Chapter 3
1106 Words
Elena pushed the glass doors open and walked out of Damian’s office without looking back. Her legs were trembling, her fingers clutching the folder that held the marriage contract. She kept telling herself to breathe, but her chest felt too tight, like she was being strangled.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she rushed into the elevator. The moment the doors shut, she pressed her forehead against the cold wall and whispered to herself.
What is this man thinking? How could he throw something like that at me? A contract… marriage…
Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen. A hospital number. Her heart sank.
She answered quickly. Hello?
Miss Elena, the doctor said. We need you to come down. It’s about your mother.
Her stomach dropped. She didn’t ask questions, she just pressed the ground floor button and ran out of the building the moment the elevator doors opened.
By the time she reached the hospital, her breath was ragged, her palms sweaty. She rushed to the reception. My mother, Victoria Adams. What happened?
The nurse gave her a look full of pity. The doctor wants to see you. And Elena… you need to settle part of the bill. We can’t keep going like this.
Her throat tightened. I’ll pay. Please, let me see her first.
The nurse nodded reluctantly, and Elena hurried down the corridor. She pushed open the door to her mother’s room and froze.
Her mother was lying in bed, tubes attached, her face pale, lips cracked. But the moment her eyes landed on Elena, she smiled faintly.
Baby… you came.
Elena swallowed hard and rushed to her side. Mom, don’t talk. Save your strength.
Her mother shook her head weakly. Don’t cry. You always cry when you see me like this.
Elena tried to force a smile, brushing hair from her mother’s forehead. I’m not crying. See? I’m fine.
Her mother chuckled softly, though it quickly turned into a cough. Liar. You always cry when you’re scared.
Elena grabbed her hand and squeezed it. I’m not scared. You’re going to get better.
But deep down, she was terrified. The doctor had already warned her last week. Without immediate surgery, her mother’s condition could worsen fast. And the surgery cost more than Elena could ever dream of paying with her meager salary.
Her mother closed her eyes for a moment. Did you eat today?
Elena blinked. Mom… you’re lying here, and you’re worried about me eating?
Someone has to, her mother whispered. You work too much. Don’t let this life break you.
Elena bit down on her lip to stop herself from crying. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against her mother’s hand. I won’t break, Mom. I promise.
The door opened, and the doctor stepped inside. Elena straightened quickly, wiping her tears.
Miss Adams, we need to talk.
Elena followed him into the hallway. Doctor, how is she?
The doctor sighed. Her condition is deteriorating. We need to move forward with surgery as soon as possible.
How much? Elena asked, her voice cracking.
Twenty thousand upfront, the doctor said gently. And the rest after.
Elena felt the world tilt beneath her feet. Twenty thousand? She barely had two hundred in her account.
Doctor, I don’t… I don’t have that kind of money.
The doctor gave her a sympathetic look. I understand, but time is critical. If we delay too long, she may not recover.
Elena pressed a hand to her chest. Her breathing grew uneven. I… I’ll find it. Please, just… don’t give up on her.
The doctor nodded. We’ll do what we can. But Miss Adams… don’t take too long.
Elena turned away quickly before the tears fell. She stumbled down the hall until she reached a bench outside the hospital. She collapsed onto it, pulled out her phone, and dialed the only person she could.
Her best friend picked up on the second ring. Elena? What’s wrong?
Elena’s voice broke immediately. What will I do… what will I do?
Tell me what happened, her friend urged.
Elena sobbed quietly. I don’t know how to fix this. I’m trying, I’m really trying, but nothing is enough. I can’t save her. I don’t have the money. I don’t have anyone to turn to.
Her friend’s voice softened. Elena… you’re not alone. You have me.
Elena shook her head even though her friend couldn’t see her. You don’t understand. The doctor wants twenty thousand. Twenty. I can’t even pay my rent this month. How am I supposed to…
Her voice cracked, and she pressed her palm over her mouth to muffle her cries.
Her friend stayed silent for a moment, then spoke firmly. You’ll find a way. You always do. You’re the strongest person I know.
Elena squeezed her eyes shut. Strong? I don’t feel strong. I feel like I’m drowning.
Maybe you need help, her friend said. Real help.
Elena froze. Her mind immediately went back to the contract. Damian’s cold voice replayed in her head. Sign it.
Her hand trembled. No. She couldn’t tell her friend about that. She couldn’t let anyone know.
I’ll… I’ll figure it out, Elena whispered. I always do.
Her friend sighed. Call me later, okay? And Elena… don’t do anything stupid.
Elena hung up without answering. She clutched her phone to her chest and whispered again and again. What will I do, what will I do?
Back in his office, Damian stood by the window, watching the city lights below. His fingers tapped against the glass. He hadn’t moved since Elena left.
His assistant walked in. Sir, you wanted the hospital details?
Damian turned. Yes. Handle one installment of her mother’s bill. Quietly. She must not know.
The assistant hesitated. Sir… if she finds out—
She won’t, Damian cut in. Just do it.
When the assistant left, Damian loosened his tie and muttered under his breath. I won’t let her go through this alone. Not anymore.
Back at the hospital, Elena wiped her tears and went to check with the nurse about the bill.
The nurse looked at the screen, surprised. Part of it has been covered.
Elena blinked. What? By who?
The nurse shook her head. It doesn’t say. But there’s still a large balance.
Elena staggered back. She had no idea who could’ve done it. Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe it was… luck.
She sat back down in the waiting area, pulling out the contract from her bag. She stared at Damian’s bold signature at the bottom.
Her tears blurred the words. Her voice shook as she whispered to herself.
What will I do? Should I sign the contract?
- Writer
