Chapter 1

The new intern at the hospital was a classic case of weaponized incompetence disguised as a cute klutz.

My mother came in for a simple prescription, but this girl swapped her herbal supplements for a dangerous, concentrated leech extract.

Mom had just finished surgery and the internal bleeding from that mistake killed her that same night.

Before I could even hold her accountable, Gigi Lane looked at me with those watery, doe-eyed eyes.

"Dr. Miller, I'm so sorry... I just thought leeches sounded more natural and healing..."

My husband, the Chief of Medicine, even took her side.

"Your mother was old and weak. She probably just reacted badly to her own meds. Are you really trying to frame Gigi for this?"

The shock and rage triggered my own heart condition, and I was rushed into the OR.

Gigi insisted on assisting my husband to make up for her mistake.

Her hands shook so much she couldn't even thread the needle. She eventually pulled down her mask and used her own saliva to wet the thread.

A day later, I died in the ICU from a massive systemic infection.

In my final moments, I heard her sobbing softly by my bed.

"If only I wasn't so clumsy, Dr. Miller wouldn't have had to die."

My husband just rubbed her head affectionately.

"Medical risks happen, Gigi. You're just a kid learning the ropes. Don't beat yourself up."

Because he covered everything up, my mother and I were both cremated in a hurry.

But then I opened my eyes and realized I was back to the day Gigi first joined the hospital.

1

Remembering what was about to happen, I rushed to the pharmacy counter.

Just as Gigi was about to hand that bag of leech extract to my mother, I barked out a command.

"Gigi Lane, I'm pretty sure your rotation today isn't in the pharmacy."

Gigi flinched when she saw me, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.

"Dr. Miller, I just saw how busy they were and wanted to help. Is it a crime to be helpful?"

I grabbed the bag, inspected it, and slammed it down in front of her.

"Why didn't you follow the electronic prescription? Do you have any idea what happens when you hand out the wrong meds?"

She blinked innocently, using the exact same line from my past life.

"I was just trying to do something good. Leech extract is known for its natural healing properties."

I let out a cold, sharp laugh and ignored her. I turned to the pharmacist on duty.

"My mother just had surgery. If she had taken this today, the legal consequences would have fallen on you. Do you understand?"

The pharmacist's face went pale as he realized the liability. He started apologizing immediately.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Miller. It won't happen again. I won't let unauthorized interns touch the orders."

Gigi's eyes instantly filled with tears.

"I was just trying to help you, and now you're siding with her to bully me?"

"We interns work the longest hours for the least pay. Is this just how you treat newcomers? Workplace harassment?"

A small crowd began to gather, and she started crying even harder.

Right on cue, Marcus Thorne, my husband and the Chief, walked down the stairs.

Seeing the scene, he frowned and looked at me with judging eyes.

"Audrey, what could possibly justify you humiliating a young girl in public?"

My mother, seeing Marcus, tried to explain.

"Marcus, dear, she gave me the wrong medication. You know I can't take risks with my heart right now."

"It was just a small mistake, Audrey. There's no need to hunt her down for it."

Marcus's voice was cold and lacked any respect for my mother.

Gigi took the opportunity to bow repeatedly, her voice trembling.

"It's all my fault. Please don't be mad, Dr. Miller. I'll do anything to make it up to you."

The bystanders started whispering, their sympathies shifting to the crying girl.

"I saw those posts about doctors bullying interns, I guess they're true."

"That poor girl is heartbroken. She should just let it go."

"Exactly. If she really did something wrong, would the Chief be defending her?"

I didn't get angry. Instead, I smiled.

"Fine, Marcus. From now on, she's your personal responsibility. Anything she does falls on your head."

Marcus didn't hesitate.

"Fine. But you owe her an apology for how you treated her today."

I rolled my eyes and walked away without giving them another second of my time.

After putting my mom in an Uber, I headed back to my office.

Gigi, however, followed me like a lost puppy, acting all virtuous.

"Dr. Miller, it's okay if you don't apologize. I'm the type of person who lets things slide."

"But Marcus... he's been so protective of me lately. I'd hate for our closeness to affect your marriage."

I glanced at her briefly.

"If you have so much free time, go find something useful to do."

Gigi bit her lip and actually left.

But ten minutes later, a scream echoed from the operating suite next door.