Why Me Mr Wolfe?

Chapter 1

Minnie pov:

Let me introduce myself. My name is Minnie. Yes, like Minnie Mouse. My mum loved her-and honestly, I can't blame her. I mean, she's adorable. Anyway... where was I?

Right. Me.

I've got naturally straight platinum hair, which I suppose is one of the few things I don't have to put effort into. I'm about 5'7"-not exactly tall, but not short either. Somewhere in the middle, just like most things in my life. My eyes are baby blue, the kind people sometimes compliment when the light hits them right. I've got curves in the right places-a handful on top and a peachy bum, as my best friend used to say. I'm slim, always have been. I eat more than I probably should, but somehow, I never seem to gain weight. Not that I'm too thin-I'm just... enough. Enough for someone to notice.

Fashion's never really been my thing, but I wouldn't say I dress badly either. I just keep it simple. Today, I'm wearing black tights, a skater skirt, a vest, and a fluffy jumper. It's warm out, so I've skipped the coat. Practical, comfortable... me.

I'm single. Not because I want to be, exactly-it just sort of happened that way. School turned into university, and university turned into... well, life getting in the way. I never really made time for relationships. Or maybe I just never met anyone worth the time.

I went to Oxford University-well, London campus. Leaving home wasn't easy. My mum and dad hated it. Not in a dramatic way, just... quietly disappointed. But I had to go. Staying where I grew up felt like staying stuck. Everyone there seemed to follow the same path-married young, kids even younger, struggling to make ends meet. That life just wasn't for me. I wanted more. I wanted to see the world first, build something for myself. I studied business and management, finished in two years because I've always been a quick learner.

Now I'm back home in Coventry, which feels strange after everything. I'm working as a cleaner in the hospital, saving money, helping my family out. It's not where I imagined I'd be, but life doesn't always follow the plan, does it? My dreams are just... paused. Not gone. Just waiting.

I'll get there. Eventually.

But for now, work calls-and being late isn't an option.

-

By the time I get to the hospital, I'm already mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. The smell of disinfectant hits me as soon as I walk in, familiar and oddly comforting now. That's when I see him.

Richard.

My supervisor.

Blonde hair, slightly taller than me, and always lurking like he belongs in some dark alley rather than a hospital corridor. There's just something about him that gives me chills-and not the good kind.

He spots me almost immediately.

"Morning, Minnie," he says, that same look on his face.

Here we go again.

"Morning," I reply, already bracing myself.

"So... have you changed your mind yet?" he asks, leaning casually against the wall like he hasn't asked me this question a hundred times before.

I force a polite smile. "Sorry. You know I don't agree with relationships in the workplace."

It's my usual answer. Safe. Neutral. Final.

Or at least, it should be.

He stares at me like he genuinely can't understand why I keep saying no. Like it's some sort of puzzle he's determined to solve.

"I'll get you one way or another," he says with a wink.

I physically cringe.

What does that even mean?

I don't respond. I just walk past him, trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling crawling under my skin. A no should be enough. It should be simple. But somehow, with him, it never is.

-

The rest of the day is... fine. Busy, like always. Being a cleaner isn't glamorous, but it's honest work. Each of us has our own section of the ward, and mine keeps me moving. Doctors rush past, nurses call out instructions, machines beep-it's a constant blur of motion and urgency.

And then there's Richard.

Every hour. Without fail.

Checking in. Talking. Asking again.

By the last time he comes around, I've had enough. I grab my bag before he can even open his mouth and slip out quietly. If I don't see him, he can't ask. Simple.

I just wish he'd leave me alone.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking it would be easier if I had a boyfriend-someone to make it obvious I'm not interested. Someone who could make Richard back off.

But that thought doesn't sit right with me either.

I shouldn't need someone else to be left alone.

-

It's past eight by the time I get home. I'm exhausted, the kind that sinks into your bones.

First priority: food.

I open the fridge and stare.

Milk. Butter.

That's it.

"Brilliant," I mutter.

Looks like it's going to be macaroni and cheese tonight. Luckily, I've got pasta in the cupboard. And honestly? I don't mind. Mac 'n' cheese has always been my favourite. Simple, comforting, reliable-unlike most things in life.

Once it's ready, I curl up and eat, letting the warmth settle in. It's not fancy, but it's enough.

Afterwards, I run myself a bath. Bubbles, candles, a bath bomb-the works. If I'm going to relax, I'm doing it properly.

Slipping into the warm water feels like everything finally slows down. The noise of the day fades, replaced by quiet. Peaceful, still, mine.

I close my eyes and let myself drift, thoughts coming and going. Life's been... calm. Maybe too calm. But I don't hate it. I like the quiet. I like the space to think.

Before the water cools, I wash my hair and body, then step out, wrapping myself in a towel. Clean, warm, sleepy.

I pull on my pyjamas and climb into bed, my cosy double bed that always feels like the safest place in the world.

I switch off the lamp.

Darkness settles around me.

And just like that, I drift off to sleep.

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Thank you for reading my 1st book!
Katie:)