CHAPTER ONE

John Black was sitting on his executive chair, utterly bored form listening to Kristen's ramblings. He just returned from his 7th meeting of the day and he never expected this one. Kristen Blake, adoptive daughter of Stefano DiMera, met John on a business party Stefano had organized. Stefano wanted to match Kristen with John, but John wasn't interested. Yes, Kristen was what men want – beautiful, sexy, rich – but not all men. John was the exception. John found Kristen fun, but he was not after for fun… he was after for love, true and lasting love.

"Dad just planned this wonderful Hawaiian party for my birthday, and I'll tell you, everyone's invited. And I just bought a new dress for my birthday and I took the initiative to buy you a matching pair." Kristen said enthusiastically.

John just turned his chair towards his window and stared at the city below. He thanked God when Ashley's voice was heard through the intercom.

"Mr. Black, there's a call waiting in line 1 from an Alice Horton. She said it's about the fundraiser in the University Hospital. Are you going to take it?"

"Put her through, Ash," John said as he began to pick up the receiver.

"John, this is not the time to take that call. I'm still discussing something with you here."

"Kristen, I've been expecting this call since yesterday. I'll be just a minute." Kristen just sat on the couch and flipped a magazine while John took the call. "Well hello Mrs. H! It's good to hear from you…I'll be honored to be one of your benefactors…May I know who's the other one? No? He wants to be anonymous until the event…Hmm, interesting…OK, juts let me know if there's something I can do to help out, OK? No, that won't be a problem, in fact I'm not doing anything right now. It'll be my great pleasure to help you out there….OK, I'll drop by later. Say hello to Mr. H for me will you. OK bye."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Kristen whined.

"Why didn't I tell you what?"

"That you already have a plan tonight?"

"Kristen, do we have to talk about this right now? Look if you have plans for us tonight, I'm sorry. I wouldn't make it. I already gave my word to someone else before this. I have to go," John left his office and Kristen alone.

-

The University Hospital was in chaos. The staff was all busy for the preparation for the fundraiser to be held this coming Saturday. Alice Horton gathered the hospital staff in the conference room to give them the rundown of the event.

"OK people, everyone settled in? OK, we are all here because we have a participation in the fundraiser. Dr. Horton and I thought of an interesting way to entice the guests to donate money for the new pediatric wing. We are going to have an auction, but not just an auction. We are auctioning a date from our honored doctors and hospital staff and volunteers. And these people are the following: Dr. Wesley, Dr. Carver, Dr. Laura Horton, Dr. Mike Horton, volunteers Hope Williams and Carrie Brady, and last but certainly not the least, our newest addition to our hospital staff, Dr. Marlena Evans."

"Me? Why am I included in the auction?" Marlena said a bit surprised when she heard her name mentioned.

"Why wouldn't you be included? Come on Mar, you've been working hard this couple of weeks. You need a break," Laura said to Marlena.

"But…" Marlena was stopped by Mrs. Horton.

"No buts Dr. Evans, you are going to be the last one for the auction. OK?"

"OK," Marlena said.

After the impromptu meeting, everyone got back to their respective offices. Marlena was stopped by Lexie Carver.

"Hey Mar, what's up?"

"Nothing. I just don't want to be a part of the event this Saturday."

"Come on, you need to have a break. Enjoy yourself. Take your mind off from all your problems. You'll see you will enjoy yourself on Saturday."

"I'll take your word on that."

"OK, see you later."