MY CONTRACT HUSBAND IS A RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 8 - Don't Leave Me

The call came at 3:17AM.

"Miss Santos? Your mother had a cardiac arrest. Please come to St. Luke's. Now."

I was out of bed and running before I could breathe.

I didn't even knock. I burst into Alexander's room.

"Alexander! It's my mom-"

He was already sitting up. Shirtless. Eyes sharp.

"Get in the car. Now."

10 minutes. That’s how long it took him to drive to the hospital.

Breaking every traffic law.

I was shaking in the passenger seat. "What if- what if she-"

"Don't." He reached over. Squeezed my hand. Once.

"She'll be fine."

At the ER, the doctor looked grim.

"We stabilized her. But she needs surgery. Tonight. 800,000 pesos."

I nodded. "Do it. Please."

"Payment first."

I looked at Alexander. He was already on the phone.

"Charge it to Virel Corp. Whatever it costs."

The doctor left.

I collapsed into a chair. Crying.

And then... arms around me.

Alexander. Pulling me into his chest.

"Shh." His voice was rough. "Breathe. She's strong. Like you."

I cried into his shirt. For the first time, I didn't care about the contract.

I just needed him.

2 hours later. Surgery done. Successful.

The doctor smiled. "She's going to make it."

I sobbed in relief.

Alexander drove us home at sunrise. Silent.

At the penthouse, I went to my room. He followed.

"You should rest." He said quietly.

"Thank you." I whispered. "For tonight. For everything."

He stood at the door. Hands in pockets.

"You don't have to thank me. It's in the contract."

Liar.

Because contracts don't drive 200km/h to a hospital.

Contracts don't hold you when you break.

"Alexander."

He stopped.

"Stay." The word slipped out. "Please. Just tonight."

A long pause.

Then he nodded. Once.

He didn't get in the bed. He sat in the chair beside it.

Watching me as I fell asleep.

And for the first time in 3 months...

I didn't feel alone.