Chapter 1

Solas Medical Center’s emergency department housed a trauma bay meant only for severe trauma patients.

Suji was on night duty and stationed there. Her wristwatch pointed to three in the morning.

Maybe today will end quietly without anything happening.

She lifted both arms to stretch, trying to shake off the drowsiness.

At that moment, a stretcher burst through the trauma bay doors with a harsh clang. Startled, Suji shot up from her seat.

What is going on?

There’d been no call announcing an incoming emergency patient, no broadcast, no warning from staff, not even the sound of an ambulance.

Surrounding the stretcher were one nurse and five men dressed in black plain clothes. The atmosphere was so different from usual that Suji realized right away. The patient lying on the stretcher wasn’t a normal person.

She approached with sterilized gloves on, but the men sharply narrowed their eyes at her. One of them was pressing a towel firmly against the center of the patient’s abdomen.

“Are you applying pressure to stop the bleeding? I will take over.”

A sharp smell of blood rushed out. Suji wrapped the blood pressure cuff and placed the EKG pads.

“Blood pressure one hundred two over sixty four, heart rate ninety eight, oxygen saturation ninety seven…”

The monitor blinked and let out a warning beep.

“Is it a stab wound or a gunshot wound?”

“…Looks like a gunshot wound.”

“What is your relationship to the patient?”

“…”

They stayed silent and only glanced at one another. Suji was just about to ask what on earth was happening.

Bang!

Professor Crowell and Lucas stepped into the trauma bay. Both men wore grim expressions.

They’re not even scheduled to work today.

“Where is the bleeding coming from?”

Professor Crowell asked.

“Center of the abdomen, right lower area suspected of being a gunshot wound, unsure if it penetrated completely. Bleeding control is poor right now.”

“Keep pressing.”

“Yes, professor.”

While the two spoke, Lucas pulled equipment from the cart. Gauze, an IV set, and a clamp.

He secured the patient’s arm, inserted the needle, and connected the fluids.

“The operating room is ready. We move immediately.”

Lucas nodded at Professor Crowell’s words. Crowell’s gaze then landed on Suji.

“Dr. Park, you come too.”

“M… me?”

“Why? Is there a problem?”

“No, none at all.”

Lucas let out a quiet sigh and left the trauma bay. The men in black followed behind him.

* * *

“Oxygen saturation is stabilizing.”

At the anesthesiologist’s report, Professor Crowell nodded. The beeping of the monitor gradually evened out.

“Fortunately, the surgery ended successfully.”

Professor Crowell pulled off his gloves and tossed them aside.

“And Dr. Park, I need a word with you.”

Professor Crowell was a senior attending in surgery, ten years older than Professor Cavill, and known for being conservative. He valued rules and order in the hospital, disliked jokes, and always wore a serious face.

“I assume you noticed that today’s patient wasn’t an ordinary patient.”

“…Yes, professor.”

“The patient falls under the VIP division. That is why the transfer was done quietly.”

“VIP?”

“Yes. You’re familiar with the VIP patient protocol, correct?”

“Yes, I am.”

Suji knew it well. Protecting VIP patient information, using exclusive routes and rooms, signing confidentiality forms.

Among VIPs, those who wanted it publicly known that they were being treated were extremely rare unless it was for publicity.

“Since things happened this way, I would like you to join the VIP patient care team.”

“Me?”

The VIP ward wasn’t a place interns were normally allowed into. You usually needed to be at least a third year resident. Yet Professor Crowell wanted three-month-intern Suji to join the team. It was unbelievable.

“There are two reasons I’m making this proposal. First, because you were present on site. Second, because you seem to keep things to yourself.”

“…”

“So handle this with responsibility. Don’t let any information about the patient leak.”

“P… professor. About the patient’s information… I mean, I would at least like to know who I’m treating.”

“Hmm.”

Professor Crowell slowly rubbed his rough jaw.

“He’s someone who helps Solas Medical Center operate without any financial worries. All the newest medical equipment, research funds, donations, everything exists because of his support. Which means we have no choice but to do as he wishes. The gunshot patient is an employee of his company.”

“…”

“What the VIP wants most is silence. So do not ask about the patient’s identity or try to find out anything. Honestly, what does that matter anyway. Our duty as medical professionals is to focus on his recovery.”

“Yes, professor.”

“Dr. Harrington will be the primary physician.”

“Yes, professor. Then… how did the patient end up with a gunshot wound to the abdomen?”

“What did I just say?”

“…”

“I told you it does not matter where or how he was shot.”

“Did you contact the police?”

“I did. Of course I did. I’ve said this repeatedly. You do not need to concern yourself with those things.”

“Then…”

Before Suji could finish her question, Professor Crowell’s brows tightened sharply.

“That will be all. You may leave. Yes, let us end our conversation here.”

With an artificial smile, Professor Crowell ushered Suji out.

* * *

After resting half a day and returning to work in the afternoon, Suji headed straight to the ICU in the VIP ward. Despite the commotion earlier that dawn, the ward was as peaceful as if nothing had happened.

“When you arrive, check the drainage tube first. Confirm the drainage amount with your own eyes. After organizing the tube, administer point two milligrams of hydromorphone.”

The VIP patient had undergone emergency surgery not long ago. Right after surgery, the patient could suffer intense pain or anxiety from the gunshot injury.

It was common for blood pressure to spike abnormally during this stage. They needed to intervene before any severe side effects occurred.

The ICU nurse, whose expression was as cold as her reputation, immediately recognized Suji. She glanced between the name on Suji’s coat and the memo Suji was holding.

“You’re the intern Professor Crowell sent, right? Dr. Park?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

Since it was her first time entering the VIP ward, Suji found the atmosphere unfamiliar and hard to adapt to.

The nurse kindly led her to the ICU doors. As expected, the five large men stood guard outside. They wore holsters on their hips, though guns were prohibited in the hospital, so fortunately none were visible.

Their expressions were so stern and cold that even meeting their eyes sent a chill down her spine.

The nurse spoke with the man who appeared to be the leader. After a brief exchange, he opened the door himself and let Suji in.

That moment.

A low, firm voice sounded behind her.

“Suji.”

With naturally wavy blond hair, emerald eyes, and a face sculpted with divine precision, the man was none other than Lucas Harrington.

A surgical fellow, Suji’s long-time first love, and also the man who’d rejected her twice.

But Suji hadn’t given up. She’d decided to confess to him one last time. Her grandfather always told her this:

“Koreans always try three times, you know.”

He said you must at least try three times before giving up. Suji had lived her life treating those words as her motto.