Desperate Times
1111 Words
Khan spent the rest of the day locked in her thoughts, her mind running in circles as she tried to come up with a way out of Harold’s trap. The weight of the secret pressed down on her chest like an iron chain, making it hard to breathe. She hated this—hated feeling powerless, hated being forced into a situation where every option led to some form of destruction.
By evening, she was exhausted, mentally and emotionally drained. She found herself wandering the halls of the Carter estate, needing to escape the suffocating weight of her thoughts.
That was when she saw Liam.
He stood near the balcony, staring out into the night, his posture tense. The soft glow of the outdoor lights illuminated the sharp lines of his face, making him look almost unapproachable.
Khan hesitated, then took a deep breath and walked toward him.
"You're brooding," she said, leaning against the railing beside him.
Liam smirked slightly but didn't look at her. "I don’t brood."
She arched a brow. "Right. So what do you call this, then?"
He exhaled slowly. "Thinking."
Khan studied him for a moment. There was something different about him tonight—something weighed on him just as heavily as her own burden.
"Something wrong?" she asked softly.
Liam finally turned to face her, his dark eyes searching hers. "I could ask you the same thing."
Khan’s heart clenched. For a brief moment, she wanted to tell him everything—to let him take this burden from her, to let him fight Harold instead. But she couldn't.
She forced a small smile. "Just tired."
Liam didn't look convinced, but he didn’t press. Instead, he turned back toward the city skyline. "Harold is planning something."
Khan stiffened. "What makes you say that?"
"He’s been… too quiet." Liam’s jaw tightened. "And my grandfather is never quiet unless he’s already made his move."
A chill ran down Khan’s spine. He already made his move. And it was me.
She swallowed hard. "What if… what if you could stop him? Before he does something worse?"
Liam let out a dry chuckle. "If stopping him was that easy, I would’ve done it years ago."
Khan lowered her gaze. Her heart pounded against her ribs, knowing she was running out of time.
Liam suddenly turned to her. "Khan."
She looked up, startled by the intensity in his gaze.
"You know something," he said, his voice quiet but firm.
Khan froze.
For a moment, she said nothing. Then, she forced a small laugh. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Liam’s eyes darkened. "Don’t lie to me."
Her breath hitched. She wanted to tell him. She really did. But she couldn’t.
Instead, she shook her head. "I think you’re just paranoid."
Liam studied her for a long moment, then let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. Keep your secrets."
Khan’s chest ached at the disappointment in his tone. But she couldn't do anything about it.
Not yet.
Before either of them could say another word, Khan’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, frowning when she saw the hospital’s number on the screen.
Her heart stopped.
Without hesitation, she answered. "Hello?"
"Khan Coco?" The nurse’s voice was urgent.
"Yes, this is she," Khan said quickly.
"You need to come to the hospital. Now. It’s about Mei."
The world seemed to tilt.
"Wh-what happened?" Khan’s voice trembled.
"Her condition worsened. The doctor needs to see you immediately."
Khan’s stomach dropped. "I—I’m on my way."
She hung up, her hands shaking.
Liam frowned. "What’s wrong?"
Khan turned to him, panic in her eyes. "It’s Mei."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and ran.
She didn’t care about appearances. Didn’t care about Harold, about Liam, about anything except getting to her sister.
Liam was right behind her. "Khan, wait—"
"I don’t have time to wait!" she snapped.
Liam grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. His grip was firm but not painful. "I’ll drive."
Khan blinked, caught off guard.
Then, without another word, Liam pulled her toward his car.
The drive to the hospital was a blur. Khan’s heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear anything else. Her worst fears clawed at her mind, suffocating her.
What if she was too late? What if—
No. She couldn’t think like that. Mei was strong. She had to be.
When they arrived at the hospital, Khan barely waited for the car to stop before jumping out. She sprinted through the entrance, her breath coming in quick gasps.
"Lung ward," she told the receptionist frantically.
"Room 312," the woman replied.
Khan took off, Liam right behind her.
She burst into Mei’s room, her eyes immediately searching for her sister.
Mei lay in bed, her face pale, her breathing shallow. Machines beeped softly beside her. A nurse stood by her side, checking her vitals.
"Mei!" Khan rushed to her, grabbing her frail hand. "I’m here."
Mei’s eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile tugged at her lips. "Jie… you came fast."
Khan choked back a sob. "Of course I did. You scared me."
Mei let out a soft breath. "Doctor… wants to talk to you."
Khan turned sharply, just as the doctor walked in.
The middle-aged man gave her a grave look. "Miss Coco, we need to talk about Mei’s condition."
Liam placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her.
Khan took a deep breath. "Tell me."
The doctor sighed. "Her condition has worsened significantly. We’re running out of treatment options."
Khan’s chest tightened. "There has to be something. Another treatment. A new trial. Anything!"
The doctor hesitated before nodding. "There is one option. But it’s experimental… and very expensive."
Khan didn’t even hesitate. "How much?"
"Three hundred thousand dollars."
Her breath caught. That was—
Liam’s voice cut through her panic. "Do it."
Khan turned to him in shock. "Liam—"
His gaze was steady, unwavering. "She gets the treatment. Money isn’t an issue."
Khan’s throat tightened. She wanted to refuse, wanted to insist she could figure it out herself. But this was Mei’s life.
She turned back to the doctor. "Sign her up. Whatever it takes, I’ll make sure it’s paid."
The doctor nodded and left the room.
Khan exhaled shakily, turning back to Mei. "You hear that? You’re going to get better."
Mei’s eyes welled with tears. "Thank you, Jie."
Khan smiled, stroking her hair.
But when she turned to Liam, her smile faded.
Harold had forced her to betray Liam for money.
And now… Liam had just given her exactly what she needed.
Her heart clenched painfully.
How was she supposed to betray him now?
- Writer
