Kylie Rogers was lost in thought, gazing out the hospital ward window when Nurse Shelly Han’s sharp voice cut through the silence.
“What are you up to, Kylie?” Shelly asked, her tone laced with disapproval, hands on her hips.
Kylie turned, a bit startled but composed. “Just taking a quick look outside,” she responded calmly.
“And why is that? During work hours?” Shelly pressed, her eyes squinting.
Kylie’s confidence returned. “I’ve noticed a dog. It keeps showing up at the hospital entrance, just stands there, day after day.”
Curiosity piqued, Shelly walked to the window. “I don’t see any dog,” she said with a knowing smirk, as if she’d caught Kylie in a lie. Shelly had always been tough on Kylie, driven by a hidden jealousy of Kylie’s natural warmth. In her two years as an orderly, and only a few months at this hospital, Kylie had quickly become a favorite, her kind presence a sharp contrast to the unease Shelly often left in her wake.
Kylie’s strength and kindness were deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by her grandmother, Kylie grew up understanding that her parents were simply not ready to be parents. This didn’t leave her feeling deprived; instead, it strengthened their bond. When her grandmother grew older, Kylie naturally stepped into the role of caregiver.
Meanwhile, Shelly paused in the corridor, observing Kylie before heading towards the nurses’ station. It was well known that Shelly had a unique relationship with James Wellington, the department head, despite his marital status.
As Kylie continued her duties, thoughts of the mysterious dog occupied her mind. She moved on to clean the VIP section, where well-off patients enjoyed private rooms. Despite the luxuries, Kylie believed everyone deserved the same level of care. She gently entered one of the rooms.
“Excuse me, Mr. Clark, may I clean up in here?”
Mr. Clark—Walter Clark—looked tired but appreciative. “Of course, Kylie. You’re not bothering me at all.”
Over the weeks, Kylie had noticed Walter’s solitude. One day, she struck up a conversation and discovered that behind his quiet demeanor was a man eager to chat. Their conversations revealed his hidden loneliness, prompting Kylie to keep him company whenever she could. However, the head nurse, aware of Walter’s wealth, had advised Kylie to limit her interactions. Respecting her superior’s wishes, Kylie kept her visits brief and professional.
Today, Walter asked with a weak smile, “Kylie, could you tell me what the weather’s like outside? I haven’t had the strength to get up today.”
Kylie glanced out. “It’s a bit of a mixed bag, Mr. Clark. Not fully sunny, but there’s a bit of light coming through.”
“Nice to hear. A bit of sunshine always lifts the spirits, doesn’t it?”
The tranquility was abruptly interrupted as the door burst open. In walked a woman with a commanding presence: Donna, Walter’s wife, known for her sharp tongue.
“Can’t I ever have a moment alone with my husband?” she snapped.
Accustomed to Donna’s abruptness, Kylie gave a small nod and quickly made her way out. She had heard the rumors from colleagues about Donna’s difficult nature and speculation about her motives, given Walter’s wealth.
Placing her cleaning bucket in the corridor, Kylie couldn’t help but overhear parts of their conversation.
“Walter, why are you against Mark attending the meeting?” Donna pushed. “He’s your son, too, in every way that matters.”
Walter’s response was weary but firm. “Donna, calling Mark my son doesn’t magically erase his actions. Just last week, he wrecked another car, and before that, he was in trouble at the casino. I dread every phone call, fearing it’s either the police or another bill for damages he’s caused.”
Despite Walter’s clear stance, Donna wasn’t deterred. Meanwhile, Kylie struck up a conversation with Robert, the janitor, outside. “Morning, Robert. Have you noticed a large, light-colored dog hanging around here lately?”
Robert looked at Kylie curiously. “Morning, Kylie. So he is real? I thought I was imagining things,” she exclaimed.
Robert chuckled. “Yes, there’s a dog. I named him Mickey. His owner, a bit of a loner, is in the ICU. Was hit by a car. They say Mickey knew something was wrong, broke out to find him, and lay beside him until help arrived. Now, Mickey waits outside, looking up at the hospital windows. I’ve been letting him stay in my shed.”
