Bounded By A Billionaire Promise

Chapter 2

The moment I stepped through the door, a cold chill ran down my spine . My mother, usually bustling about , was seated motionless on one of our worn-out cushions , staring blankly at a faded wallpaper. The atmosphere in our cramped living room was suffocating every piece of furniture, every corner of the room seemed to scream of the poverty that had slowly consumed our lives . Something was terribly wrong , and I could feel it in my bones.

“Welcome home, Sofia”, my mother greeted, snapping out of her daze as my footsteps echoed in the small space .

“Thank you , Mom,” I replied , my voice laced with unease . What happened to Dad?”

My mother’s smile was tight , forced . “Sofia , you just got in . Go freshen up and eat something. I made your favorite.

I wanted to protest , but I knew better than to defy her . With a reluctant nod , I headed to my room , but the nagging feeling in my gut wouldn’t let up . As I unpacked, I couldn’t shake the worry . I tried again , “Mom, where’s Dad? it’s strange not seeing him”.

“Sofia , “she repeated firmly, “we’ll talk during dinner. Just do as I say”.

Dinner was a somber affair. My mother had made my favorite pasta , but the food turned to ash in my mouth as I sensed the tension radiating from her . Finally, she broke the silence.

“Your father is in the hospital “

I choked on the pasta , my heart skipping a beat . “What ? When ? How ? What happened?”

She hesitated, her voice trembling as she explained. “He had an attack this morning. The doctor said he needs to stay for tests … to find out what’s really wrong “.

Why aren’t you with him , Mom ?” I demanded fear lacing my words.

“ I came home to rest … and to celebrate your big day”,she said , her voice hollow.

“Mom , we should be with Dad. His health is more important.

She nodded , her façade crumbling. “The doctor said the results will be ready tomorrow morning. We’ll go early”.

Silence settled over us like a heavy blanket,until my mother whispered, I’m scared, Sofia .

“Scared of what?” I asked , panic rising. “Did the doctor say something? Is there something you’re not telling me?”.

“No ,baby …I’m just scared . Your dad …he’s not getting better . We’ve sold almost everything,I don’t know how much longer we can hold on .

Tears welled up in her eyes , and I fought to stay strong . “Mom, we can’t give up now . We’ll face whatever comes tomorrow together “.

She smiled faintly at my words ,but the fear in her eye remained.

Trying to lighten the mood , I forced a smile . Mom , I know this isn’t the right time, but I have some good news . I got a job ! The pay is decent .

Her eyes widened in surprise . “Are you serious ?

When do you start “?

“Next week”.

“That’s wonderful news,Sofia “she said , her voice lighter though the underlying worry was still there “Maybe… maybe things will start to get better”.

We talked late into the night, our fears momentarily forgotten as we clung to the hope my new job provided. But as the clock struck ten , she urged me to get some rest . I retreated to my room , collapsing onto my old , creaky bed with a sigh of relief. Despite the weight of the day , sleep came easily , and for a few blissful hours , I was free from worry .

But the morning brought a nightmare. I woke to an eerie silence, the house unnervingly empty. Something was wrong . Items were missing Our valuables, even some of my mother’s clothes . Panic surged through me as I realized the truth.

“Mom! Mom!!” I screamed , racing through the house . No answer.

I found a crumpled note on the kitchen table . My heart pounded as I unfolded it , dreading what I knew I would find .

The note was brief, cold. My mother had left us . She wished my father a speedy recovery and instructed me to take care of him .

Take care of him ? How could I do that alone ?

Tears blurred my vision as reality hit me like a tidal wave . My mother was gone,leaving me to face the storm alone . I had to tell my father— break his heart while it was already fragile . Or Should I go to Sandra’s place and spill my grief , letting her shoulder some of the unbearable weight?

Just as I decided to head to the clinic, my phone rang, the number unrecognizable. I hesitated , dread clawing at my insides . With trembling hands , I answered the call , not knowing that the voice on the other end would change everything.