Same day. Evening.
The evening light poured softly through the tall windows of the Remington mansion. Zaria sat in the living room, waiting, her reflection caught in the faint gleam of the chandelier above.
A pair of warm, calloused palms suddenly covered her eyes.
"Guess who?"
Her lips curved instantly into a smile she couldn't suppress.
"Boboo!" she squealed, jumping up in delight as she turned and threw her arms around him. Adrian's low chuckle rumbled against her ear, and for a moment, the ever-composed COO of AZTechs was simply her big brother again.
"My muffin's all ready to go?" he asked, his tone melting into an impossible sweetness.
"Yup!" she said proudly, twirling once. "See how I look?"
Her gown flowed like liquid wine under the chandelier's light, a velvet mermaid silhouette that embraced her frame with quiet sophistication. The bodice, a deep garnet kissed with crystal beading on the sleeves, shimmered faintly as she moved. A subtle cutout at her waist added a touch of modern allure without stealing her innocence. In that instant, she looked every bit the Remington princess - graceful, radiant, and entirely unaware of how many hearts she could stop
with just a smile.
Adrian's gaze softened. "You look… perfect, muffin," he said, his voice low, almost reverent.
Zaria's eyes sparkled as she flashed him one of her sweetest smiles. "Thank you, Boboo. Come on, let's go. Mamma and Dadda already left," she said, her tone bubbling with excitement.
Adrian chuckled softly, his usual coldness melting in her presence. "Alright, muffin. Let's go," he murmured, patting her head lovingly.
Together, they stepped out of the Remington mansion. The grand doorway opened for them. The soft hum of the waiting car echoed against the marble steps as the siblings made their way toward RN Hospital, where the grand celebration waited for them, a night destined to mark more than just a celebration.
RN Hospital.
The grand hall of RN Hospital shimmered beneath a canopy of soft golden lights. The round tables were elegantly set, where dignitaries, renowned doctors, and honored guests murmured in anticipation. Whispers and the gentle rustle of silk filled the air.
Then, the room dimmed slightly.
A poised woman in a flowing silver gown walked gracefully to the dais, her smile practiced yet warm. As she touched the microphone, her voice, smooth and refined like that of a seasoned TV host, echoed through the hall.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, a very good evening to all. On behalf of the entire Remington family and RN Hospital, I welcome you to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of this esteemed institution!"
The hall erupted into applause. Cheers, laughter, and clinking glasses followed. The hostess continued, briefly narrating the hospital's journey, from its humble beginnings five decades ago to becoming one of the most trusted hospitals out there.
"And now," she said with a bright smile, "let's invite the man behind this remarkable legacy, the Director of RN Hospital, Mr. Zachary Remington, to share a few words with us."
From the front row, Zachary Remington rose. Even at his age, his presence commanded
effortless respect. Tall, dignified, with an air of quiet authority, softened only by the love in his eyes when he turned to his wife. He leaned down, kissed Adeline's cheek gently, earning a few affectionate murmurs from the audience as she blushed, lowering her gaze like a shy girl
rediscovering her first love.
As he stepped onto the stage, the room turned silent. The director took the microphone, his deep voice carrying both weight and warmth.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his tone calm yet stirring. "Fifty years… half a century of healing, of hope, of lives saved and families restored. RN Hospital was built not just on walls and machines, but on the hands and hearts of those who serve within it. As Director, I am deeply grateful to every soul who has made this institution what it is today. Remember one thing, 'life comes first.' It is our sacred duty to protect it, always."
The crowd once again applauded, now much more politely.
"Thank you, sir," the hostess resumed, smiling. "And now, to the most awaited part of tonight's event, the Award Ceremony. Like every year, we honor our best doctors from each department, celebrating their dedication and excellence. I would like to request our Director to announce and present the awards."
Zachary returned a curt nod. Zachary accepted the stack of cards. As his eyes skimmed through the list, something like amusement flickered in them. A rare softness that didn't go unnoticed.
Whispers began rippling through the hall.
"Did he just smile?"
"Our ice-cold Director… smiling?"
"Oh my God! Unbelievable!"
Zachary cleared his throat, his stern composure slipping back into place as the murmurs died down.
"The award for Best Surgeon of Country N goes to…" he paused, the faintest trace of pride curving his lips , "just like last year… Dr. Zaria."
For a moment, the hall fell silent, the name echoing through the air before applause thundered across the room. Cameras flashed, guests turned, searching for the woman behind the name.