Kylie’s heart went out to the dog and his owner. “That’s really compassionate of you, Robert.”
Later, drawn by curiosity, Kylie approached the shed. “Hello there, Mickey. You’re quite the handsome fellow, aren’t you?” At the sound of her voice, Mickey cautiously stepped out, nudging her hand. “You’re a good boy, Mickey. So loyal.”
As Kylie finished petting Mickey, she noticed Donna striding confidently out of the clinic, her luxury car a stark reminder of the financial gulf between them. Kylie headed back inside. Upon re-entering Walter’s room, she was greeted by his appreciative smile. “Kylie, glad you’re back. Sorry about our little family drama.”
“It’s quite all right, Mr. Clark.”
Walter watched her for a moment, a contemplative look on his face. Breaking the silence, he inquired, “Kylie, when are you planning to take some time off?”
“I might take some time in December. Why do you ask?”
Walter was suddenly overcome by a coughing fit. Once it passed, he looked at Kylie with a seriousness that took her by surprise. “I need a favor, Kylie. It’s become clear to me that there aren’t many people I can truly rely on.” He sighed, then made an unexpected request. “I’d like you to pretend to be my daughter for a little while.”
Kylie’s surprise was evident as she accidentally dropped her mop. “Pretend to be your daughter, Mr. Clark? Are you serious?”
“I know this sounds unusual, Kylie, but it’s not a joke. My new business partners place great value on family connections. They’re planning a special event for the adult children of everyone involved. It’s meant to foster unity. But I don’t have anyone to represent me. My stepson is frankly unreliable. I can’t risk him causing a scene. That’s why I thought of creating a backstory about having a daughter from a previous marriage. You’d be perfect for the role.”
“But why me? Aren’t there professionals for this?”
“I’ve thought about that,” Walter said. “But actors can come across as insincere. I’m looking for authenticity. Besides, I have a major surgery on the horizon, and the outcome is uncertain. Please, take some time to think about it.”
The idea of stepping into the shoes of a wealthy businessman’s daughter was both daunting and exhilarating. Yet reality quickly brought her back. “Walter, I can’t see myself fitting in. I don’t have the wardrobe, the right look, or the mannerisms.”
“Kylie, let me take care of everything,” Walter insisted. “We’ll find you a beautiful dress, get your hair and nails done—the whole nine yards. I’m asking for your help because I’m genuinely in a bind. I can’t depend on Mark or Donna. From the moment I met you, I knew you were the right choice.”
Her main concern was her job. “We’re already short-staffed,” she explained.
“Leave your concerns about work to me,” Walter assured her. “I have some influence at this clinic. I’ll speak with the head nurse and the department head.” He offered a wry smile. “As for my own health, well, let’s just hope for the best.”
“Oh, Walter, don’t talk like that,” Kylie interjected. “You’re going to pull through.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Han, the head nurse. “Kylie, have you been camping out in here?”
Walter interjected with calm authority. “Please, Mrs. Han, I have a favor to ask. I’m requesting that Kylie be given a week off. It’s quite urgent. Should there be any resistance from James, I’ll take the matter up with the chief physician.” His tone left no room for argument. Shelly, visibly irritated, managed a curt nod before leaving. Alone, she fumed. Is Walter losing his senses over that girl? She quickly dialed Donna’s number.
Donna’s voice was laced with casual indifference. “Shelly, what’s the urgency? Is this about Walter?”
“He’s still with us,” Shelly explained. “But Walter’s taken a fancy to one of our new orderlies, Kylie. Now he’s planning to send her off to represent him at some business gathering.”
Donna’s response was tinged with sarcasm. “Affection for this girl? She’s practically from the backwoods.”
After ending the call, Donna sat in silence. She had harbored hopes that Walter would send Mark to the event, an opportunity for him to forge valuable connections. Given Walter’s precarious health, Donna felt an urgent need to secure her and her son’s future. Her contemplative silence was broken by Mark’s casual request for money.
