Cheers filled the grand hall of Saint Claire Hospital that night. Spotlights hung from the ceiling, casting a glimmer across the crystal trophy now in Ayla Winters' hands. Dressed in a crisp white doctor's coat, Ayla stood on the stage with a soft but confident smile. Her brown eyes sparkled, carrying the weight of dreams slowly turning into reality.
"The Young Outstanding Doctor Award this year goes to Dr. Ayla Winters, for her dedication and contributions in the field of internal medicine," the emcee announced in a loud, clear voice.
Thunderous applause erupted. Some professors rose to their feet, offering a standing ovation. Colleagues, and even former patients she had treated, crowded together to celebrate her achievement. Every gaze was filled with admiration. Ayla wasn't just brilliant. She was a symbol of hope, proving that perseverance, hard work, and a sincere heart could still triumph in the harsh world of medicine.
Ayla bowed her head humbly, accepting the applause with grace. In her heart, she whispered the name of her late mother, the only person who had ever believed in her dreams when the world doubted her.
"I made it, Mom... I made it," she whispered silently.
Yet among the crowd, someone stood with a heart in turmoil. Beneath the glimmer of lights and the forced smile plastered on her face, Sienna Blake watched Ayla with a gaze that was hard to decipher an intricate mix of envy, pain, and brewing resentment.
Sienna, born into wealth and privilege with a prestigious family name in the world of medicine, should have been the star of the night. She had everything, top education, full support from her influential parents, and deep-rooted connections.So why, why was it Ayla—an orphan who had only made it to medical school through a scholarship—who shone the brightest tonight?
"What's so special about her? Just because she looks fragile and pitiful, everyone feels sorry for her?" Sienna muttered under her breath, gritting her teeth.
Her fists clenched unconsciously, nails digging into her palms almost to the point of bleeding. She hardly noticed the senior doctors speaking to her, their words filled with praise for Ayla, comparing Sienna's achievements unfavorably to the girl she hated so fiercely.
After the event, Ayla tried to greet everyone, including Sienna. With the same sincere smile she always wore, she extended her hand.
"Thank you for coming, Sienna," Ayla said warmly.
Sienna forced a thin, cold smile and gave a loose handshake. "Congratulations, Ayla. You're truly impressive," she said, her voice laced with bitterness hidden behind polite words.
Ayla, accustomed to living in a world full of masks, simply nodded. She knew not everyone was truly happy for her. But she chose not to care. Her dreams were far bigger than the need to win everyone's approval.
That night, Ayla returned to her modest apartment. She carefully took off her white coat, hanging it neatly, and sat by the window, gazing at the stars shining in the dark sky.
She pulled out a photo of her mother from the drawer, gently brushing her fingers over the frame."Mom, I'm not at the top yet, but I promise I'll become the best internist. I'll help so many people, like I should've helped you."
The night whispered in silence. Outside, the world praised her, but inside, Ayla still carried a void that no accolade could ever heal.
Elsewhere, Sienna sat in the luxurious lounge bar of a five-star hotel, a nearly empty glass of wine in her hand. Laughter from colleagues echoed around her, but none of it reached her ears.
In the shadows of her mind, Ayla's face appeared again—smiling, celebrated, adored."Why her? Why not me?" Sienna's heart screamed.
The jealousy eating away at her slowly morphed into something darker. A whisper stirred inside her, a cruel idea taking root:She had to find a way to make Ayla fall.The world was unfair—and Sienna would make sure Ayla felt it, too.
Sienna smiled faintly to herself, a smile no longer innocent. That night, a plan was born in her mind. A plan that would change everything. Soon, everyone would see Ayla for who she truly was—or at least, who Sienna would make them believe she was.
The next morning, Ayla returned to the hospital with renewed determination. She meticulously studied patient data, engaged in discussions with seniors, and even proposed a new research project. Behind the praises she received, Ayla knew her real battle was only just beginning.
In the doctors' lounge, several juniors approached her, seeking advice or simply encouragement."Ayla, you're truly an inspiration to all of us," said a young doctor, eyes shining with admiration.
Ayla smiled and patted their shoulders."Never give up. Medicine is a tough world, but if you stay sincere, your hard work will never betray you."
Unbeknownst to Ayla, from a dark corner of the room, a pair of eyes watched her intently—with hidden motives.
"Smile while you still can, Ayla Winters... because after today, I'll make sure you'll never smile like that again," whispered the shadow.
Meanwhile, fate was drafting its own script elsewhere.In a towering executive office in downtown California, Ethan Calloway stared out the window blankly. The gleam of skyscrapers reflected in his dark eyes, but his mind wandered far from the glittering cityscape, trapped in a labyrinth of complicated decisions.
A soft knock at the door broke Ethan's trance.The door opened to reveal Connor, his loyal assistant, carrying a stack of documents.
But it wasn't the usual paperwork that caught Ethan's attention.Among the business files was an ivory-white card embossed with the elegant emblem of Saint Claire Hospital.
Ethan picked up the invitation between two fingers."Charity event?" he asked, his eyes scanning the writing.
Connor nodded politely. "Yes, sir. The annual fundraiser for the young doctors' scholarship program. Shall I attend on your behalf?"
Ethan set the card down on his desk, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against the polished wood.
"I'll attend myself," he decided. "Also, book me a room at the hotel where the event is held. Same place as usual?"
"Yes, sir. Hotel Maven," Connor answered quickly.
Ethan gave a slight nod, his decision final.Without delay, Connor placed the necessary documents on the table.
"I'll arrange everything right away," he said with a bow before leaving the room.