Contract marriage

Chapter one Hot tears streak down her delicate cheeks. As if the world is against her. As if the world has deserted her. " I'm sorry miss Hannah McKenzie ". The doctor's voice rang in the quiet office room. Hannah swallow the lump in her throat, still trying to figure out where everything has gone wrong. Reality is cruel. The fact that she's going to lose her mother in a month to heart cancer is heartbreaking. Hannah let out a loud sob as another fresh tear found its way down her cheeks. she nod to the doctor, excusing herself out of the office, head to where her mother was admitted.The hospital's sterile smell and the beeping machines were a harsh reminder of her mother's fragile state. She felt lost and alone, just like she had when her father passed away. But this time, it was different. This time, she need to be strong for her mother. She glance at her. Her heart sank at the sight of the fragile figure on bed, breathing through the help of the machine. She will be gone in a month. Hannah's feet hurried to the restroom, covering her face as she let out her pain.wailing. Hannah was raised by her mother through thick and thins, after her father's death both mother and daughter were desserted by the family member, Mrs McKenzie has been responsible for Hannah's well-being alone. Her mother has suffered a great deal for her to end up like this, even her current job as graphic designer in a popular company she wouldn't be able to afford the surgery. Her mother needs to survive. She still had to pay her back, for all the love and support. The sudden phone ring jolt her out of her thoughts. She fumble into her bag to get her phone. The phone screen display ' Mia'. " Hey Mia" she stifle her sob. " Hannah where are you?" Excitement dripping from her voice. " In the hospital with my mom" Evident she's been crying. " You've been crying?" The excitement all gone, asking the obvious question with a raised brow. " Mia" she started sobbing again. " I don't want her gone Mia, I can't raise the money, I want my mother." She choke on her words. " C'mon girl, we ain't loosing her." She sympathize. " Come over here girl, I'm home." Hannah nod as if she can see her and a hmmn follow, already exhausted with all her emotions and the heartbreaking news " Alright dear I'll be expecting you" she hang up. As she walked into Mia's cozy apartment, she was enveloped in a warm hug that seemed to melt away some of the pain. Mia's gentle touch and soothing words were a balm to her frazzled nerves. For a moment, Hannah forgot about the impending doom that awaited her mother. Mia's determination to lift Hannah's spirits was admirable. She refused to let Hannah wallow in sorrow, instead, she dragged her out of the house, determined to shake off the worries and stress. "We're going to dance the night away, and forget our troubles!" Mia declared, as she handed Hannah a glittering silver top and a pair of distressed denim jeans. Hannah raised an eyebrow but couldn't resist Mia's infectious enthusiasm. They headed to "Euphoria," the hottest club in town, where the pulsating music and flashing lights seemed to swallow them whole. Mia grabbed Hannah's hand, and they plunged into the sea of dancing bodies. The music was loud, the beat was intoxicating, and Hannah felt her worries slowly slipping away. She lost herself in the rhythm, letting go of her fears and worries. Mia was by her side, her eyes sparkling with joy. As the night wore on, they found themselves sipping colorful cocktails and laughing away her sorrow. Hannah felt alive, free from the shackles of her grief. But as the drinks kept flowing, Hannah's fears began to fade away. She stumbled onto the dance floor, her vision blurry, her senses dulled. That's when she saw him - tall, fair, masculine and handsome, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. They danced, their bodies entwined, their lips inches apart. Hannah felt a spark of attraction, a moment of weakness. She didn't know his name, didn't care. All she knew was that she wanted to forget, to escape. And so, she did. She let herself get lost in the moment, in the stranger's arms. They stumbled out of the club, into the night. *************** The next morning, Hannah woke up with a pounding headache, her memories hazy. She looked around, unfamiliar with her surroundings. That's when she saw him, lying next to her, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Panic set in as she scrambled to remember the events of the previous night. She had a vague recollection of dancing, of laughing, of kissing. But the details were fuzzy, lost in a haze of alcohol and grief. Hannah quickly gathered her belongings and made a hasty exit, leaving the stranger behind. She didn't know his name, didn't want to. All she knew was that she had made a mistake, a moment of weakness in a time of vulnerability. As she emerged into the bright sunlight, Hannah felt a wave of regret wash over her. She had let her guard down, had let herself get lost in the moment. But she knew she couldn't afford to make mistakes like that again. She had to stay strong, for her mother's sake. Hannah stumbled into the apartment, her eyes red from crying. Mia looked up from her phone, concern etched on her face. "Hey, girl, how are you feeling?" Mia asked, setting her phone aside. Hannah collapsed onto the couch, burying her face in a pillow. "I'm such an i***t, Mia." Mia rushed to her side, stroking her hair. "What happened? You were fine when we left the club, and then you just vanished." Hannah lifted her head, tears streaming down her face. "I had a one-night stand, Mia. I don't even know his name." Mia's expression softened. "Oh, Hannah, I'm so sorry. You're not an i***t, you're just hurting. We all make mistakes." "I feel so guilty, Mia. My mom is dying, and I'm out there acting like a reckless teenager," Hannah said, her voice shaking. Mia pulled her into a hug. "You're not alone, Hannah. We'll get through this together. And as for your mom, we'll find a way to save her. I promise." Hannah nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to save her, Mia. I won't give up." Mia smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "That's my girl. We'll fight this together, every step of the of the way .