“Mark,” she said, her expression a mix of frustration and concern, “Walter’s been scheming again. It involves that party.” She painted a vivid picture of Kylie. “Imagine this: Walter’s choosing an orderly over you for the event. A real country girl.”
Mark’s mood visibly darkened. “He won’t be around forever. Maybe it’s time we made sure his affairs are in order, especially the will.”
Without hesitation, Donna found her lawyer’s number. After a brief conversation, she requested his assistance in drafting a will. Meanwhile, Kylie, blissfully unaware, was making plans for her unexpected time off, including a visit to her grandmother with Mickey, the loyal dog she had grown fond of. Before she left for the day, she visited Walter.
“So, Kylie, did everything fall into place?”
“Yes, Walter, it did. I managed to secure a whole month off!”
“I knew you could do it. Here,” he said, handing her a notebook. “I’ve outlined your cover story. And I’ve included the contact information of someone who can assist you.”
As Kylie stepped out of the clinic, Robert, the janitor, approached her. “Kylie, there’s something I need to tell you. The owner of Mickey passed away today.” Kylie gazed sadly at the forlorn dog sitting at Robert’s feet. “Please, Kylie, take him. At least you have a house. He’s a smart dog.” After a brief moment, Kylie gently patted Mickey and led him toward the exit.
The following morning, Kylie began reviewing the fictional biography Walter had outlined. She then dialed the number he had provided and found herself chatting with a woman named Darcy, Walter’s loyal secretary for many years.
Meanwhile, Donna was giving Mark instructions. “Son, you should keep an eye on Darcy. I’m pretty sure they’re going to visit this beauty salon. Drop by and tell the girls to give that country bumpkin the ‘special treatment.’ You understand?” Mark’s eyes gleamed with malice. He relished the idea.
Behind the scenes, Donna had been secretly meeting with her ex-husband, Jack, a man who had ventured into a world of crime. Donna fantasized about seeing Jack take Walter’s place. “What a robust, healthy, tough guy, still kicking, huh?” Jack would inquire about Walter. “Just a little longer,” Donna would assure him. “This surgery will be his last.”
In desperation, Jack had even turned to a fortune teller, Analise, requesting a curse on Walter. But when Analise examined Walter’s photo, her expression grew serious. She recognized him.
Kylie, meanwhile, was preparing for the event with Darcy’s assistance. Darcy smiled warmly as Kylie tried on one dress after another. All was well until Kylie arrived at the beauty salon. That’s when the trouble began. First, her nails were painted a dreadful swamp color. Then, she was persuaded to dye her hair, which resulted in a shocking, bizarre hue. “Oh my god, what have you done? I look like an alien!” Kylie exclaimed, horrified. The manager offered a disingenuous apology. Rushing out, Kylie hailed a cab, her frustration palpable.
The night of the event, the estate was breathtaking. As the taxi came to a halt, Kylie stepped out, her attention captured by the vast gates swinging open. No sooner had she entered than a group of young guests were drawn to her distinctive hair. Instead of mockery, their reactions took her by surprise. “Incredible style! That’s a bold move!” The warmth in their voices eased her apprehension, and she was swept into the lively atmosphere.
The evening unfolded with joyous abandon. Yet amidst the festivities, an unforeseen disruption loomed. Mark, fueled by alcohol, made his way to the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he commanded, “a moment, please. Among us tonight is a master of deception, a pretender.” With a pointed finger, he singled out Kylie. “A con artist, preying upon the elite!”
His words rippled through the crowd, transforming admiration into suspicion. Overwhelmed, Kylie felt tears carving hot trails down her cheeks. Driven by an urge to flee, she stumbled toward the river, her path marked by the cruel laughter of her peers.
“Kylie, stop!” Darcy’s voice shattered the night. Gasping for breath, she reached the riverbank. “Kylie, listen to me! Walter… he’s left you everything! His entire estate, his business… it’s all yours now!”
Kylie paused, the water lapping at her chest as Darcy’s words sank in.
