The Billionaire CEO’s Reluctant Bride

Amelia’s POV “Please, don’t let my brother die” The words came out of my mouth before I could stop them. I stood in the middle of the hospital corridor, staring at the doctor in front of me. His face was calm, but his eyes told me something was wrong. “Amelia, you need to calm down” How can I calm down? I asked, my voice shaking. You just told me he needs another treatment. The doctor sighed and looked down at the file in his hands. “Ethan’s condition has become more serious. The treatment he needs now is more intensive” My heart dropped “How much?” He hesitated, That hesitation scared me more than the answer. “How much does it cost?” He finally told me the amount, For a few seconds, I couldn't breathe It was more money than I had ever seen in my account. More than everything I had saved. More than I could make even if I worked every day without sleeping. “No,” I whispered “I'm sorry” “No.” I shook my head. “There has to be another way” “We are doing everything we can, but he needs the treatment as soon as possible” I looked through the glass window beside me Ethan was lying on the hospital bed, looking smaller than he had a few months ago. His eyes were closed, and his face looked tired. He was my little brother My only family I couldn't lose him “Can I see him?” I asked The doctor nodded before walking away I slowly entered the room Ethan opened his eyes when he heard the door “You are back” I forced a smile “Of course I am back” “You look worried” I pulled a chair beside his bed and sat down “I'm fine” He gave me a look “You are a terrible liar, Ameli.” I laughed softly, even though I didn't feel like laughing. “You should be resting instead of worrying about me” “I can't help it. You are my sister” I reached for his hand and held it tightly. “I have got you” I didn't know if I was saying it for him or for myself But I needed to believe it. Three Months Earlier Things hadn't always been this bad. Three months ago, Ethan could still walk around the house without getting tired so quickly. He complained about my cooking, stole food from my plate, and constantly reminded me that I worked too much. One evening, I came home exhausted after work and found him sitting on the couch with a bowl of noodles. “You are late,” he said, I dropped my bag on the floor. “And you are eating my food” He smiled. “You weren't here to eat it” “Ethan!” “What?” I tried to look angry, but I couldn't stop myself from laughing. Those moments were simple, but they were everything to me After our parents died, Ethan and I had only each other. I had promised myself that no matter how difficult life became, I would take care of him. I just never imagined that one day I would be sitting in a hospital, begging a doctor to save his life. “Amelia?” I blinked and came back to the present Ethan was watching me “You went quiet” ,“Just thinking” “About the money?” I looked away He already knew “I will figure it out” “You don't have to do everything yourself” “I do” He frowned “Amelia” “I said I will figure it out” My voice came out sharper than I intended He went quiet I immediately regretted it “I'm sorry,” I whispered Ethan squeezed my hand “I know you are scared” I looked at him, trying not to cry “I just don't want anything to happen to you” “It won't” ,”You don't know that” Neither of us spoke for a moment. I lowered my head and wiped away the tears before he could see them. I couldn't break down in front of him, not now Later that evening, I sat alone outside the hospital I opened my banking app and stared at my balance It was almost embarrassing. After rent, food, transportation, and Ethan's previous hospital bills, there was barely anything left. I closed the app.Then opened it again. As if the number would somehow change but it didn't. I leaned back against the chair and covered my face with both hands. What was I supposed to do? Borrow more money? I had already asked everyone I could think of Work extra hours? I was already doing that Sell my belongings? There wasn't enough to make a difference I needed a miracle My phone suddenly vibrated, I looked at the screen Unknown number. For a moment, I considered ignoring it Then I answered. “Hello?” There was silence on the other end “Hello?” A man's voice finally came through “Is this Amelia Hart?” My heart skipped “Yes. Who is this?” “We need to speak with you about an opportunity” I frowned “What opportunity?” “We would rather discuss it in person” I almost laughed “I'm sorry, but I'm not interested” I was about to hang up when the man spoke again. “I think you may change your mind when you hear what we are offering” I froze” “What are you offering?” There was a short pause. Then he said something that made my entire body go still “A solution to your financial problem” I stared at the hospital doors For the first time that day, hope flickered inside me But I had no idea that the solution waiting for me would come with a price I never imagined paying