Found Love in a Hopeless Way

Chapter 4

The tension from the previous encounter still lingered in the air as Leslie tried to focus on her work the next morning. She went about her tasks, determined to maintain a professional demeanor and pretend as if nothing had happened between her and Derek.

However, her attempt at normalcy was disrupted when Derek unexpectedly entered the office. Leslie's gaze involuntarily shifted towards him, curiosity mingled with caution. Derek made his way to his office and took a seat, but Leslie couldn't help but notice that he placed the check on the table, almost as if it was waiting for her to take it.

A mix of emotions flooded Leslie's mind. The sight of the check reminded her of the immense financial relief it could bring for her mother's medical expenses. Yet, she knew that accepting it would mean succumbing to Derek's manipulative tactics and compromising her values.

With a determined shake of her head, Leslie stood her ground. She refused to be swayed by the temptation of the money or the subtle invitation presented by Derek's actions. She knew that there had to be another way, a way that didn't involve compromising her integrity.

As Leslie stood there, resolute in her decision, she silently conveyed her message to Derek. She would not be controlled or influenced by his attempts to sway her. She was determined to find a solution on her own terms, even if it meant facing challenges and uncertainties along the way.

In a state of distress, Leslie received a phone call from the hospital after lunch, delivering devastating news. Overwhelmed with emotion, she pleaded, "No! No... I will make the payment today. Please, save my mom." Tears streamed down her face as she rushed to the bathroom, seeking solace and allowing herself to release her anguish through her tears.

In the midst of her turmoil, Leslie's mind turned to Derek's offer. Contemplating the situation, she had a moment of realization. She thought to herself, "What I think of myself is not important anymore. What truly matters is ensuring my mom's survival." The urgency of the situation overshadowed any concerns about her pride or personal feelings. Leslie understood that her mother's life was the top priority, and she was willing to set aside her own self-perception for the sake of her mom's well-being.

With a renewed determination, Leslie stood up, wiping away her tears, and made her way to Derek's office. As she opened the door, she was met with a smile from Derek, who slid the check towards her direction. Leslie approached him, her emotions swirling inside her.

In a moment of surrender, Leslie reached out and took the check from Derek's hands. Her voice trembled as she uttered, "I'm yours now." Tears streamed down her face, a mixture of conflicting emotions. It was a bittersweet decision, driven by her deep love for her mother and the desperate need to secure her well-being.

Derek stood up and wiped Leslie's tears, she realized that his gesture was not one of genuine comfort, but rather a way for him to assert his belief that she would eventually come back to him. Leslie's head remained bowed, her sense of hopelessness deepening as she saw Derek's actions as a confirmation of his manipulative nature.

In a tense and emotionally charged moment, Leslie's eyes bore into Derek's, a fiery mix of anger and sadness flickering within them. The weight of the situation hung in the air as Derek, leaning arrogantly on the table with his legs crossed, summoned his driver with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"Just pay and then come back," Derek commanded, his voice dripping with manipulation and control. Leslie's heart sank at his callousness, her surprise evident on her face as she struggled to comprehend his words.

"What?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with confusion and disbelief. "You won't let me see my mom?"

"That or no money?" Derek coldly asked Leslie, his manipulative intentions laid bare. Leslie was left speechless, her disbelief at Derek's cruelty evident on her face. She couldn't fathom how someone could be so heartless.

"You're the worst!" Leslie finally managed to utter, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and disappointment. With those words, Leslie turned away from Derek and made her way towards his car. The driver followed closely behind, understanding the urgency of the situation and accompanying Leslie to the hospital.

As Leslie walked away, her mind raced with a flurry of emotions. She couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal and wondered how she had ended up entangled in such a toxic situation. Despite the hurt, she was determined to focus on what mattered most – being there to pay the bills.

Sitting in the car, tears streamed down Leslie's face, her emotions overwhelming her. Amidst her tears, she couldn't help but reflect on how she ended up in this distressing situation. It all started with that kick, and now she found herself blaming herself for the consequences that followed.