Darcy’s own words tumbled out. “Donna and her accomplice… they planned to end Walter’s life, even if he had survived the surgery!” The narrative took an unexpected turn with the introduction of Analise, the fortune teller. The connection between her and Walter traced back to an unlikely encounter on a talk show a decade prior. Walter’s intervention in a heated debate, defending respectful discourse, had left a lasting impression on Analise. The memory of his integrity lingered.
When Jack sought out Analise with Walter’s photograph, she recognized him. Driven by a sense of urgency, she made her way to his hospital bedside. As recognition dawned, their reunion was marked by reminiscences. It was then that she revealed her encounter with Jack, painting a picture of the man. The mention of a distinct wire tattoo flickered a light of recognition within Walter. Reflecting on recent adversities—the near-fatal accident, the fire that ravaged his country home—Walter pieced together a sinister narrative. The realization that his wife and stepson might harbor lethal intentions shook him to his core.
Following these unsettling insights, Walter made the decisive move to alter his will, entrusting his legacy to Kylie. In a swift, covert operation, Darcy summoned a notary to Walter’s side mere moments before he was wheeled into surgery. His strategy was ingeniously straightforward: by designating Kylie, a seemingly random beneficiary, he cleverly extricated himself from the dangerous crosshairs of Donna and Jack’s greed.
Yet destiny held a twist. Not only did Walter survive, but he also began a gradual journey toward recuperation.
Kylie breezed into Walter’s hospital room, her vibrant smile a stark contrast to the sterile environment. “Guess I should start calling you Dad now, huh, Mr. Clark?” she quipped.
Walter couldn’t help but comment on her unique hairstyle. “That’s quite the unique look you’ve got there.”
“Let’s not add to the commentary, shall we?” she chuckled. “I’m planning a dye job tonight.”
On the eve of Walter’s discharge, Kylie was summoned to the head doctor’s office. James, the department head, presented her with documents. “It seems you’re no longer on the hospital staff, Rogers.” Walter had requested to appoint her as his personal caretaker. The contract, detailing her responsibilities and remuneration, left her speechless.
As Walter navigated his recovery, he initiated divorce proceedings and took a firm stance against aiding his stepson. The police investigation into Mark’s recent accident unearthed a chilling discovery: bloodstains on the car’s bumper matching a recent hit-and-run victim. The victim’s identity brought an unexpected twist, revealing him as the owner of Mickey, the dog Kylie had rescued. This strange twist of fate left Kylie marveling at the unpredictable turns life could take.
Kylie’s role as caretaker was largely about companionship. One evening, Walter tentatively asked, “Kylie, would you mind if I joined you tonight? I’d love to meet your grandmother.”
That evening unfolded into a cherished memory for Walter. Kylie’s modest mobile home radiated a warmth he found deeply comforting. Her grandmother, Monica, proved to be an engaging conversationalist. After Walter shared his experiences, Monica’s contemplative gaze hinted at the wheels turning in her mind. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you? Analise,” Walter ventured.
Monica looked up, surprised. “How did you guess?”
Walter offered a knowing smile. “Sometimes it takes just a little push to see what’s right in front of us.”
The following day, Kylie, Monica, and Walter embarked on a shopping expedition. Though initially out of his element, Walter found himself enjoying the process. Walter’s invitation to Analise for dinner was framed as a gesture of gratitude, but the sentiment was far deeper. As the night wore on, their laughter mingled, bridging the gap between jest and earnest affection. Drawn together, their lips met in a kiss that spoke of newfound hope.
Their wedding, a simple yet heartfelt ceremony in Walter’s garden, was a testament to their journey. Surrounded by friends, Walter stood before the gathered loved ones with a special announcement. His gaze found Kylie. “Kylie, would you honor us by becoming part of our family, as our daughter?”
The question hung in the air until Kylie’s affirmative response sealed the bond of this newly formed family. In the days that followed, Kylie and her grandmother made their home with Walter and Analise, their lives intertwining in a tapestry of shared meals, laughter, and the everyday joys of a family chosen by heart.