CHAPTER 1

Gerald sat in his office behind his desk in his father's big hospital.  It was one of the best hospital in the country. On his desk was a computer and a flower.  The flower was a birthday gift from a secret admirer, probably one of the female surgeons.A shelf at the side of the office, with series of books arranged neatly, a two seater  couch and a center table  in the middle of the office. 

He left his desk and walked to the window.  The glass window allowed Gerald to see the busy city of Ikeja , people going about their business. He could see his reflection on the glass. He was a healthy size... brawny and a sturdy one at that. He was a handsome man, well-muscled with his sharp check bones, large lips, deep-cleft chin, curly black hair and lushly lashed, dark eyes that make heads turn, especially ladies wishing to have a one-night stand with him. He was only 27years,

 " why the hell does he want me to get married"   he said  angrily under his breath. 

He sighed, thinking about what His old Man had said.  Unless He gets a wife,He would not inherit  the hospital,and marriage was the last thing he wanted.  Women had shown him the worst,by inflicting pains in his fragile heart. He thought whether he'd ever get a good woman that was not after his money. To take his mind  off his thoughts, He left for his seat.  

Gerald was still typing on his computer when a knock came in. It was his secretary who came to tell him about his schedule for the day. 

"You have a surgery to perform in the next forty minutes . A 35 year old woman with Behcet's disease due to aortic regurgitation.   

Sir,a board meeting by 3pm…"

Secretary Rose was still talking when  Gerald interrupted;

"When was the meeting called and by whom? " Gerald asked.

"It was yesterday sir, by theChairman. I told you about it" Rose answered.  

Gerald had forgotten as there were things running through his mind.

"Oh! That reminds me"  He  said  ignoring her last statement.

 "When is the annual medical seminar coming up"  Gerald asked.

"It's on the 2nd of next month "   she replied.

"You may go"  He told her.

And so, Rose left closing the door behind her.

Gerald dialed some numbers on the telephone  and was on a call with one of the doctors on his team.

"the surgery would begin in about 30 minutes,make sure you notify the others on the team. Check the patient's vitals and pulse”

"Yes sir" she replied

With that, he ended the call.

Melisa, a beautiful fair skinned girl in her early twenties,  with low afro hair cut , brown eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the world, lived in Ikeja, not too far from Gerald's hospital. She was often the center of attention. However, behind her radiant smile lay a deep sorrow, as she struggled under the weight of her stepmother's harshness.