Is this destiny?

As they exited the elevator, with each step JoAnna's mind was getting more muddled from fear. 'Am I going to be a lamb that is going to a slaughter, without even putting up any resistance?' She can't accept this. She needs to fight… somehow. JoAnna inhaled and tried to yank her arm out of Dr. Light's grip. It didn't work. His grip was too strong.

"Oh, you decided to fight back?" His twisted expression showed that he is enjoying her unsuccessful attempt of breaking free.

JoAnna gathered her courage and spoke as clear as she could. "Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?" She tried again to yank her hand out of his grasp, but she was not successful.

Dr. Light stopped and quickly glanced around. He didn't see anyone around, and he relaxed. Of course, the whole parking level is only for employees. Day shift employees are already inside, and night shift employees left. It's just the two of them, so he can take his time. "Why? Because I can... What do I want? Do you even need to ask what I want from you?" His lecherous gaze went up and down JoAnna's body while he licked his lips. "I spent so much time and effort to give you opportunities! You owe me... or did you think that all that was for free? It's time for you to pay me back for my generosity."

He yanked her arm to pull her closer to him. His grip on her upper arm intensified again and became unbearable. JoAnna clenched her teeth, and she barely found strength in for her voice. "I don't owe you anything... but even if I did, do you really want me to sleep with you only because I owe you?" Even with quiet tone, resentment in her voice was obvious.

He was amused with her resistance and laughed. "I don't really care why you sleep with me, as long as you do it." Dr. Light inched closer to JoAnna and she could feel his breath on her face.

…

Jeff was thinking that JoAnna is with her boyfriend. He should just leave without looking back. He turned around, toward the exit, but could not help himself to take another glance at her, from the distance. What he saw confused him. 'Is she struggling to break away from him?' Jeff's heartbeat increased and his legs moved on their own in the direction of JoAnna and that man.

He definitely saw JoAnna try to break free again and he rushed towards her. 'Is this a lover's quarrel?' Even if it is, he felt the need to protect her.

Just as he approached them, he heard man laugh and say: "I don't really care why you sleep with me, as long as you do it."

Those words struck Jeff like a thunderbolt. 'Why would JoAnna date such a scoundrel?'

"What do you think you are doing?" Jeff growled at the man.

Dr. Light was startled for a second and turned his head to face Jeff. When he realized he does not know him, Dr. Light glared at Jeff and hissed, "It's none of your business."

Jeff looked above Dr. Light at bewildered JoAnna, "Is this your boyfriend?"

JoAnna's eyes widened and she vigorously shook her head.

POW!

As soon as JoAnna confirmed that the man is not her boyfriend, Jeff's fist landed on Dr. Light's face and sent him flying to the ground.

Jeff looked at JoAnna and saw that she is trembling. His heart ached seeing her in that state, and without thinking he stepped toward her and pulled her in his embrace.

JoAnna is tall, but Jeff is a full head taller than she is, and she suddenly felt small. His embrace was firm, but gentle and it made her feel safe. She looked up at him and observed his face for a second before lowering her head and leaning it on his chest.

Jeff's furious gaze didn't leave Dr. Light who was holding his face in shock, trying to prevent blood flowing from his nose.

Jeff felt that JoAnna leaned her head on his chest and he inhaled deeply. Her scent filled his nostrils and his heart raced. 'Even though she didn't hug me back, she didn't push me away either. This is much better than a dream.'

When Dr. Light snapped back to reality, he screamed at Jeff. "You broke my nose!!! Do you know who I am?!! I am Gregory Light, senior partner at Franciscan Medical Center!" The blood from his broken nose flowed over his mouth and chin, and he was spraying blood as he yelled. Dr. Light looked at JoAnna, his eyes crazy with anger. "Your career is finished! No one will want to work with you! Just watch how fast I will make it happen!"

Jeff frowned at the man on the floor. He pulled his phone and dialed a number. Jeff's expression was cold and his voice steady. "Steve, send an urgent memo to Franciscan Medical Center board of directors and shareholders... If Gregory Light, senior partner, is not removed from all roles he holds in Franciscan Medical Center by end of workday today, White corp. will halt all current projects and White foundation will cancel all current and pending contributions. Effective immediately." Jeff kept the phone back in his pocket, and his right arm circled back protectively around JoAnna.

Dr. Light squinted at Jeff. "Who do you think you are?" he squeezed through his teeth.

Jeff looked at furious Dr. Light and answered in cold voice. "Jeffrey White, White corp. CEO and Chairman of the White foundation."

Dr. Light's eyes opened wide in shock while his mouth hanged half open. In his head Jeff's words echoed: 'White corp. CEO and Chairman of the White foundation'. They are biggest contributors to Franciscan Medical Center! With the memo that is being sent, there is a high chance that he will not be able to work as a surgeon anymore. Everyone will avoid him, knowing that he angered this person.

Jeff was satisfied with Dr. Light's expression and corners of his lips slightly curved up. Jeff lowered his gaze toward JoAnna and said in a gentle voice. "Let me take you home."

JoAnna looked up, and their eyes met. She was not sure what she felt, but her chest felt constricted, and she found it difficult to breathe. JoAnna could not speak. She only nodded and let Jeff guide her to his car while leaving stupefied Dr. Light behind them.

Jeff held her close to him.

He made her feel safe.