THE BILLIONAIRE’S TREASURE

Chapter3

Tracy hasn’t slept properly since her encounter with Jack.

She was at the hospital, pacing back and forth. She felt tense and sweaty. Her legs were shaking so hard that she couldn’t stand.

With a heavy breath, she sat on the edge of a chair and looked at the hospital bills on her lap.

Her mother’s surgery was due that day.

She had no money. No relatives to help. She rubbed her tired eyes as she recalled the only individual that offered to bail her out. Jack Walter.

She remembered walking out of his office without looking back. She disliked him with everything in her. The way he looked at her. The way he spoke as if money gave him the right to control everyone around him. His arrogance had been unbearable.

The only person that she could talk to now is Aunt Suzzy. She had been there for her several times. Consoled her when her father died. Took her and her family in when they had no place to live. Their house was taken and they were thrown out due to the debts they couldn’t pay off. She spent nights in the hospital with her mom so she could work and earn money for the bills. Aunt Suzzy has been more than just her aunt.

Still lost in a puzzle of her massive thoughts, Tracy felt a familiar hand on her shoulders. She turned her head and looked up. Standing right beside her was her aunt. Her face was soft with a reassuring smile.

Instantly, she got up and wrapped her arms tightly around Aunt Suzzy. She hugged her so close as a gentle weight lifted off her shoulders. She finally became calm.

“Are you okay?” Aunt Suzzy asked, her voice shaking from worry.

“Yes, I am,” Tracy replied, giving her a sad smile.

They both sat down, and Aunt Suzzy brought out a prescription paper from her wallet.

“I wanted to get some drugs on credit from the hospital pharmacy for your mom. But the pharmacist said he can’t release any medications without payment. I tried pleading with him, but it didn’t change the outcome.”

Tracy’s eyes hardened. She could feel the shift in her entire body. Jack’s offer flashed in the dark corners of her mind. It hit her like a shocking unexpected feeling. She knew she was very close to giving in. Very close to accepting his offer. But she was stuck in between her inner doubts.

She inhaled deeply, and pulled out a card. She showed it to Aunt Suzzy.

“So you’ve met with him?” She asked.

Tracy nodded and continued, “He is such a jerk. I didn’t have a good meeting with him. He humiliated me from head to toe and sized me up like an object on display. I could barely withstand the short period of time I spent in his office.”

“Did he tell you about the marriage contract?”

“More like he threw it to me and sounded like he was helping a desperate puppy.”

“Tracy.” Aunt Suzzy continued, “Jack might be rude, but he can save your mother’s life. Her surgery can’t wait any longer. I’m sure you know it’s today.”

Tracy let out a sigh because she was aware. She knew her mother’s surgery had to be done that day for her to live. She loved her family, even though she was compelled to do this. One year. That’s what he said, but how could she cope that long with him?

As Tracy pondered on what Aunt Suzzy just said, her cell phone rang.

An unknown caller ID, but she knew who it was.

And then she ignores it.

The phone rings again with a sharp sound. She was not sure whether to answer but went ahead and slid her thumb across the screen to accept the call.

“Miss Gilbert?” a voice asked on the phone.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Your time is up; pay the full amount today or face the consequences.” The voice held no pity.

Before Tracy could utter a word, the line went dead. Every statement dropped like a chain around her neck. She felt very low. They want the full payment today and no plea for more time.

“Who was that?” Aunt Suzzy asked.

“Nobody.” Tracy glanced away.

“You’re lying.” She looked at her in disbelief.

“Debt collectors. They want the full payment made today.”

There was an uncomfortable silence between them. The weight of it was strong. Tracy closed her eyes. She exhales through her nose. Her breath was a little weak.

She wanted nothing to do with him, but it didn’t change the fact that she was desperate. She totally had no choice. It wasn’t just about her anymore. It was about saving her dying mother and her family.

No matter how much she despised him, she couldn’t afford to say no to his offer. The feeling tortured her. She tried to fight the realization in her mind for a bit.

Jack Walter might be cold-hearted. But he could save her mother.

And that’s all that matters right now.

At a slow pace, she reluctantly pulled out her phone. Her hands came off shaky. She knew what was in her mind, but she told herself it was no big deal. No need to overthink.

“What if I’m making a mistake?” Tracy asked, her voice fragile.

Aunt Suzzy squeezed her hands slowly. “Go on, Tracy, do it for your mother.”

Her hands stick around Jack’s number. And she remembered his words. “You have until tomorrow morning to decide. If you refuse, your mother’s surgery is cancelled.”

Tears cloud her eyes as she types out a single word of surrender. She taps the send button.

“I accept.”

She drops the phone on the hard desk and pulls her knees to her chest. She had just sent a final answer to their contract marriage as he demanded.

In a second, her phone buzzes, and she takes it to find a text sitting on the screen.

Tracy froze.