CHAPTER 3: THE CONTRACT
624 Words
Aria didn't sleep that night.
She lay awake on the worn-out mattress, staring at the cracked ceiling while Damian Blackwood's words echoed relentlessly in her mind.
"Your family's problems disappear the moment you sign."
It sounded too good to be true.
Men like Damian never gave without taking something in return.
As dawn broke, a violent coughing fit erupted from the next room.
"Grandma!"
Aria rushed to her grandmother's side and helped her sit up. The elderly woman's face had turned pale, and every breath sounded painful.
"I'm alright," her grandmother whispered with a weak smile. "Don't worry about me."
But Aria knew she was lying.
The medicine bottle was almost empty, and there wasn't enough money left to buy another dose.
Her chest tightened.
How much longer could they survive like this?
Just then, her phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
With trembling fingers, she answered.
"Miss Bennett."
The deep, calm voice instantly froze her.
Damian.
"I've given you enough time to think."
Aria swallowed hard.
"I still haven't made my decision."
"You will."
His confidence irritated her.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Because you love your family more than you love your pride."
Silence.
He was right.
Before she could reply, the call ended.
A second later, another message appeared on her screen.
Your grandmother's treatment has been scheduled at Blackwood Medical Center. Be there in one hour.
Aria stared at the message in disbelief.
She had never told him where her grandmother received treatment.
How did he know?
Who exactly was Damian Blackwood?
An hour later...
Aria stepped into Blackwood Medical Center.
Everything looked expensive.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above her.
Marble floors gleamed beneath her feet.
Doctors in spotless white coats walked briskly through the hallways.
The hospital felt more like a luxury hotel than a medical center.
A doctor approached her with a warm smile.
"Miss Bennett?"
She nodded.
"Mr. Blackwood has already settled every medical bill. Your grandmother's treatment will begin immediately."
Aria's eyes widened.
"What?"
"There will be no charges."
She looked through the glass window.
Her grandmother was already surrounded by specialists.
For the first time in weeks...
She felt hope.
But hope quickly turned into fear.
Nothing Damian Blackwood did was ever free.
That evening...
A black luxury sedan stopped outside the hospital.
The chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door.
"Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you."
Aria hesitated.
Then she climbed inside.
The journey to Blackwood Tower passed in complete silence.
When the elevator doors opened, Damian stood beside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, his hands tucked into his pockets as he watched the glittering city lights.
Without turning around, he spoke.
"Your grandmother is receiving the best treatment money can buy."
Aria lowered her gaze.
"Thank you."
"I didn't do it to earn your gratitude."
He turned slowly to face her.
"I did it because I always keep my promises."
He placed a leather folder on the table.
"The contract."
Aria walked closer.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
"If I sign..."
"Every debt disappears."
"And if I don't?"
"You walk away."
He paused before adding,
"But you'll also walk away from the only chance to save your family."
Aria stared at the pen resting on the contract.
Her fingers trembled.
Slowly...
She reached for it.
Just as the tip touched the paper—
The penthouse doors burst open.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
A security guard rushed inside, breathing heavily.
"We found him."
Damian's expression darkened instantly.
His eyes turned ice cold.
"So..."
"He's finally come out of hiding."
Aria frowned.
"Who are you talking about?"
Damian lifted his gaze and looked directly into her eyes.
"The man who's been watching you."
He paused.
"And if we're too late..."
"He'll come for you next."
End of Chapter 3
- Writer
