The billionaire's unwanted love

AVA'S POV

The fluorescent hospital lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare, making the numbers on the bill in front of me blur together. The antiseptic smell, a constant reminder of Mom's frailty, clung to me like a bad omen.

As I sat beside Mom's hospital bed, the soft beeping of life-sustaining machines created a sense of urgency. Her leukemia diagnosis had left us reeling. The operation she desperately needed came with a staggering price tag: ten million dollars.

Panic threatened to consume me, its familiar grip tightening around my chest like a vice. I recalled Hannah's reassuring words during our last phone call: "You're strong, Ava. We'll get through this together." But now, her optimism seemed like a distant memory.

As an investigative journalist, I'd faced tough stories, but this was personal. My career had hit a roadblock. I'd lost my job months ago, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't land another one. It was as if an invisible force worked against me, shutting doors and silencing opportunities.

Memories of Mom's warm smile and gentle touch flooded my thoughts. I remembered Hannah's childhood laughter, echoing through our small house, and Mom's patient guidance as she helped Hannah with homework. Hannah's quirky sense of humor and unwavering empathy had always been a source of comfort.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back. I couldn't lose my mother, not now, not ever.

With trembling hands, I dialed Dad's number. He worked as a butler at the Blackwood's mansion, a job he'd held for years. I hadn't told him about Mom's condition, not wanting to worry him or Hannah.

"Dad," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's Mom. She needs an operation, and we can't afford it."

Dad's concern was palpable. "What do you mean? I thought she was just... unwell."

I took a deep breath, the words spilling out. "She has leukemia. And the hospital wants ten million dollars for the operation."

The line went silent.

"Dad?" I prompted.

"Ten million?" His voice cracked. "Ava, how... how did it get this far?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I didn't want to worry you or Hannah. I thought I could handle it, but... it's too much now."

Dad's voice was resolute. "We'll figure it out, Ava. We will. I'll come to the hospital right away."

As I waited for Dad to arrive, my mind wandered to Hannah's college life. She'd been thriving, making new friends and exploring her passion for medicine. How could I keep this secret from her?

Guilt gnawed at me.

The hospital door swung open, and Dad entered, his face etched with worry.

"Ava," he said, embracing me tightly. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

I held back tears, trying to stay strong for him.

As we stood beside Mom's hospital bed, Dad's expression changed. A determined glint appeared in his eye.

"I'll talk to Mr. Blackwood," he said, his voice firm.

My heart sank. Richard Blackwood was not someone to be trifled with. His reputation was ruthless, cunning.

"Dad, no," I protested. "We can't ask him for help."

But Dad's mind was made up. "He's my employer, Ava. Maybe he can... help us."

As Dad prepared to leave, he stopped and turned back to me.

"Ava?"

"Yes, Dad?"

"Don't tell Hannah about this, okay?" His eyes were serious.

I hesitated, unsure.

"Dad, she's in college. She has a right to know-"

"No, Ava." His voice was firm. "She's young and stressed enough with school. We can't afford to have her panic. Not now."

I nodded, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders.

As I watched Dad walk away, I wondered what his conversation with Richard Blackwood would bring. Would it be our salvation or our downfall?

The hospital door swung shut behind Dad, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Fear, anxiety, and desperation tangled together, making it hard to breathe. I slumped into the chair beside Mom's bed, my eyes fixed on her frail form.

The machines surrounding her beeped louder, a harsh reminder of our desperate situation.

I recalled Hannah's optimistic emails from college, full of stories about new friends and exciting classes. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes again, but this time, I let them fall.

Thoughts swirled in my mind like a vortex:

What if Dad can't convince Mr. Blackwood to help? What if we lose everything? What if Mom...

I couldn't bear to finish the thought. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back. I had to stay strong for Mom, for Dad, and for Hannah.

Hannah.

Guilt gnawed at me for keeping this secret from my sister. She had a right to know, but Dad was right – she was already stressed enough with college.

I glanced around the hospital room, feeling trapped. The sterile walls seemed to close in on me, suffocating me.

I needed air.

I stood up, pacing around the room. My mind racing with possibilities:

What if we could find another way to pay? What if there was a miracle cure?

But the numbers lingered in my mind – ten million dollars.

I stopped pacing and gazed out the window. The city skyline stretched before me, a reminder of the world outside these hospital walls.

People went about their days, unaware of our struggle. They didn't know that my mother's life hung in the balance.

A lump formed in my throat as I thought of all the memories Mom and I shared:

Laughing in the kitchen, baking cookies

Summer vacations at the beach

Late-night talks about life and dreams

Those memories were worth fighting for.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

I would fight for Mom.

No matter what.

As I turned back to Mom's bed, I noticed a nurse entering the room.

"Time for your mother's medication," she said softly.

I nodded, watching as she expertly administered the medication.

"Is she... will she be okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The nurse's expression was sympathetic. "We're doing everything we can. Your father will be back soon, I'm sure."