The sharp, modern facade of Zurich Heart Hospital reflected the morning sun, its sleek design rivaling any prestigious institution Tristan had seen. He stepped out of the car and adjusted his coat, letting out a low whistle as he looked up at the towering structure.
"Impressive, right?" Jared grinned beside him, pulling his own coat tight against the cool air.
"Not bad," Tristan said casually, though his sharp blue eyes scanned the hospital with appreciation.
"'Not bad'?" Jared repeated, mock-offended. "Come on, mate, this is a step up from New York. Admit it."
Tristan smirked. "It's a step. I'll decide if it's up once I get inside."
Jared rolled his eyes as they walked toward the entrance.
Inside, the hospital was a hive of activity. Staff moved with precision, and the hum of efficiency was almost palpable. Tristan's eyes lingered on the details-the polished floors, the state-of-the-art equipment visible through open doors, the calm yet purposeful atmosphere.
"I told you," Jared said smugly, gesturing around. "Top-tier everything. You're going to love it here."
"Let's see how the people measure up," Tristan replied, his tone light but inquisitive.
********
Meeting the Team
Dr. Wilhelm Kruger, the hospital's Chief of Surgery, was waiting for them near the reception desk. His sharp suit and warm smile immediately set a welcoming tone.
"Dr. Hale," Kruger greeted, extending a hand. "Welcome to Zurich Heart Hospital. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"The honor's mine," Tristan replied, shaking his hand firmly. "I've heard nothing but good things about this place. Jared's been insufferable about it, honestly."
Jared grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Kruger chuckled. "Let's get you introduced to the team. They've been eager to meet you."
He led them to a spacious conference room where a group of doctors, nurses, and interns had gathered. Conversations stilled as Tristan entered, his presence commanding the room effortlessly. Whispers rippled through the group, and eyes widened as they recognized the man who had graced countless medical journals and conferences.
"Everyone," Kruger began, "allow me to introduce Dr. Tristan Hale. I'm sure many of you are familiar with his groundbreaking work in cardiac surgery and research. We're thrilled to have him here to help us take Zurich Heart Hospital to even greater heights."
Polite applause filled the room, though the awe on the younger interns' faces was anything but polite.
A hand shot up from the front row. "Dr. Hale, is it true you performed a double bypass on a patient who was considered inoperable?"
"Yes, that's true," Tristan replied with a modest smile. "But only because we had an incredible team of surgeons and nurses. That case wasn't a solo act by any means."
Another voice piped up. "And your research on valve repair-will you be continuing that here?"
"That's the plan," Tristan said. "I'm looking forward to collaborating with all of you and seeing what we can achieve together."
Dr. Kathrine Langston, a vascular surgeon with striking auburn hair and emerald-green eyes, sat quietly at the back, watching Tristan intently. Her admiration for his work was no secret, but her colleagues often teased her that it wasn't just professional.
As the questions continued, Jared leaned over and whispered, "Dr. Langston's got it bad for you."
Tristan didn't miss the way her gaze lingered on him, and he suppressed a smirk. "Let's focus, Jared. This isn't speed dating."
**************
Settling In
After the introductions, Kruger gave Tristan a tour of the hospital, pointing out the surgical suites, labs, and even the cafeteria. As they walked through the hallways, a young intern approached, her cheeks flushed.
"Dr. Edwards," she said, addressing Jared. "I just wanted to say... if you ever need assistance, I'd be more than happy to help."
Jared flashed her a charming smile. "I appreciate that, Miss...?"
"Clara," she supplied eagerly.
Before Jared could respond, Tristan leaned in and muttered loud enough for both to hear, "Careful, mate. She might start bringing you coffee every morning."
Clara blushed furiously and excused herself, leaving Jared to glare at Tristan.
"You're impossible," Jared said, shaking his head.
Tristan shrugged, amused. "What are friends for?"
*************
Work Begins
By late afternoon, Tristan found himself in his new office, unpacking a few personal items. The room was spacious and filled with natural light, the perfect blend of luxury and functionality.
His moment of peace was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jared stepped in, holding a stack of patient files.
"Hope you're not getting too comfortable," Jared said, dropping the files on Tristan's desk.
"What's this?" Tristan asked, eyeing the pile.
"Your first cases," Jared replied. "Two emergency patients just came in-a post-op complication and a critical valve failure. Welcome to Zurich Heart Hospital."
Tristan stood, slipping on his white coat. "Right to the deep end, huh?"
"This is a hospital, mate," Jared said with mock seriousness. "We save lives here. Try to keep up."
Tristan smirked, grabbing the files. As they made their way toward the surgical suite, the familiar buzz of adrenaline began to kick in.
"Think the staff will still be starstruck after a few late-night shifts?" Tristan asked.
Jared laughed. "Oh, don't worry. They'll love you even more. Well, except for the ones you make cry."
Tristan chuckled. "Let's see if I can avoid that on day one."
As they reached the OR, Tristan felt a sense of purpose settle over him. This was why he was here-not for the accolades or the admiration, but for the chance to save lives and make a difference.
***********
Meanwhile on the other side of town
Switzerland was supposed to be her escape, a place where she could pretend life was still hers to command. Four days into her stay at Marcus' home, she clung to that illusion.
She sat in his sunlit living room, laptop perched on her knees, forcing words onto the screen. Writing was her normal, her way of forgetting the countdown ticking in her chest. But Marcus was not letting it go.
"You've been here four days, Leona," he said sharply, pacing the room. "Four. Days. And you haven't even called the doctor, let alone seen one!"
"I will," she said evenly, not looking up from her laptop.
"When?" Marcus shot back. "When it's too late?"
Leona snapped the laptop shut, glaring at him. "I just need time. Can you give me that?"
He folded his arms, his anger softening to concern. "I'm trying, but ignoring this isn't the answer."
Her chest tightened, but she refused to show it. "I didn't come here to be your project, Marcus. Let me figure this out my way.