ahead of me again, I scanned the four corners of the room, maybe, this would be the last time I am going to see this.
I love how very detail of the room. From the ceiling to the floor; it screams home. I've never felt at home in my own house again.
I really hate how tears can easily roll in my face, and I don't like how it feels.
I applied for a scholarship, work my ass off, and spent the rest of my life studying in order to pay my tuition fees.
Because... I dare to myself, that I can't let anyone know my weakness. I can't let anyone beat me all over again, just because of these emotions.
I built thick walls around me so no one can step on me again.
Those emotions... will kill my dreams away.
But, even with the walls I built, I am getting crashed all over again.
"Please, hide me!" my eyebrows automatically rose as if it had lives on its own. I watch as he keeps trying to hide his broad body behind the couch.
I kicked him lightly to get his attention, "Do you know that this is a doctor lounge? Outsider are considered as trespassers." He cleared his throat before laughing. His laugh seems familiar though. I immediately wore my glasses to see him... and yes, my hunch is right. "Oh, the spoiled brat who owns this Hospital."
We heard and saw how the nurses and his bodyguards panics from the outside, and when I turned around I can already feel the wine getting in my system, "Three bottles all by yourself?" he said chuckling. Did I drunk all of that? So much for my love in my profession! Please, note the sarcasm.
This is bad!
I can feel how my surroundings are going in a circle. I feel like I can finally fly. I wanted to spread my wings more.
I smiled and move closer to him. I'm getting dizzy and dizzy as I walked and I can his eyes getting sleepy. "Wow, you got shit by anesthesia and still walking and running around? The anesthesia isn't working at you at all." I laugh as I move closer to him.
He is about to talk back when he fainted in front of me, and guess what? I just tried catching him. Who do I think I am? A drunk wonder woman trying to save an imbecile heir?
As I close my eyes all I can remember is how heavy he is on top of me. What a drunk girl can do to an unconscious person?
I woke up laughing because I can feel someone licking my neck. I still haven't open my eyes thinking that it is my father's cat, but I almost scream in disbelief.
My throat is dry that I couldn't speak at all.
I am trying my very hard to pushed him out of me. But he is just too heavy and stubborn at the same time!
This ignorant and imbecile heir of the Lim Co is licking my neck with people watching us!
I stood up immediately, so, this is what adrenaline feels like.
I did not care if he hits his head on the floor, he's unbelievable! But instead of getting hurt, he chuckled at me, like I am the only he can see.
I find his stares cringe worthy. I don't exactly know what was that stares for, but realizing that I am in trouble once again woke me uop in reality.
Guess what, Serenity? Your life is doomed the moment you get out of here.
I decided to get out of the room but when I was about to leave he suddenly pulled me for a hug. It's so warm, but I can feel that it wasn't for me, that feels so right and warm.
She wanted to pull him out of her, but she couldn't. She needed the hug... "Are you leaving me again?" he sounded so hopeless! Even though I wanted to tie choke him and pull him away from me, why do I feel his pain?
I played along with him. I remembered... "No, the anesthesia just worked very fine." I whispered just enough for him to hear. "Mr. Lim, as much as I wanted a hug people are watching. I mean, the reporters are getting their bonuses as early as February. So, would you please?"
I was about to get out form the hug, he pulled me once again. With the force of the impact, I felt the whole Hospital shake along with me. Nope, but that's just me being drunk. "My love, please." my eyes widened. "Don't leave me again."
Kris! About time! "What's happening, Doc Marquez?" Bestie, if I only knew I wouldn't be in my situation right now?
He quickly pushed the reporters out of the door and approached me. He is trying his best to pull me out of the hug, but the more he Kris pulls me out the tighter the hug. "Bestie, I told you to wait for me." I did, Kris. I did!
"Stop pulling My Marquez!" he suddenly cried murmuring my surname?! How did he knew who I was? I wasn't even wearing my lab coat. All of us were shocked when he kneel down in front of me and pulled out what?! "Please, marry me."Oh, an imaginary ring I supposed.
He grinned at me, and I must say that his delusions are taking him somewhere he only knows.
The crowd hyped up, I mean for what? They think he is putting the imaginary ring in my finger. They are as delusional as him.
Well, I can't blame them. They really can't see what's going on.
I wanted to smack the person in front of me, only if I really want my license to fly put in my hands. But hey, his bodyguards finally arrived and closed the door behind us.
