A Deal from the Devil
1136 Words
Julia's point of view
The office was so quiet because everyone else had left, but I stayed behind, pretending to organize my desk. The truth? I was trying not to cry.
I couldn’t help but wonder why Mr. Winston was so harsh on me. His words not only got to me but also made me feel so foolish, like I wasn’t good enough to work in his organization. I refused to let Winston's heartlessness drive me away. I needed this job, not just for myself, but for Maya. My son's well-being depended on me, and I was determined to provide for him, no matter how difficult my boss made it.
My phone rang inside my bag, shifting my attention. When I looked at the screen, my heart skipped. It was the hospital doctor.
“Hello?” I said, my voice shaking.
“Mrs. Julia, this is Dr. Adrian,” the doctor said. His voice was calm but didn’t make me feel any better. “I want to update you on Maya’s condition.” His latest tests show that we need to start the next round of treatment as soon as possible before the condition grows worse.
I gripped the phone tight. “How much is it?”
He sighed. “Seventy thousand dollars for the full treatment.” We’ll need an initial payment of a hundred thousand dollars by next week to get started.
Hundred thousand…? My head started getting hot. I didn’t even have fifteen hundred dollars, not to talk about thousands of dollars.
“I’ll… I’ll get back to you,” I said. Ending the call before he could say anything else.
I sat back on my chair, trying to catch my breath. My hands were shaking. What was I going to do? No matter how hard I worked, I’d never earn that much money on time.
I picked up my bag and headed for the elevator. I was afraid I would not be able to save my son's life. Maybe I could take on another job, but when? I was already working so much. Maybe I could sell something, but I didn’t have anything else to sell. The car was not my, but an official car.
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out. I walked to my car, still thinking of a solution to my son's condition.
“Mrs. Julia.”
I froze. I knew that voice. Slowly, I turned around and saw him—Winston Johnson. His sharp suit looked perfect, as usual, even in the dark light.
“Mr. Winston,” I said. My voice came out nervous.
He took a few steps closer, his shoes shining from afar.
“I overheard your conversation,” he said.
I could feel my heart pounding from within. “You were listening to my conversation?” I asked, anger rising in my chest.
“I wasn’t monitoring you,” he said calmly. “You were speaking loud enough for anyone to hear.”
Heat rushed to my face. Had I been that loud? I had been so angry, I didn’t even notice.
“Well, it’s none of your business,” I said, with a very low tone.
“What did you say?” he asked. I… I was just speaking to myself. I quickly replied.
“I can help,” he said.
That made me stop. I turned back, frowning. “Help?” Why would you help me?
He didn’t look away, his face serious. “Because I can.” And because I know what it feels like to get stuck with no way out.
My heart pounded. I didn’t trust him. Winston Johnson wasn’t the kind of man who just “helped” people.
“What am I offering?” I asked, crossing my arms.
I’ll pay all your son's hospital bills till he gets better.
His words came like a slap to my face. “You’d do that?” I whispered.
He nodded. “Yes.” But there’s a condition.
Of course, there was a catch. Nothing in life came for free, especially not from a man like him. “What’s the condition?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“All you have to do is simply straight and marry me,” he said, his voice calm for the first time.
My eyes were fixated on him. It was just like a movie show. I couldn't help but wonder if he was going crazy. “What…?”
“You heard me,” he said. “Marry me.” It’s a business deal. I help you, and you help me.”
I laughed nervously. “How will a mature man, not just a mature man but a rich man who all ladies are dying to have, walk up to a lady who is not interested in him and ask her to marry him out of nowhere?”
I’m not asking for romance or love. I can't even have anything to do with a low-class individual like you. Am just a wife to present to my client. So don't feel important. You need money to save your son and I need a wife. This arrangement solves both problems.
I looked at him. How could he talk about something like marriage for a deal to save my son's life?
“Why me?” I asked. “You could marry anyone.”
His eyes softened for just a moment. “ Am just trying to help.”
Help… with a deal of me marrying you?
“Nothing good comes easy," he said.”
I was speechless for a while.
“Just go home and think about it,” he said. “But don’t take too long.” My offer won’t last forever.
I crossed my arms. “You think I’ll just say yes because you’re offering money?” "I’m not some trophy you can buy."
His face grew hard. “Am I offering you a free ticket to save your son's life?” Don't let your pride ruin his life.”
His words came to me as a shock. My eyes were filled with tears, but I refused to let him see me cry.
“I’ll think about it,” I said quietly.
“Good,” he said. While walking away.
I stood there for a long time. I couldn't help but think of the encounters I just had with Winston. Marrying Winston Johnson? It sounded like something out of a bad movie. But Maya, I couldn’t lose him.
When I got home, Maya was asleep. I knelt beside him rubbing my hand on his hair.
“What am I going to do, love?” I murmured.
He shifted a little but didn’t wake up. I sat close to him, watching him, for a very long time.
But something happened that almost cost me my job.
- Writer
