Contract Of Love And Sacrifice

Maria slumped in the back seat of the taxi, her expression weighed down by sadness. Rejection after rejection from countless companies had taken its toll on her spirit. Clutching the job application in her trembling hands, she prayed silently for a breakthrough. The burden of unemployment and mounting debt felt suffocating, making each day a struggle to endure. "Mom, you've been lost in thought for a while now, Is everything alright?" Ethan's voice was tinged with concern as he glanced at his mother, who seemed lost in her own world. "I'm okay, sweetie. Why don't you play with your puppy?" Maria managed a fleeting smile as she gently caressed Alex's cheeks, her thoughts drifting back to her worries. As the taxi came to a halt, Maria's heart quickened with anticipation. Her eyes fixated on the imposing structure labeled "The Promise" ahead. Anxious energy pulsed through her veins as they drew nearer. "The restaurant is indeed huge," she murmured, her lips barely moving. "Look, Ethan," Maria said, her voice soft but determined, "Why don't you go sit on that bench in the park and play with your puppy, alright? I need to step inside and take care of some important things." She watched as Ethan scampered off, his small frame darting after his beloved pet, his laughter filling the air. Maria entered the building, which was buzzing with a small celebration. Guests mingled, and she struggled to make her way in. A loud, commanding voice from the stage caught her attention. "We're toasting to many more anniversaries! Being the CEO of this company hasn't been easy, but I owe it to my able manager," he concluded with a smile, stepping off the stage. "Oh, so he's the CEO," Maria muttered. She quickly submitted her application letter, whispering a prayer for acceptance as she left the building, her gaze fixed on the ground. If the company turned her down, it would be her eighth rejection in a week. Leaving the building, she saw Ethan chasing his puppy into the street. She felt scared and ran towards him. Her heart beat fast, and she looked worried. The traffic light turned green, and cars started moving, making Maria even more afraid. "Ethan!" she screamed, her heart pounding against her ribcage as she sprinted towards him, every muscle in her body propelled by sheer desperation. The roar of the approaching car filled the air, drowning out all other sounds, while Maria's breaths came in ragged gasps. With a split-second decision, she threw herself in front of Ethan, a shield against the oncoming danger. The screech of tires echoed through the neighborhood as the car skidded to a halt, mere inches away from Maria and her son. In that heart-stopping moment, time seemed to stand still, suspended in a precarious balance between relief and terror. Mom, please, open your eyes!" Ethan's desperate voice pierced the silence as he knelt beside his motionless mother, his body shaking with fear. As people noticed the commotion, a crowd gathered, murmuring with concern. From the shiny car, a tall, handsome man stepped out. His confident presence caught everyone's eye. As he approached the scene, his gaze swept over the gathered crowd, and to Maria and her son, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You hit someone and all you do is stand there? Take her to the hospital now!” A lady in the crowd shouted. As they reached the hospital, Maria lay still on the bed, her face pale and calm in unconsciousness. In the waiting room, Adrain stood with a stoic expression, appearing cold and disinterested in the situation. Ethan's eyes were red from crying, a testament to the flood of tears he had shed. "You're a terrible person. You tried to hurt my mother?" he confronted bravely, his anger barely contained beneath the surface. "You were running in the street," he said gently but firmly. "Didn't you learn about road safety?" Adrain replied defensively, but sensed the boy's concern for his mother. In the quiet of the waiting room, the nurse's gentle voice shattered the stillness. "Sir, the doctor needs you," she said with urgency. "The patient... she's awake." Ethan's heart leaped with hope as he rushed to his mother's bedside. With arms outstretched, he enveloped her in a tight embrace, feeling her love fill the air around them. Maria's eyes widened in shock as she recognized the man. "The same man from that restaurant," she thought, her heart racing. "The CEO.” The doctor's concern was evident as he inquired about Maria's well-being and any pain she might be experiencing. Despite her collapse without getting hit or any physical injury from the car incident, he remained perplexed "I'm fine, doctor," she insisted, her voice edged with impatience. She longed to escape the sterile confines of the hospital room. But the doctor, his expression unreadable, insisted on more tests. He left to retrieve the necessary tools, leaving Maria feeling frustrated and trapped. Adrian's jaw tightened with irritation as he concluded, "Clearly, you're just one