n year

's

ant to save your mother. Otherwise, we'll have to discharge her" the doctor said, h

tic. I wanted to scream, laugh and cry all at once. Half a million dollars. Where am I suppose

start the treatment? I'll get the money. I promise I will," I pleaded desperately. My

s white coat. His expression softened, but the reality was unmoving. "I'm sorr

zen in the cold hospital hallway. Slowly, my legs grew weak and I sank onto

d listen? The answer was star

had raised me single-handedly after she had me in a fleeting one-night stand with a stranger. Mother had give

the frame for support. Mother's face was ghostly, her skin strained, barely holding her bones together. An oxygen

rificed everything for me didn't deserve this. "I'll save you, Mam

dn't know how

ame echoed in my mind-a name I hated to think

ca

ped into his office. He leaned back in his chair, with his stomach protru

ere under his lustful gaze, hated having to ask him for help, but I had no choice. "Please..." my hands clasped together as I fell weakly to my knees, "I

er to me, pulling me up to sit on the nearby couch. "Mia, darling," he coo

im with surprise and

of something dark flashing in his e

s," I said quickly, ho

ortably. "Well..." He cleared his throat. "You know, I've a

hing my thigh. I flinched and pushed hi

p you," he said, his tone turning cold

him in disbe

leaning closer. "One night,

tened around her waist. He presse

eth, forcing a smile that didn't

eased me. He quickly tugged his shirt over h

me." The moment his back was turned, I grabbed a

hing his leg as I bolted for the door.

my thin jacket. I stumbled out into the night, my chest heaving. My onl

e music pouring from its doors was loud, chaotic, and distracting-exactl

nk. The burn of alcohol that slid down her throat

on me. I turned, locking eyes with him. Somethi

ou even human?" I slurred, stumbling toward him. Befo

s of last night's alcohol making me feel sick. The room spun around me. With a sharp breath, I pushed myself up, s

o leave. Our eyes locked briefly. My hea

so much for your help," I said, trying to mask my fear. "I'll

loan sharks harassing the nurses outside my mother's ward. T

ck with rage. "Is a hundred dollars some pocket chang

scaping this nightmare altogether. But the image of my mot

is gaze snapping to mine like a predator sizing up prey. Before I could react, he lunged, grippin

body shook, tears pricking at the corners of my ey

demeanor shifting in an instant. Confused

from e

His voice rang out, his tone dark and da

tten across their faces. "No, no, b

guy behind him. His eyes were cold as he watch

processing everything. Our eyes locked, and I felt lost in

h. I keep becoming indebted to you," I said

ze unwavering. "Well," he said coolly, "I'

t?" I asked, confusi

ned. "I clear off your debts

"Pet?" I could barely comprehend th

t of his proposition settling on me like a heavy, s