In the midst of her self-blame, a sudden realization struck her. Why didn't Derek have a driver at that crucial moment? Curiosity and frustration mingled within her, compelling her to seek answers. Turning to the driver, Leslie posed a question, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and anger, "Where were you last night?"

The driver remained silent, his focus fixed on the road ahead. Leslie's frustration grew, and she continued, "If you had been here last night, I wouldn't be in this situation right now!" In her vulnerable state, she felt the need to direct her blame towards someone other than herself, seeking solace in the idea that someone else could have prevented the unfolding events.

As Leslie's emotions swirled within her, the car fell into a heavy silence. Just when she thought the driver would remain silent, he unexpectedly broke the stillness. His voice was calm yet firm as he posed a thought-provoking question, "Then how will you pay your mother's bill if it didn't happen yesterday?"

As Leslie sat in silence, contemplating the driver's words, a sense of realization washed over her. In that moment, she recognized the truth in what the driver had said. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders, and she understood that dwelling on the past wouldn't change the present circumstances.

In the hospital, Leslie wasted no time and made her way directly to the cashier to settle the bill. The driver, ever watchful, followed closely behind, ensuring that she wouldn't have a chance to see her mom. Determined to find a way to see her mother, Leslie hatched a plan.

After completing the payment, Leslie approached the driver and informed him that she needed to use the restroom. The driver reluctantly agreed, but he remained outside, keeping a close eye on her every move. Inside the comfort room, Leslie's mind raced with thoughts of how to lose the driver and seize the opportunity to see her mom.

With a quick glance at herself in the mirror, Leslie steeled her resolve. She knew that time was of the essence, and she needed to act swiftly. Taking a deep breath, she exited the comfort room and began to walk down the corridor, purposefully increasing her pace. Behind her, the driver followed, unaware of her true intentions.

As Leslie maneuvered through the hospital's corridors, she strategized her escape route. She turned corners, slipped through crowds, and even ducked into nearby rooms, all in an effort to lose the driver who remained hot on her trail. The adrenaline coursing through her veins fueled her determination to reunite with her mom, even if just for a few precious moments.

Leslie's heart pounded in her chest as she finally found herself outside her mother's room. With a mix of anticipation and fear, she gently pushed the door open, hoping to catch a glimpse of her mom's face and offer a comforting presence.

As Leslie's hand reached for the doorknob, a sudden grip on her arms stopped her in her tracks. She turned around, her heart sinking as she came face to face with the driver who had been tailing her all along. The driver's stern expression revealed a mix of frustration and determination.

"What do you think you're doing?" the driver demanded, his grip tightening on Leslie's arms. Leslie's hopes of seeing her mom were dashed in an instant, replaced by a wave of disappointment and frustration.

Tears welled up in Leslie's eyes as she realized her plan had been foiled. She couldn't understand why the driver was so intent on keeping her away from her mother. Anger and sadness mingled within her, making her feel trapped and helpless in that moment.

"I just want to see my mom," Leslie pleaded, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and longing. But the driver remained unmoved, his resolve unyielding. It seemed that no matter what Leslie tried, the driver was determined to keep her away from her mother's side.

As the car pulled up to Derek's house, Leslie's confusion only deepened. She couldn't understand why they were heading there instead of the office When they entered the house, the sight of Derek sitting alone in the living room, sipping wine with a seemingly irritated demeanor, greeted them. He sat with both arms on his knees, his hand tightly gripping the wine glass.

Confusion etched across her face, Leslie couldn't help but question the driver's motives. "Why did you bring me here?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and curiosity. Derek, calm and composed, looked directly at Leslie and posed a question of his own.

"Why did you do that?" Derek inquired, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance. Leslie's heart raced as she stood her ground, fearlessly responding, "I wanted to see my mom! Is there a problem with that?" Her words held a sense of defiance, a refusal to be controlled by Derek's manipulative tactics.

Derek's lips curled into a smirk as he stood up, slowly making his way towards Leslie. With each step, his presence felt more imposing. "You're mine, Leslie," he declared, his voice laced with possessiveness. "You do as I say, remember?"