of those women seeking compensation, so you acted this up with your son.” Maria's voice cut through the room, sharp and defiant. Her eyes flashed with anger as she struggled to sit up in the hospital bed, her face pale but determined. "I don't want your money," she said, her brow furrowed, the effort of speaking clear in her clenched teeth and trembling hands. "I might not have your wealth, but I have dignity and manners," Maria shot back, her cheeks flushed with anger. "I won't compromise my integrity for money," she concluded firmly, choosing her words carefully. "Can your fancy dignity save you from your wretched life?" he scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Get a grip and stop clinging to your manners." With a dismissive shrug, he walked away, leaving Maria stung by his cutting words. "Such an attitude. I wonder how he became the CEO," Maria muttered, her expression irritated as she watched him leave. A few minutes later, the test results were ready. Maria sat in front of the doctor, her hands clenched in her lap, her heart racing. The doctor pointed at the X-ray on the board, his expression serious. "See this white area? It's a brain tumor. Do you get headaches or migraines?" Maria's eyes widened, her face paling as she stared at the X-ray. "A tumor? But I've never been sick doctor," she murmured, confusion and fear etched into her features. The doctor's words sank in slowly. Maria's confusion turned to shock, her eyes widening as she gripped the edge of her chair. "Will I die, doctor?" she asked, her voice trembling, her lip quivering as she bit down on it. "We must start treatment promptly to prevent further growth," the doctor said gravely. "Thanks to the accident, we found it in time. Surgery isn't an option due to its location. Your chance of survival is 50-50." She concluded. Maria's face went pale, her eyes filled with fear, but she nodded, trying to absorb the news. "I don't have anyone to help me or money for treatment. Let's wait until I can afford it," she said, her voice tense and heartbroken. She stood up slowly, feeling a weight settle in her chest as she left the doctor's office. Maria was stunned by the news. Speechless, she walked home, her thoughts consumed by her six-year-old son. "If something happens to me, how will he manage?" Tears filled her eyes as she carried Ethan on her back. As Maria walked down the dimly lit neighborhood street, her steps grew unsteady as she neared her doorstep. Her heart pounded as she saw a familiar figure emerging from her house. Panic surged through her, her jaw tightening and eyes widening. She tried to back away, but a wall of imposing bodyguards blocked her path, leaving her frozen in place. "Are you trying to hide from me, my dear Maria?" he said, his voice, laced with an unsettling blend of mockery and menace. Maria's heart raced as she gathered the courage to face the danger, but deep down, she wasn't ready after hearing the scary news about herself. "How did you find me?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. The man's face twisted in anger, unsettling Maria further. "Enough small talk," he growled ominously. "When will you pay me back?” Tears streamed down Maria's face as she pleaded with the man before her. Her eyes were wide with desperation, her lips trembling with fear as she begged for mercy. "You still owe over a hundred million from your husband's debts. Why did he borrow so much knowing he'd die?" The man's voice was furious, his grip tightening around her chin. Maria struggled to stay upright, her arms straining to keep Ethan from slipping off her back. "This is your last chance. If you don't pay up, I'll take your little house and make your life hell," he threatened. Fear surged through Maria, but she fought to stay brave, her eyes steely even as her heart raced. As Maria watched them leave, a heavy sadness washed over her. She knelt to the ground, still holding Ethan firmly on her back, and her legs gave out beneath her. Tears streamed down her face as she wondered why life had to be so cruel. She longed for her husband, wishing he was still by her side. Ethan woke to the sound of her crying and asked what was wrong, but Maria couldn't find the words to explain. She felt lost and alone, never expecting to cry in front of her son. With a shaky hand, she wiped away her tears and tried to pull herself together, unsure of what to do next. Maria's phone beeped, and she answered, feeling nervous. "Hello?" she said, trying to hide the pain in her voice. "Maria Scott, Congratulations on your job. We'd like you to start tomorrow," the caller said quickly, then hung up before she could say anything else. Excitement flooded Maria as she heard the news. She couldn't believe her ears – she finally had a job! Her face lit up with joy, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time, : "The same arrogant CEO who almost hurt my child is my new boss?" she pondered, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes as she recalled the incident.