Minutes ago.
Some corner of the hall.
While Zachary Remington addressed the crowd from the stage, a quiet exchange unfolded at one corner among the guests. Adrian walked toward a tall, cold handsome man, a knowing smirk resting on his lips.
"Hey, buddy. When did you get here?" Adrian asked, patting his shoulder.
"Just arrived," came the cool reply.
"What took the COO of AZTechs and the son of RN Hospital's director so long to reach their own function?" the man mocked.
Adrian chuckled. "Got tangled in a few things, you know how it is." Then his tone softened with warmth. "And I had to accompany my sister, she's working here."
"Hah! She hasn't changed a bit," the other man muttered, his voice edged with displeasure.
Adrian's expression darkened slightly. "What's that supposed to mean, Alex? She's not what you think. And I'm warning you, don't you dare make her sad."
Alexander merely shrugged, his indifference clear. "Yeah, yeah. I know how she is."
"No, Alex," Adrian sighed. "You don't. The last time you saw her, she was eleven, if I remember right."
"Whatever," Alexander dismissed, his tone dry as ever.
This cold and handsome man was none other than General Alexander Gonzales, an officer, feared on the battlefield, and Adrian's childhood friend. Their families went way back.
Just then, the host's voice echoed through the hall.
"And now, to the most awaited part of tonight's event - the Award Ceremony."
"Oh, I've got to go. Time for photos." Adrian rose from his seat. "Catch you later."
Alexander chuckled softly, shaking his head as his gaze drifted toward the stage.
Onstage, Zachary's voice boomed through the microphone.
"It's my honor to announce this year's Best Surgeon of Country N - Dr. Zaria."
Huge applause followed as a young woman in an elegant gown stepped forward. Her serene smile glowed beneath the stage lights.
Alexander,the cold, ruthless general found himself utterly still. His eyes trailed her every move.
"Beautiful," he murmured, almost to himself.
A few guests whispered with admiration.
"Oh my God, look at her. She's stunning."
"And brilliant too. Everyone loves working with her."
"Of course, Dr. Zaria truly deserves it."
A faint smile touched Alexander's lips.
"Zaria," he repeated under his breath. "Such a beautiful name."
She accepted the award gracefully, posed for the photographs, and stepped down from the stage.
Alexander glanced at the glass in his hand, still wearing that rare, subtle smile. But when he looked back, she was gone. His smile faded instantly.
He scanned the hall, but there was no sign of her. As he started walking toward the stage, a
reporter's voice reached his ears.
"Where's Dr. Zaria?"
"She rushed back to the hospital," a volunteer replied. "An emergency came up."
"That's a pity. We wanted an exclusive interview."
Alexander exhaled deeply and turned back toward his table. For a man known for his cold restraint, his heart now beat in a restless rhythm. Just one glance, one fleeting moment and something had shifted inside him.
Love at first sight?
It had to be.