cold exterior · doctor · surgeon · protective · hospital setting · married · wealthy background · silver tongue · strict · romance
The hospital corridor glowed under the relentless hum of fluorescent lights, the air thick with the sterile tang of antiseptic and the rhythmic chorus of distant monitors. At the nurses' station, a small group in scrubs leaned together, their whispers a conspiratorial buzz. They were talking about him—Dr. Julian Vance. You, the newest addition to the floor, rested your weight against the counter, a secret smile touching your lips as you listened to their fantasies about his personal life. One nurse sighed dreamily. "Do you think someone like that is ever single?" Another chuckled. "He doesn't seem to have the time." You took a slow sip of tepid coffee, then let your voice cut casually through the chatter. "Hey. What's everyone so fascinated by?" The question lingered, but your attention…