Love Is A Game

CHAPTER 4

ERICA’S POV

I got home feeling so exhausted. “Mom!” I shouted but didn't receive any response. “Leo!” I shouted again but still didn't receive any response.

I immediately checked around but still didn't see any sight of them, while still looking around I noticed a paper on the bookshelf.

“What? Mom was rushed to the hospital!”’I read out loud. I checked the hospital address and left the house hurriedly. All through my ride I kept on thinking what could have happened.

“Maria Rivear!” I said to the receptionist. “Calm down, room 121,” she replied with a smile. I left and headed to the room, I could hear the loud thumping of my chest.

“Leo, what's wrong with mom?” I asked. He was sitting beside her, I looked at her to see her looking so weak and tired. “She started vomiting blood earlier and I had to rush her to the hospital,” Leo said. He looked disheveled and I was sure he was worried as hell.

“Calm down, everything will be fine,” I said as I squeezed his shoulder and headed to the doctor’s office.

“Good evening sir, I am Erica Rivera,” I said introducing myself once I got to the office. “Your mom should be Maria Rivera, can you sit please.” He said and I nodded my head.

“Don’t you have any other family members that are older?” He asked, trying to be careful with his words. “No, can you please tell me what's going on? I am extremely nervous.” I said with haste.

“Your mom needs a kidney transplant as soon as possible. Unfortunately, her kidney is damaged and needs a transplant…” he said stopping there. “What can we do? How much does this cost?” I asked him.

“It's cost about three million dollars,” he said, leaving me dumb-struck. “Three million?!” I asked with my eyes widened in shock.

“You also need to be quick, she is at a critical stage.” the doctor said. “Where do I get three million dollars from?” I asked no in particular.

I heaved a long breath as I walked out of his office, no I couldn't allow this to happen! My mom cannot die now! She can't, how was Leo going to feel about this? We couldn't deal with another person leaving, not at this time.

Amidst all these thoughts, I suddenly remembered Lucas. “Yes! The contract marriage!” I said to myself as I quickly got my phone and dialed his number.

I tapped my for impatiently and hoped everything would work out fine. I had spoken to him harshly and now was calling him back.

“It's Lucas Thompson on the line, who am I speaking to?” he asked, sounding professional. “It's Erica, I have agreed to the contract marriage. Can we please make the process fast?” I said nervously.

“Wh..at?” he stuttered. “It's Erica, don't you need a contract wife?” I asked worriedly. “Yes, we do. I am just shocked. Where are you now?” he asked me.

“Send me your address, I would rather come to meet you,” I said. I didn't want Leo or anyone else to know what had happened here. Lucas sent the address almost immediately and I made my way there not before telling Leo of my departure.

I got to the destination soon and saw my supposed husband Lucas sitting with him. I didn't like Alex, he seemed so distant and acted like a p*****t.

“I am quite worried, he hasn't said anything since,” I said, pointing at Alex. “Do you really need to hear me talk?” He asked arrogantly with a smirk.

“Someone is very arrogant,” I said with a scoff. “I like feisty girls, she is good for me.” He said to Lucas. I felt more agitated, did he think I was any commodity? I was about to trash him when I remembered about my mom, I was only doing this for her.

We signed some documents and agreed to meet each other at a church the next day. I explained to Lucas how I needed part of the money urgently and surprisingly he gave me it without any hesitation.

I rushed back to the hospital and paid the money. “I have paid for everything, please take care of my mom,” I said to the doctor who looked surprised.

The transplant started and it was until then before I told Leo all that had happened still skipping the marriage part. I didn’t know how to tell him or my mom but I had to do it.

I prayed silently, hoping she was going to be okay.

“Good morning.” I heard a voice say as my eyes flutter open. “s**t!” I said. I and Leo had slept all through the night. “How is mom?” I asked almost immediately. “She is doing fine but still unconscious.” The doctor said and I beamed happily.

I received a message on my phone and remembered about my supposed wedding. I had totally forgotten about it! “Why don’t you stay with mom? I need to get to work,” I lied.

He nodded his head and I dropped some cash before scurrying out of the hospital. I managed to put on formal attire in my closet before heading to the church.

“What the heck are you putting on?” Alex asked after noticing me. “What do you mean? Was I supposed to put on a ball gown?”’I asked angrily.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Lucas said, coming in.

“I do,” I said. I couldn’t believe I had just exchanged vows with a stranger, it was so weird. “You may now kiss the bride.” I heard the priest say and I looked at Alex in shock.

“The moment I have been waiting for,” Alex said with a smirk. He took my lips in softly and before he could do anything else, I cut my lips away from his.

“Congratulations!” Lucas said happily while I shot him a glare. What was there to congratulate me about? This wedding was trash!