The billionaire's contractual marriage

CHAPTER FOUR: MEETING AGAIN

Carlton POV

My thoughts were deep and calculating. I had just finished going through the details of the girl I met at my now-acquired company, whose name I know now as Anna. Anna, a simple identity, a sick mother, I would rather say a boring life. A thought ran through my mind, but I quickly shook my head, " they're all the same", I whispered as I kept the document aside, preparing myself mentally to go meet my mom.

I knew how this would end: either she'd get mad or I'd get pissed. She keeps giving me pep talks about finding love, but I am not having any of that. Adjusting my emotions as I stepped out of the car and entered the hospital.

No sooner than I entered, I felt a soft figure bump into me again. I looked up because I recognized that scent. I looked at her rushing figure with a deep gaze, she must be here to see her sick mom, well, not that I care.

Stepping into my mom's ward.. I saw her on the bed, asleep, and made a snarky comment, thinking this was one of her episodes where she pretends to be sick, to get me to listen to her.

"Mom, I know you're awake", but she still pretended to be asleep.

"Oh, well, I actually wanted to tell you I have brought a bride home...but since you're asleep, I'll send your daughter-in-law off ", I said again, trying to get a reaction out of her, but still, none.

"Carlton, she's not faking it this time", a voice sounded behind me. Hearing this, my expression immediately changed as I turned around to look at Uncle Martin, my family doctor.

"You mean she's really ill?", I said, worry mapping my face. He gestured for me to follow him to his office so as not to disrupt her rest.

After settling down in his office he started "She was rushed here at noon, pale and unconscious, according to the butler, she hasn't had a taste of food in three days", though I could vaguely guess the reason, I still asked "why", he gave me a knowing glance before he continued"she wants you to be happy carlton, she also determined not to eat until you give your word to get married and I don't think she can hold on longer than this",

I talked to Uncle Martin for a few more minutes before I stride back to my mom's wards, seeing her awake brought relief to me but seeing two nurses in front of her begging her to eat made me worried again, I moved towards the bed collected the bowl of portage and coaxed softly"mom, you need to eat", but she turned her head away and refused to reply, I tried two more times to no avail. Seeing her face so pale and knowing she's going through this torture for me, I made a decision I might probably regret. "I will get married", I said, and she whipped her head to look at me. "Really?" her voice croaked with uncertainty. I nodded firmly, "Yes, Mum, I will get married, I already have someone in mind." With that, she started accepting the food with a weak smile on her face. I accompanied her until she fell asleep, and then I walked out, plotting my next move. As I did, I saw Anna, and another thought formed.

Anna POV

Reaching Dr. Martin's office, I knocked and waited for the "come in, before pushing the door open and walking in.

"Anna dear, " Dr Martins said as I looked up to see the slightly older man who helped my mom and me so much.

"How are you doing, Anna dear"?, he asked again, so I forced a smile and answered.

"Your mother...", he started,.I braced myself as he continued.."She needs surgery. It can't be delayed further; she needs to have the surgery....".

I barely had the strength to be shocked again after all that had transpired today...I nodded, responding, "I'll work towards it and gather i... "before this week runs out ....", he added. And it felt like I was struck by lightning.

"This.....this week"? I asked again to be sure I wasn't losing my mind, with a sad look in his eyes he nodded.

I tried my hardest to calm myself, I nodded, stood up, and walked away lifelessly. Thinking of ways to salvage the situation when I saw the arrogant bastard I met earlier today yet again.

Just as I was wondering what he was doing here, he noticed me and seemed to think about something for a moment, and stalked towards me. "I would like to have a conversation with you ", he said, and I looked around searching for who he was talking to before I pointed at myself, "me?" I asked foolishly. I knew this was a bad decision, he said under his breath, but I could still hear him," Who else did you see here other than both of us?" he said, his voice tight. Suddenly he came close, too close and my breath hitched"what...what are you doing ", I asked my voice shaking." from the looks of it, you need money, so I have something to offer, come find me tomorrow, go through it and have me know if you can do it", he said calmly before stepping back and walking away. Before I got myself, he was already at the entrance of the hospital hallway." Wait", I shouted. Slowly, he turned around, raising a questioning brow. "I don't know where to find you", I quickly added before he misunderstood something.

"There's a note in the breast pocket of the T-shirt you are putting on..it has an address and direct phone number to my office. With that, he walked off without looking back.