And another yehey, because the moment the door closed, he loses his consciousness.
Great! Just great! Why does he keeps fainting on top of me??
I was trying to move and I keep on struggling despite our position hoping that I could wake him up. But I am too drunk to move, and the fact that instead of helping me remove this imbecile heir his bodyguards started questioning me.
Are they trained to interrogate me?!
"Will you all shut your mouth and remove this imbecile out of me?" It's their fault if I fainted due to lack of oxygen. Is it fun watching your boss crashing down a woman?!
I can see how Kris is trying his very best not to laugh, and even before he could I slapped his face with my phone.
Why do our friends find it amusing that we are suffering enough?!
My head starts aching when I heard the reporter trying to barge in again. I mean, I can't blame them. This imbecile is a hot topic these days just because he's in marrying age. Who cares, right???
"My mother will kill me," I whispered softly to the sleeping imbecile in front of the restless bodyguards. "Chill, its just anesthesia. That won't kill him. But I will,"
His men sat down beside him. Worries are flustered in their faces, I mean he looks okay to me. "Your mother must be so proud of you," Kris said remembering my Mother's most unfamous line.
I was about to slap him in the face when he moved back laughing.
The real problem is just about to begin.
I don't even know where to start if I explain this to my parents. I feel like losing my sanity, or if it's true that the ground can take me, will it just take me now???
I covered my face and I can feel my eyes getting hotter.
Are you going to cry yet again, Serenity Adel? Is it the only solution you could think of? So much for your so-called awards and recognitions.
Why am I dissing myself this time???
How about I change my name or my face so that people could no longer recognize me? Ahh, so you have that much money to waste now.
I mean, hiding won't just take away the fact that I was part of this embarrassment.
Those reporters are really having the time of their lives. How could they find out the issues about me that fast??
Why do I feel like this is the end for me and for the years of hard work?? Will everything will go to waste? Is this the reward I get from working hard??
I could no longer think straight. The only thing I wanted to do now is cry until I no longer have the capacity to do so. Shall I die in dehydration, then?
"Bestie," the cry baby in me is showing! I can't help but feel stressed out because I am once again crying. "Why do I feel like the world is against me? What did I do wrong? Is this a divine punishment?"
Kris let out a small laugh. He knows for the fact that I no longer want to associate myself with her. What happen is long before history was written.
My heart feels heavy that no amount of alcohol can ever take away the pain.
I sat beside him and lean my head on his shoulder. The burden is getting heavier every time I see my lab coat with my name embroidered to it.
Kris, being the only friend I have, cried along with me. He has been my human diary for a long time now. Because being friend with male gives you security, and they don't care most of the time.
"Serenity you bring peace and calmness in the ocean. Please don't be too hard on yourself. I've known you for so long and I know your heart. God wouldn't do anything like that on someone like you." the moment he mentioned my name, pains my heart. My name is Serenity but my whole life is a mess.
My Mother named me Serenity because she loves hearing the sound of the ocean when she was pregnant with us, and the moment she gave birth to me I was already smiling at her.
Now that the whole world is against me, how could I call myself Serenity?
Should I change my name? I could choose better ones that suit me the best. I just don't really think I can live longer with this name.
This is why all of my life, I wanted to be called as Adel. Imagine the disappointment they will face the moment they found out about Serenity's messed-up life.
I was in awe when his bodyguards started sobbing while looking at me. Right at this moment, I felt like my life is made up of drama, "Do you find my life interesting?" they didn't answer but cried more.
They kept on staring at me! "You have fans now, Adel." Kris is really enjoying my agony. "Should I stand as your manager?" If I could, he'd be flying out the window now. I just don't have the money to pay a broken window.
I don't know if I should laugh as loud as Kris is. They all look like they can eat me alive, "Aish, will you all please stop that and wake your imbecile boss?" I handed them the box of tissue as I control my annoyance.
They wiped their tears the moment I gave them the tissue, and now they are tying to wake their imbecile boss who's still smirking even at his sleep.
By the time he wakes up, I'll make sure his ears will swell and bled with things I have to say. One day is not enough to lecture him!
But, what we expect from a guy who has been shot by anesthesia?
He is old enough to be still afraid with needles, but, we can't blame people and their traums right? I mean, why would he ran and hide?
The imbecile in front of me needed a minor sticth. It's fortunate that the wound is not deep, and it's a good thing because I will never see how dark his soul is.
