A Shattered Heart

CHAPTER 3

Mercy Medical Center, and I responded right away.

“Hello?”

“Miss Adams,” the nurse said quickly. “We need your attention right now at the hospital.”

Fear gripped me instantly, because her tone signaled fear. “I hope she is fine. I hope nothing has happened. She’s all we have, please” they replied while my voice shook.

Unexpected sweat started rushing out of my body

“H- h- hello- hello?..

Before I knew it, the call ended. I quickly rushed to the hospital.

I saw my mother lying weakly on the bed, unable to speak anymore. Everything felt terrifying. We slept there till the following morning.

I started calling Michael's phone in the morning.

“Please pick up.” The call rang before ending. I tried again, but Michael’s phone was switched off. Fear tightened in my chest. He promised he would help.

Through the hospital room window, I saw my mother lying weakly on the bed while Daniel slept beside her.

The sight broke my heart.

I'm exhausted.

Silently, I opened the door and entered. Daniel slowly opened his eyes.

“Amelia?” “Hey,” I answered softly.

“Did the doctor show up?” “Not just yet.”

"During the night, Mom started coughing again."

I gently nodded and pulled the blanket over him. "Go home and get ready for school."

He shook his head instantly. "I want to stay with Mommy."

At the end, his voice broke. I forcefully gulped. "Daniel—" "What happens if I'm not here?"

I was struck in the chest by that inquiry.

I carefully sat next to him and drew him in.

"Nothing is going to happen.”

Even to my own ears, it sounded false. Daniel gripped my arm firmly. He said, "I heard Uncle Ben talking yesterday." "You mean Mommy is really sick?"

For a moment, I closed my eyes. Youngsters observed more than adults did. "She's fighting," I cautiously said. "But she'll recover?"

I turned to face my mother as she lay feeble on the bed. All around her, machines were blinking. She was breathing shallowly. And all of a sudden... I was unable to respond.

Daniel's eyes began to well up with tears. He muttered, "Please don't let her die." Before he could see that I was crying again, I gave him a quick hug.

Weakly, I muttered, "I won't." However, I was also beginning to lose hope. Abruptly, the door of the hospital room opened. Uncle Ben entered with coffee cups in his hands.

His gaze went straight to me. "Any updates from Michael?" My body tensed up a little. I shook my head slowly. "No." He let out a deep sigh as if he had anticipated that response.

Then, he called me. "Amelia." I murmured wearily, "Please don't start again." He gave Daniel a drink and turned to face me. "Time is running out for you." "I am aware."

"So quit pretending that you have options." I instantly became angry. "I do have an option." "Really?" His tone sharpened a little.

"Because from where I stand, the hospital may stop treatment at any time, your mother is dying, and investors are waiting to take over your father's business." I hurriedly averted my gaze from him.

Because every word was real, every word stung. Uncle Ben spoke more softly. "All of this can be resolved today by Andrew Thomas." I chuckled angrily.

"And how much will it cost me?" "You are already aware." The room was silent. Daniel uncomfortably glanced between the two of us. Before the debate could go on, I got up right away and left.

However, Uncle Ben trailed behind me. "Amelia!" Without looking back, I came to a stop close to the hallway window. I muttered, "I can't do this."

"You can, indeed." "You're requesting that I wed a stranger." "I want you to save your family!" I abruptly turned around. And what comes next? Will I always be a billionaire's property?

"He is proposing marriage, not incarceration."

"You are unaware of that." Uncle Ben scratched his weary forehead. "You think I like this?" he muttered. "Do you think I want you to have this?" My eyes burned so badly.

"So why are you pressuring me?" "Because your mom might not live for another week!" His voice reverberated loudly down the corridor.

A nurse who was strolling by glanced at us before turning to leave. I glanced at the ground. Quiet. Silence was heavy. Uncle Ben then spoke once more, but more softly.

"I was trusted by your father to keep this family safe." My throat constricted. "And this is the only way I know how right now."

Tears filled my eyes once more, and I blinked rapidly. "I adore Michael."

"I am aware." "I can't simply get married to someone else when I wake up." "You might no longer have that luxury." Elegance. It's funny how love turned into a luxury all of a sudden.

I slowly leaned against the wall and put my hands over my face. Everything seemed unattainable.

Suddenly, I heard Daniel sobbing quietly in the hospital room behind me once more. My chest constricted instantly. My mother then began to cough feebly.

Something inside of me was broken by the sound. I peered through the glass window once more. Daniel was crying and clutching her hand.

Mom appeared very frail. So white. As if she were gradually fading away before us. And all of a sudden... Nothing else was important.

Not my pride, not my dreams, not even my own happiness, only hers. I slowly lowered my hands from my face and asked quietly, "When do I meet him?"

Uncle Ben became motionless, staring at me for a moment before responding softly, "Today."

The car ride seemed to go on forever, and I sat quietly next to Uncle Ben while gazing out the window at tall buildings, busy roads, and people going about their daily lives.

All the while, my life was changing due to a single decision. I held my phone firmly in my lap.

Perhaps he was truly unable to assist.

Perhaps no one could.

The car finally came to a stop in front of a large edifice after about thirty minutes.

Thomas Group of Businesses.

I gently peered out the car window at the building. It was enormous. Chilly. frightening. Security personnel were stationed close to the entrance as workers entered and exited in pricey suits.

Nervously, my gut wrenched. Uncle Ben gave me a close inspection. "You don't need to appear so scared." I lied and said, "I'm not afraid."

He looked at me but remained silent. We got out of the car and went inside. The interior was even more daunting. Everything had a polished, high-end appearance.

The workmen moved silently and swiftly, as if they were afraid of making a mistake. Nobody grinned.

When she saw Uncle Ben, a woman working at the front desk got up right away. "Sir, good afternoon." "Mr. Thomas is the reason we are here."

The woman gave a swift nod. "He's anticipating your arrival." He was, of course. All of a sudden, I felt like a prey entering a trap voluntarily.

We went into a private elevator and ascended in silence. With each passing second, my heartbeat became louder.

My palms were perspiring by the time the elevator doors opened once more. Outside, a big figure dressed in black was waiting for us.

"This way," he stated professionally. We trailed him down a silent corridor until he came to a stop in front of big double doors.

He then unlocked them. "Mr. Thomas," he declared. I cautiously moved inside. and froze right away. Behind the big office desk was a man. tall.

sharp-looking. wearing a black suit. While one hand flipped through some documents, the other rested idly against the chair. He slowly raised his head.

And the instant our gazes locked... I gasped. He exuded a disturbing calmness. Not very loud. Not upset. Just chilly. He fixed his emotionless gaze on mine. Dark. Not readable. frightening.

I instantly realized why everyone was so cautious around him. Andrew Thomas had

the appearance of a man who could end lives without hesitation.

And in some way... I had recently consented to wed him.