The billionaire's pearl

chapter 3

_ _ _

The sliding doors of the hospital opened with a soft whoosh, letting in a gust of warm air from the outside world. But it didn’t chase away the chill wrapped around my body. I walked out slowly, each step heavy, each breath trembling. my fingers clutched the thin hospital bill to my chest as if it could somehow hold me together.

my mother’s transplant… the doctor’s voice still echoed in my mind.

“We need to start the process soon. She’s getting weaker. But without the full deposit…” those were the last words he said to me

I hadn’t heard the rest. I didn't need to.

Tears blurred my vision as I reached the sidewalk, blinking fast so i could still see the road. Crying here, in front of strangers, didn’t matter anymore. I was already broken.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, sucking in a breath that caught halfway in my throat. There wasn’t time to fall apart. Not now. I checked the time on my phone — school would be out in ten minutes. Camille would be waiting.

I quickly hauled a cab to go to her school

“maddie"

A high-pitched voice brought a small smile to my face despite everything. camille came running out of the school gates with her backpack bouncing behind her.

“Hey, baby,” I said, crouching down to hug her. cami threw her arms around her neck and I held her tight, squeezing my eyes shut for a second longer than I should have.

“You’re late,” cami pouted, pulling back. “I thought you forgot me.” she added

“Never,” I said, mustering a small smile. “Let’s get you home, alright?” I added

cami chatted about her day as we walked — her math quiz, her drawing, the cupcakes someone brought for their birthday. but I just nodded, responding when I could, my voice soft and distant. I couldn’t tell her what just happened. Not yet, she's still a kid.

When we got home, I helped cami change out of her uniform, warmed up the leftover pasta, and made sure she had a cartoon playing on TV. cami sat cross-legged on the couch, oblivious to the storm inside my heart. I smiled at her as I saw her happy face while watching TV.

"I'm going to save mom" I said within myself

“I’ll be back in a bit,” I said, grabbing my worn-out purse.

“Don’t open the door for anyone, okay?” I added

“Okay! but where are you going” she asked, while absorbed in the screen.

"well I have to cover up a shift for someone so I may be back late" I told her

"oh ok, I'll just wait for mom" she said carelessly

That word broke my heart but I couldn't let her find out

"Alright see ya" I said as I kissed her forehead while going towards the door

"love you sis" she added

_ _ _

The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as I stepped inside. The familiar smell of coffee and latte hit my nose I spotted my boss, Mr. ken, at the counter, going through receipts.

He looked up and frowned. “madison. how dare you leave work when your shift is not over without permission .” he said sharply

"I'm really sorry sir, it was an emergency at the hospital that's why I left but I asked Clement to take permission for me" I said

"so what do you want, you're not on shift" he said

“I— I actually came to talk,” I said, walking over. my voice was small, shaky.

Mr. Ken looked up immediately

"what is it Madison"

“I didn’t want to ask. I’ve tried everything else. But… I need an advance. Anything you can spare. Please. My mom’s… she needs a transplant. And they won’t continue treatment without more money.”

Mr. Kennedy face softened when he heard of transplant. “madison…”

“I’m not asking for a handout,” i said quickly, desperation rising. “You can cut it from my paychecks. I’ll work extra shifts. Nights. Anything.”

He was quiet for a long moment, then went to his office and came out after some minutes . He took out an envelope and placed it on the table between us.

“It’s not much, but it’s what I can give today.” he said

I stared at the envelope. my hand trembled as I picked it up. “Thank you,” I whispered.

I quickly rushed back to the hospital with the envelope clutched in my fist like it was a lifeline. The receptionist recognized me and took the money without question.

“It’s not enough to keep her on the donor list, there's still about 3 to 4 thousand dollars more” the woman said gently. “But we’ll need the rest soon.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

By the time I walked back home, the sun had set, and the streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement.

I slipped inside the apartment quietly. cami had fallen asleep on the couch, her mouth open slightly, a soft snore coming from her lips.

I sat down beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.

I knew she slept off waiting for mom so I gradually carried her to her room and tucked her in, I watched her for a while before heading towards my room.

After taking a cold shower, finally, when no one could see me, I let the tears fall. Silent and endless.

Because I didn’t know how much longer I could fight this battle alone.