I can't imagine the amount of dose they used in him. The anesthesia is braver and even stronger than him!
This just shows how scared he is of needles. I would want to know the story behind it, but we're not close enough to put my nose in his business.
While he was still unconscious, I took the time to stitch the wound. I can't help but show how annoyed I am while I am cleaning the wound.
The wound looks like from a broken glass.
You can tell from his skin that he came from a rich family. Although, there are a lot of traces of wounds and a few stitches on the other part of his body.
I don't know why I feel sad just by looking at it, but every time I see his mischievous smile I just wanted to put pressure on the towel I am holding on his face as if I am trying to stop a blood.
He might look peaceful while he is sleeping, but his eyes are the opposite of what they say he is. His eyes are sad, I don't know why I kind of understand how it sparkles. Oh dear Lord, am I a psychologist now?
I took the time to freshen myself.
I can not even go out with all the news and reporters camping outside the hospital. Good thing, Kris my very reliable friend, packed my things for me.
When I came out from the bathroom, I caught the stubborn heir who is still squirming while surrounded by his bodyguards, "Good thing, I was about to inject you a very deadly drug," I gave him a faint remarks as I was brushing my hair.
But he wasn't even blinking... he was just looking at me. A real pervert! "Serene?" I felt a lump on my throat. He called the name with sincerity and love. "Oh," he said disappointed. I know, right?
I am not that woman and will never be that woman.
I rolled my eyes, showing my identification card to him. "I know you are an imbecile but I know that you are educated." I didn't even have to explain him anything because it looks like he already understood.
I tasted my own bitterness in my mouth. Why is it happening all over again? Why am I getting entangled with her life... yet again?
I can no longer see or talk to her but why does it feel like everything I do is still related to her?
So, this is why he called me by my last name. I won't wonder why anymore.
"What do we do now?" He is looking at me intently like I was lying to him. "Look," showing my license to him, "I am Serenity Adel Marquez, a general surgeon." Everyone wanted me to be like her, but unfortunately for everyone around me, I will never be like her.
He cleared his throat.
Maybe, he finally realizes the difference between us, we really look different. "I'm sorry. I really thought she was you," I only nodded my head as an answer.
Because no matter how many I try to explain that we are different some people would not understand because we are identical, very much identical.
I gave him a minute to talk it all out with their lawyer and guess what, he found out what's happening on my life right now. Of course, he would know Adel. His family owns this hospital. Why am I even surprised?
He looked at me with pity and I shrugged it off. Why is he even giving me that look?
Hello, I am still alive?
His lawyer keeps mumbling about me. "Excuse me, do I have to remind you who you are? You are a lawyer and who are you to judge me without evidence?" I rolled my eyes as he choke on his food. I say deserve! As a lawyer he should give me a benefit of the doubt.
He speaks about me like he knows what I eat on daily basis. I wanted to talk more but I don't have the strength and energy to argue with him.
I'm done.
They stopped talking after giving comments about how that lawyer sees me. I know his job is as difficult as mine, that's why he should wake up.
His eye brows furrowed, the annoyance in his face is very evident and he really looks like he is thinking about things; even though it doesn't seems like he is using his brain. Hm, it's just me.
I smirked at him, he is looking at me like I am that woman. I feel like vomiting all of a sudden.
"Marry me," what I said was right! He is not using his brain properly. He really is out of his mind. He chuckled as he saw me smirking at him.
Without hesitation, I smack him at the back of his head, and he ended up laughing. "You needed that." His bodyguards looks like they are about to throw me out of the window, that violent huh. "What? I am just helping him put his brain back to its position."
His laughs only proved that he knows what he proposed was not supposed to be an option.
A careless and an imbecile at the same time. I wished he could use his brain or it will rot. Poor brain!
He is walking back and forth in front of me, "Didn't you know that the contract marriage is already cliché? Think of a newer idea, please." Rolling my eyes is becoming my habit now.
I don't know what's gotten into him when he sat beside me and face me, "It's the only thing I could think of right now." It seems like you are not really thinking.
From the nth time, I couldn't help but roll my eyes again at him. "Why don't you go out and explain what really happened between us?" by looking at him, seems like it is his last resort. What is he even thinking? "Okay, let's put it that way. What benefit would I get from this contract marriage?"
