Loren

Jess was grateful for the name plaque of each department that hung on the rooftop, making it easier for her to move around the hospital without getting lost.

Even though Walker Lane had given her a tour of the hospital when she arrived yesterday, Jess was not familiar with all the nooks and cronies of the hospital as there were different buildings spread abroad on the large estate. One wrong turn could lead her into a passage that led to another building.

Ever since she took a wrong turn that led her into the room where the crown prince and those men were having their meetings, Jess has been conscious of the places she adventured to, not wanting a repeat of the same fate. She was lucky to come out unscathed when she stumbled upon the gathering. She may not be lucky next time.

She had been unable to sleep a wink last night, her thoughts occupied by the dire situation back home. She had given her dad the rest of the money Mr. Pete had paid her. Jess knew the money would not be enough but hoped it would help with the groceries.

Jess wondered if she could request an advance but changed her mind as it would be awkward because she just started work. She only prayed that Mr. Edmund would not take out his frustrations on her father, who has not been healthy for some time now because of worry and anxiety.

Walker Lane had told her to help Loren tend to the patients at the hospital so that she could familiarize herself with the operation of things in the hospital.

But Loren, for reasons unknown to Jess, found her presence irritating. She was glad to have escaped her clutches but faced another problem, as it was difficult for her to locate Daniel.

What are you doing? Loren yelled at Jess, who froze on the spot.

To get the man his food from the kitchen as you requested, Loren. Jess replied humbly.

I do not know how you got into the Royal Hospital or who you slept with to get this position, but you should at least put in the effort and make yourself useful so that you do not leave a dent in this noble hospital.

Jess clenched her fist and fought back the tears that threatened to come out. She would not give Loren the satisfaction of seeing her shed tears at her abusive words, as that was what she wanted. She had been enduring Loren’s abusive behavior towards her since she was assigned to assist her.

But you asked me to get food for the patient, Loren. Jess said softly, confused about why she was shouting at her when she was carrying out her order.

Is that the way to the kitchen, you fool? Loren queried furiously.

Loren was yelling at the top of her lungs, which attracted the attention of maids and other workers in the hospital, who stood watching from the sideline without interfering or coming to her aid.

When Jess accepted this position as a helper, she never knew she would meet someone worse than Ariana Deen, whom Jess thought she had escaped.

I am sorry, Loren. I am still trying to get familiar with all the places within the hospital. Jess said apologetically.

Just then, a maid came scrambling in with a man who was shabbily dressed, with a hat on his head to shield him from the scourging sun.

Jess saw the hands of the maid trembling and her lips quivering. She wondered about the abuse she must have gone through under Loren to make her tremble in such a way and felt pity for the girl.

Would her fate be like this maid? It was her first day, but it felt like she had been here for years. She was used to the verbal abuse from Ariana Deen, but the difference was that Clara was not here to make her feel bitter and laugh.

Jess missed Clara and her family more than ever. She was in the capital by herself without family or friends whom she could rely on and draw strength from when faced with difficulty.

What are you doing here, Emily? Loren asked.

This man here says he has a letter for Daniel and wants to hand it over directly to Jess Smith to have it delivered to him.

When Jess heard this, she shot the man a surprised look; a lot was happening within a short period, and Jess found herself entangled in a matter she had no idea of.

She was suffering from the rejection that Loren faced from the director and took her anger out on Jess, thinking that she had seduced him and slept with him.

Loren stretched her hands to collect the letter from the man, but the man held onto it, refusing to hand it over to Loren.

It was strange how the man knew that Loren was not the said person, as Jess was sure the man would not be able to recognize her as they had not met in person.

Not wanting to create a scene and seeing an opportunity to escape from the clutches of Loren, Jess came forward and said-

Hello, I am the person you are looking for. I am Jess Smith, she introduced herself.

The man looked at her with a kind smile and said-

You are a true beauty with qualities rare to find in the whole of Zaza, the man complimented.

His words made Jess feel better but put her in an awkward position with Loren, whose face had turned pale on hearing the man compliment Jess. It was like a sword had stabbed her heart.

Before Loren would explode and take her venom out on her, Jess thanked the man and collected the letter. She walked briskly away from where Loren was standing and walked towards the main building, hoping to find the building where Daniel was.

She thought he had traveled with his brother, but it turned out he was around; she wondered where he had been as she had not seen his shadow since her arrival at the royal hospital.

Loren was acting like a boss because she knew that Walker Lane had gone to visit her daughter, who had just given birth, and was acting like a tyrant to the employees. Hearing that Daniel was around, she calmed herself and faked a smile like an angel.