Chapter 2: A Heartbreaking Deadline
915 Words
The contract felt unusually heavy in Amara's hands as she stood outside the hospital gate.
The rain had stopped, but dark clouds still covered the evening sky. Damien's black Rolls-Royce had disappeared into traffic, leaving her alone with a decision that could change her life forever.
She looked down at the elegant signature line on the last page.
Bride: Amara Cole.
Her fingers trembled.
"No..." she whispered to herself. "There has to be another way."
Without another glance at the contract, she folded it carefully and slipped it into her handbag before hurrying back into the hospital.
The familiar smell of disinfectant filled the hallway.
Doctors and nurses rushed from one ward to another while worried families sat outside praying for their loved ones.
Amara forced herself to smile before opening the door to Ethan's room.
Her twelve-year-old brother looked up from the hospital bed with a weak smile.
"There you are," he said. "I was beginning to think you forgot I was existing."
Amara laughed softly.
"I could never forget my favorite little brother."
"You always say that."
"Because it's true."
She walked over and gently rubbed his hair.
"How are you feeling?"
"A little better." Ethan hesitated before asking, "Did you get the money?"
The question pierced her heart.
She looked away so he wouldn't notice the tears forming in her eyes.
"I'm still trying."
He lowered his head.
"I heard the doctors talking."
Her heart skipped.
"They thought I was asleep."
Amara remained silent.
"Ethan..."
"They said if I don't have the surgery soon..." He forced a smile that was far too brave for someone his age. "It's okay if you can't afford it."
"Don't say that!"
Her voice came out louder than she intended.
Several patients turned toward the room.
Realizing what she had done, Amara took a deep breath and held Ethan's hand.
"Listen to me," she whispered. "Nothing is going to happen to you. I promise."
"But promises don't pay hospital bills."
Amara bit her lower lip until she tasted blood. She refused to cry in front of him. If she broke down now, Ethan would lose the little hope he had left.
Those words shattered what little strength she had left.
She hugged him tightly.
"I'll find a way."
No matter what it costs...
Half an hour later, Ethan finally fell to sleep.
Amara quietly left the room and walked into the empty restroom.
The moment the door closed behind her, the smile disappeared from her face.
She slid to the floor, covering her mouth to stop herself from crying out loud.
"I can't lose him," she whispered between sobs.
"Please... somebody help me."
She cried until there were no tears left.
When she finally washed her face and stepped back into the hallway, she almost bumped into Dr. Richard Benson.
"Miss Cole," the doctor said gently. "I've been looking for you."
Fear gripped her instantly.
"Is something wrong with Ethan?"
"I'm afraid there has been a change."
Her legs suddenly felt weak.
"What kind of change?"
The doctor sighed before handing her a fresh medical report.
"Your brother's condition has worsened this evening."
Amara stared at him in disbelief.
"What does that mean?"
"It means we can't wait much longer."
The doctor's expression was filled with sympathy.
"If the payment isn't made within forty-eight hours, we'll have no choice but to postpone the operation."
Amara's face turned pale.
"You told me I had three days."
"I know."
"But his condition changed."
She felt the ground spinning beneath her feet.
Forty-eight hours.
Not three days.
Not even enough time to think.
As the doctor walked away, Amara reached into her handbag for a handkerchief.
Instead...
Her fingers touched the marriage contract Damien Blackwood had given her.
She slowly pulled it out.
For the first time...
She didn't push it away.
Cars drove past.
Life went on as though nothing had happened.
Yet her own world was falling apart.
She opened her handbag once again.
The contract was still there.
Neatly arranged.
Waiting.
Her phone suddenly vibrated.
An unknown number.
She hesitated before answering.
"Hello?"
"I assume you've read the contract."
Amara recognized the deep, calm voice immediately.
Damien Blackwood.
She straightened unconsciously.
"You've been following me?"
"I simply know you haven't left the hospital."
Her heart skipped.
"How?"
"I always know."
His confidence irritated her.
"You sound very sure like I'll accept."
"I'm sure because you love your brother."
Amara holds the phone tighter.
"Don't use Ethan against me."
"I'm not."
His voice remained steady.
"I'm giving you a choice no one else can."
She closed her eyes.
"If I marry you..."
"You save your brother."
"And after one year?"
"We walk our separate ways."
"It can't be that simple."
"It isn't."
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, Damien spoke again.
"Meet me tomorrow at ten o'clock."
"I haven't agreed yet."
"I know."
"Then why should I come?"
"Because deep down, you've already realized the truth."
His words hit harder than she expected.
"You've run out of options."
Before she could reply, the call ended.
Amara remained frozen, staring at her phone.
Just then, a nurse rushed out of the hospital entrance.
"Miss Cole!"
Amara jumped to her feet.
"Yes?"
"You need to come quickly!"
Fear gripped her chest.
"What happened?"
"It's your brother..."
The nurse's trembling voice stole the color from Amara's face.
"He just collapsed."
The world around her seemed to stop.
Without another thought, Amara ran toward the emergency ward, praying she wasn't already too late.
- Writer
