Sold To The Mob Billionaire

CHAPTER ONE “How come you never told me about this until now?” She was unable to come to terms with what her mother just told her. Suddenly the room felt like it was spinning and Amelia had to brace as the full impact of the shock hit her. “I'm sorry for keeping it from you, darling.” Her mother said in a low voice, her eyes flickered as she struggled to fight back the tears. “I'm so sorry but I wasn't sure you were ready for it.” “It's been years.” Amelia bawled angrily. “He has been gone for years. You could have told me if you wanted to. Why didn't you? And I had to find out through friggin’ Scarlet. You know she doesn't like me.” Her mother tried to speak but she couldn't find the right words. She hated seeing Amelia that way and it broke her heart to know she was causing her daughter so much pain. She knew Amelia didn't deserve any of it. “I'm so sorry.” She said helplessly as the tears fell freely. “I couldn't bring myself to tell you about it. It's not easy for a mother to accept losing her baby girl to the same nasty disease that—” Amelia could tell her mother was in pain. The sickness eating her up and the emotional strain she must be going through from revealing the secret she had kept for so long. Amelia wasn't sure what to do or how to react but she instinctively moved forward and placed her hand on her mother's arm. “It's going to be fine, mom. We will beat this together and when it's time, we'll beat that too. I won't give up that easily.” She said with a renewed conviction. Most people would have been devastated if they had just been told they might have inherited a deadly disease that stayed dormant until the age of 28 especially if the said disease led to the death of their father some years ago yet somehow Amelia seemed impervious. Amelia believed her mother was the strongest woman she knew and she proved it every day she fought the disease that was killing her. She had gone through three major surgeries and the doctors were about to prepare for a fourth they assured Amelia was going to be the last. She'd be better after this surgery they told her and she believed them. The only issue Amelia faced was getting the money to fund this last surgery. They had barely been able to pay for the last three if not for the impressive donations they'd received from neighbors and the church. “Amelia.” Her mother called out to her in a voice that was barely above a whisper. “Yes, momma.” “I need you to make me a promise.” Amelia wiped her eyes as the tears began to pool at the edge. “No.” She shook her head. “You are fighting this.” “I know.” Her mother chuckled. Amelia saw a flash of the energetic woman her mother had once been in her sad eyes that were now sunken deep into her skull. “I know.” She repeated. “But I need this.” “No.” Amelia shook her head crying. She squeezed her mother’s hand tight, afraid of what might happen if she let go. “Amelia please—” Her mother said, almost out of breath. “I— I need this.” “You need to rest.” “Amelia.” She groaned. Amelia could see she was working herself up. This was important to her. Amelia couldn't bear to see the pain in her mother's eyes—to hear the agony in her voice. “What is it?” Amelia asked as she knelt closer to the bed. “Promise me you'll live your life to the fullest. You won't be afraid to live. To love.” It was a weird request but Amelia made the promise without thinking about it. The only thing she was concerned about at that moment was getting her mother to rest and it was only when she shut her eyes that Amelia’s heartbeat became steady once again. Amelia left the hospital determined to get the money they needed for the surgery by any means necessary. She went to the people she knew would be able to give her the money without breaking a sweat but all she got were excuses and good luck wishes. By the end of the day, her spirit had been broken to the point of depression. The next day she tried but it was only a repeat of the previous day. The whole week turned out to be a constant disappointment and all she had to show for it was the little she made working her ass off juggling two jobs. Her mother’s condition deteriorated to the point it became hard for Amelia to stay by her side telling her it would be okay. She knew it wasn't going to be okay and she was sure her mother knew it too. A month went by and even though Amelia had been able to raise a little substantial amount, it was nothing compared to what was needed for the surgery. The doctors talked to Amelia about their fears. They were concerned about her mother's condition getting critical because of the time elapsing before the surgery. “I'm sorry, Amelia but if we waste any more time then we might—” Dr. Jenna’s voice broke off.