SWITCHED AT BIRTH

CHAPTER3

Chapter Three: A Bargain with the Devil

Lila

The morning sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I heard my phone buzz, I quickly look up, my hand trying to get to where I kept the l phone and that was when I realized l was still on the ground where that arrogant prick and his boys had left me.

Fuck you

I cursed to myself

But then the phone chimed again reminding me of the call on it

“Hello?” I said as I answered,

“Miss Stones, this is St. Mark’s Hospital. Your brother, Liam, was brought in this morning. He was in a hit-and-run accident. He’s in critical condition.”

The words hit me like a freight train. “What? No… Is he.. will he be okay?”

“We’re preparing for surgery now, but we need to inform you that payment for the operation must be made upfront. It’s urgent, Miss Stones, and all your mother did was give me your number.”

“How much?” I asked, my voice already trembling.

“$15,000.”

What!!!

The number made my stomach churn. Where in God’s name would I find that kind of money from.

By the time I reached the hospital, my head was racing as I ignored the curious eyes following me, deep down I wanted to tell them all to f**k of, but that was the least of my worries.

I thought of Ethan, my boyfriend, but he wasn’t really dependable with money and he would want want me on his bed again before he listens to a thing I say.

Of course my mother had nothing left to give, and my father?

I’ll rather not talk about him right now.

And then, just like a bad dream resurfacing, I could already see his face, his beautuful styled hair and his smirk.

Oh God

He knew this would happen didn’t he.

He was the last person I wanted to call, but desperation clawed at me louder than my pride, and I searched for the business card in my panties where he left it and I dialed it.

Damien

I smiled as I looked at my phone, and I just knew who was calling

“Hii miss Stones,” I answered smoothly, “Right about time,don’t you think”

To egg

“I need your help,” she said, cutting straight to the point.

And I chuckled softly. “I’m listening.”

“My brother… he was in an accident. He needs surgery, and I need $15,000. I’ll do anything, Damien…. That’s your name right… whatever but all I’m saying is I’ll do Anything.”

There was a pause, and for a fleeting moment, she thought I might actually say yes and just wire her the money like the saint she thought I was

She must be crazy to have that imagination then

“You know what to do then, marry me.”

The words hung in the air like a noose tightening around her throat. “What?”

“You heard me. I said it loud and clear yesterday. I’ll give you whatever you need. But not before the wedding. Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” she repeated, her voice rising. “He doesn’t have that long! He needs the money now, Damien. Please!”

“No exceptions, Miss Lila.” My tone was devoid of sympathy. “If you’re serious, I’ll have the contract drawn up today. But the deal is sealed at the altar.”

“You’re a monster,” she whispered, her voice already shaking.

“Oh darling I know that already,” I replied, as I blow a kiss through the phone. “The decision is yours.”

I smirked as I ended the call and within seconds she was sitted across me, her eyes red with tears and anger.

The marriage contract lay on the desk between them.

“My lawyers have reviewed it,” I said, my voice casual as if we were discussing the weather. “Everything is in order. All you have to do is sign.”

I watched as she glared at me, her eyes puffy from crying. “You couldn’t even give me the money to save him, I was still going to marry you, if anything happens to him, I wont forgive you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

My expression remained unreadable. “Business is business, Miss Stones. Are you signing or not?”

Her hands trembled as she picked up the pen. She didn’t bother reading the contract. What choice did she have? With a heavy heart, she signed her name, and I smirked

Lila

Now all I had to do was wait till the next day for the signing of the wedding certificates, I could swear I didn’t sleep a wink as my head prayed for liam to be okay till I get the money

It was ten , when I got to the registry, it was no fun wedding or anything just signing of contracts

My parents weren’t even there, his weren’t either. I stood there, watching him sign the contract, and I finally heaved a sigh of relief.

..

When I arrived at the hospital, I could already see the atmosphere moody.

No please God no.

By the time I got to Liam’s room, the doctors had already called it, he was gone. The grief hit me like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs. And I collapsed onto the floor, my cries wracking my body as I clutched my brother’s lifeless hand.

My mother’s cries filled the room, overshadowing mine, and at that moment I knew it was up to me

I“I’ll make this right,” I said, my voice shaking but determined. “I’ll have enough money for you,mom You’ll never have to worry about anything again.”

Her mother looked at her with concern, but there was also a glimmer of hope in her tired eyes. “Lila… are you sure about this?”

“I’m sure,” she lied.

Damien

I watched as she looked around, her head spinning as she marvelled at the sight of the mansion and I scoffed silently.

Peasant!!

“Welcome home, Mrs. Carter,” I said startling her, but she quickly regained her composure.

She didn’t reply or acknowledge me instead she called into the room like a lamb for slaughter

“Now,” I

continued, my tone dripping with mockery, “let’s see if you’re as fiery as I remember,

….

…STRIP!!.”