LI

She gestured to me to follow her to Claire's room, and I obeyed, my heart in my mouth. Rita

gile, with a drip inserted into h

urn of events. Just hours ago, I was reeling from Carlos's shocking revelation. Now, my world

he explained that Claire wanted cookies and she just left to

ning. "Claire is not dead. What happened was a seizure, likely caused by her brain tumor.

ing her hand in mine. "What are her chances?" I a

re was severe. The tumor is malignant and aggressive. Claire needs surgery as soon as

to think. "Please, doctor, you have to operate. You have

that simple," she said, her voice firm. "The surgery will cost a significant

or said became hazy and distinct. The only audibl

ousel. Over and over and

. "You're telling me that you won't save my sister's life because of

. We can't provide treatment without payment." She replied adamantly.

ed her about Claire's surgery, beggi

Just start. I'll come up w

t without the payment." She rep

my teeth. There was a noticeable edge to my wo

a said from behind. I forgot

two weeks! I'm so lost. I don't know what to do. We just recently discovered her conditio

I'm here for you. I'll help with the bills, okay? I'll work extra shifts, pic

accept her help. I'd always been the strong one, the one who took care

back. "I appreciate it, but I've go

Okay, Aaliyah. But promise me one t

ling a pang of guilt

a strand of hair behind Claire's ear. Her eyes remained closed, her chest rising

sometimes she's not able to move. It's driving me crazy with fear an

'm here, Claire. I'll

idn't care. I was going to make the best of it. After all it's my mone

and that bastard helped her prove that point – great

ing to drink all my worries away. I stumbled on my feet, the room spinning around

eels better

th me! I'm on top of the

m. Fuck! What was the number? Roo

. I pushed a door open, regretting drinking too much.

e tears streaming down my face as I thought about Carlos's

h a stranger.. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. A

him, burying my face in his chest. He smelled like whiskey and smok

lcohol. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be alone. I'm jus

handsome stranger, with piercing

ess. I k

Hern

As the CEO of Hernandez Industries, he has built a business empire that

ess.. I'

esmer

esire. I wanted to move backwards but he held me. "I could give you

my waist, his breath fanning

with everything that just happened and.. and I just want to fe

arlos might not want me but this han

l with

s years older than me. I

bed, wrapping my a

rked, kissing my

but I didn't care..let me b

, my eyes watery. "Just make me feel

still staring

ctive enough to get laid.. Well, le

smirk and I melted in his