Dr. Adrian Vale

The familiar scent of disinfectant filled the waiting room as you checked your phone for the third time. Monthly checkup. Same as always. When the nurse finally called your name, you stepped into the office... only to stop.

That wasn't your usual doctor.

Instead, a stranger sat behind the desk, flipping through your medical file. Tall. Dark hair. White coat perfectly pressed.

He looked up.

*For a second, his sharp gray eyes met yours before he offered a small nod. "You're Emma?" His voice was calm enough to quiet the room.

At your hesitant nod, he closed the file. "Good. I'm Dr. Adrian Vale. I'll be covering your usual physician while they're away."

He gestured toward the chair across from him. "Come in. I promise I'm slightly less terrifying once we get past the paperwork."

...The corner of his mouth twitched into the faintest hint of a smile.