His face suddenly lit up. Is he trying to imagine that woman?! "I can help you with the lawsuit." Does he think I can't pay my own lawyer? The imbecile heir beside me laughed softly, "I know what you are thinking. But as you can see, I have power and connection. You can use me in delaying the trial while we search for the patient."
Does that make sense? I mean, I can make use of his offer to protect myself, but is that even reasonable? "Look, Mister. I don't care who I marry." Because clearly, things like that did not cross my mind. "But isn't that unfair to you?"
This is the longest silence I have heard between us. Is marriage really that big deal? "I don't think so. You are a well-known surgeon, and I am a businessman, and marrying a Doctor as an heir will do me good."
So, for him marriage is like a business? I thought he likes that woman? "I don't want to be a replacement." I snickered at him as he began laughing.
Kris, who I forgot was with us, pats me on the back. "At least you are not going to die as an old maid."
Why is getting married a big deal to everyone? Why do they even care if I die unmarried? At least I am a Doctor who contributed a lot to the country.
It's not like growing up alone is a crime.
The imbecile heir smiled at me, "I also don't care who I marry. I am not home most of the time." It was a faint laugh coming from him. Why does that sound fake to me at all? "How could you be a replacement? I know that you are two different people. But you weren't smiling at all. How can I see the difference?"
Confused, I raised my eyebrow at him making him laugh, and now it seems genuine. How do I even know that??? "What are you talking about?"
He gestured for me to smile, but I did not. I frowned at him even more, "Your dimples is much more deeper." Ha? How would he even know that? "I guess you really can't remember me."
"Don't you remember him, Adel? He is the student body president back in senior year." Really? I mean, why would I even care? I rolled my eyes yet again which made the imbecile heir laugh. "You still laugh at her most senseless words and rude reaction," Kris said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Like I care?"
He scratched the back of his neck in shame. Is he agreeing that I am senseless?! The audacity of this imbecile! "It's fun to watch. She's honest and straightforward." So, what he really meant was I am mean.
His lawyer seems not like enjoying our conversation, "What we are going to do, then?"
I remember my father telling me, 5 by 5 rule... if it's not gonna matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes upset by it... but it matters, not just to me.
An entire ocean of water, can't sink a ship unless it gets inside. Just like what's happening to me, it can't just put me down like that if I won't allow it inside me.
I am not sure with what's going to happen the moment I answer him, but I am sure that he will keep his promises. Isn't it weird? That I am totally giving the benefit of the doubt to a man I just met.
I know I call him names, but, it is really weird that I find comfort in unthoughtful words.
I know I am not doing it just for myself... I will do it for my father who's waiting for me patiently. For my father, who has seen the darkest of my days but have trusted me with all his heart.
What am I going to lose in this agreement though? It's not like I am in love with someone else, and if he does, it would not be my problem anymore right?
I mean, it's not like I am the one who offered him this marriage, right?
Why am I feeling guilty of something I did not asked him to do? Maybe because I am sure that marriage will not affect my life at all. However, he is a bachelor who can still enjoy his youth.
I am going to spend my whole life trying to save people.
The fact I still got a long way to prove myself.
I don't want to disappoint my parents like that woman did... because I don't to see them devastated. This time, I will stand up for them. I will stand up for my name.
I am Serenity Adel Marquez, and not a single ice berg will sink the ship I built for me and for my father.
"If I agree with you, will you give me another lawyer?" my response made him laugh once again. Even though it's irritating, I find his face amusing. His eyes are really smiling along with him.
He nodded his head as his lawyer made a face, "You have a wrong impression of me then, little missy." His lawyer said that made me laugh.
That's when I realize that he is looking at me, smiling. "See? Your dimples are deeper than her." I don't know if it's a compliment though. I just don't realize things like that. I mean, why would I look at her? Only to see my own face.
I nodded my head and he went straight to me like it was kind of a signal. "What are you doing?" there was a question on his face that I could not read.
What is he thinking? What does he want me to do? He opens his arms wide open. "Can we seal the deal with a hug?" I raised my eyebrow at him. "Of course, for the meantime" I like watching how his eyes smile along with him.
I don't know if I should say yes? Because I feel like he is taking advantage of me!
This is the first time I saw his lawyer smiled. Ah, so he knows how to losen up a bit.
The news about him is the opposite of what I am experiencing today. Zybe Gaberiel Lim might be an imbecile and thoughtless, but he has a very warm heart. "We might see things differently. But, is it all right if we talk it out?"