EPISODE1
Yuri’s head throbbed, a dull, persistent ache brought on by barely two hours of sleep. Only then did she remember—she had worked back-to-back night shifts. Two consecutive nights without proper rest.
Last night was supposed to be her day off. She had planned to sleep through the night, to recover the strength she had steadily been losing.
But she never made it to rest.
Before she could even clock out, a text message arrived.
From Marcus.
And just like that, everything changed.
A mixture of nervousness and anticipation coiled tightly in her chest at the thought of seeing him again. It had been more than two weeks since they last met. She did not understand why—but the longing had grown unbearable. She missed seeing him in person. Missed his presence. Missed the warmth of his arms around her.
More than that, her body itself ached with desire, craving the familiar union they had shared so many times before.
Yuri slowed her pace when she spotted Jenny at the far end of the hallway. The nurse hurried toward her, nearly breaking into a run, a patient chart clutched tightly in her hands.
When Jenny finally reached her, she stopped abruptly, bent slightly forward, one hand pressed to her chest as she struggled to catch her breath.
“Doctor! The operating room staff have been calling your clinic nonstop. You’re already ten minutes late for the OR!”
Yuri’s eyes widened. “What? Why didn’t you tell me I had a scheduled operation today, Jenny?”
She stared at her assistant in disbelief.
“I did, Doc,” Jenny replied quickly, her face paling. “Before you went home last night. You even told me to place the patient’s chart on your desk.”
Yuri exhaled sharply and reached for the chart, scanning it with urgency. The patient was three days overdue. The amniotic fluid was critically low.
An emergency cesarean section.
There was no time to lose.
She thrust her bag and the chart back into Jenny’s hands. “Take these to my clinic. If the OR calls again, tell them I’m on my way. Now.”
“Yes, Doc.”
Yuri broke into a hurried stride toward the second floor, irritation rising—not at Jenny, but at herself. Because of Marcus, she had forgotten to review the chart before leaving the hospital the night before.
She ignored the elevator and took the stairs instead. The operating room was on the second floor anyway.
St. Catalina Medical Hospital was private, modest in size, but fully equipped. Three floors only—yet efficient, clean, and well-run.
Yuri had been working there for four years as Dra. Yuri Jacinto, MD, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. She was only twenty-eight, but her dedication had always set her apart. From the moment she entered medical school, she had accepted hardship as part of the calling.
Even when her father and older brother Jervis opposed her decision, she stood her ground. She had fought for this life.
And though the responsibility was heavy, she found fulfillment in saving lives.
She stopped outside the OR, closed her eyes briefly, and steadied her breathing before pushing the door open. Cold air rushed over her skin, drying her throat instantly.
Everyone greeted her politely, though she bowed her head in apology. She was the last one needed before the operation could begin.
“Finally, we’re complete,” said Dr. Flores, the pediatrician.
“You’re lucky I’m the surgeon on duty today,” Dr. Melody Perez added sharply. “If Dr. Abella were here, you’d already be reported to administration.”
Melody—her best friend. Her only one.
They had gone through medical school together, though they chose different paths. Melody was a general surgeon. Yuri, an OB-GYN.
The operation proceeded smoothly. Thirty minutes later, a healthy baby boy was delivered. Both mother and child were safe.
As Yuri stepped out of the OR, she spotted Melody leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Something in her posture tightened Yuri’s chest.
“Melody,” she called.
Melody lifted her gaze, eyes narrowing. The look sent a familiar wave of unease through Yuri.
She knew that look.
“Admit it,” Melody said bluntly. “You’re hiding something from me.”
“I’m not,” Yuri replied too quickly.
“Don’t lie. Your mood changes every week. One day you’re glowing, the next you’re distant. You think I wouldn’t notice?”
“It’s just stress,” Yuri said, forcing a weak smile. “Patients missing their checkups.”
Melody scoffed. “Nice try. We’ll talk later. I’m coming to your clinic. We’re having lunch together.”
She turned and walked away.
Guilt settled heavily in Yuri’s chest.
She wasn’t hiding a relationship. What she had with Marcus didn’t deserve a name. No labels. No promises. Just desire.
At least, that was what she kept telling herself.
But it had been almost a year.
At her clinic later that day, Yuri finished with her last patient just as Melody arrived. Jenny discreetly excused herself for lunch.
The moment they were alone, Melody stood in front of Yuri’s desk, hands on her hips.
“Speak.”
Yuri’s heart pounded. She rubbed the back of her neck and lowered her gaze.
“You don’t have to know everything,” she said softly.
“So it’s true,” Melody replied, leaning closer. “You are keeping a secret.”
“I didn’t want to,” Yuri said, her voice breaking. “I just didn’t know how to explain it.”
She stepped forward and hugged Melody tightly, desperate for forgiveness.
Melody pulled away.
“We don’t keep secrets,” she said sharply. “I’ve told you everything—things I’ve never told anyone else. And you shut me out?”
“I’m sorry,” Yuri whispered, tears falling.
“I’m not angry,” Melody said coldly. “I’m hurt. And I need space.”
She turned and walked out.
Yuri stood frozen.
She knew Melody’s life inside and out—every reckless choice, every forbidden affair. And yet here she was, hiding her own darkness.
Because if Melody ever learned the truth about Marcus—the hunger, the secrecy, the sin—she would never look at Yuri the same way again.
Her angel had fallen.
And willingly followed a demon into hell.
