Chapter 109

**Emily**

Notifying the coffee shop of my emergency, I informed them that I couldn't make it to The Grind. Immediately, I hurried to the hospital where my mom had been admitted.

It was there that I encountered Dr. Vanderbilt, my mother's surgeon. Despite his salt and pepper hair, his face defied his age, exuding a handsome charm.

"I apologize for reaching out to you so suddenly, Miss Carter," he began gently. "You are listed as the immediate contact for your mother after... your father passed away last month."

I sensed Dr. Vanderbilt struggling to maintain composure. My lips quivered.

"W-what's going on, doctor?"

He guided me to a quiet corner. "Your mother's condition is stable, but we've encountered a different issue. The monthly funds supporting her admission have ceased since last month. As of now, your family owes the hospital twenty thousand dollars."

Mixed emotions surged within me-fear, resentment, self-pity... This must be related to my dad's death. Erica must have stopped paying for my mother's expenses.

Dr. Vanderbilt continued reluctantly, "I hate to burden you with this, but the ongoing care your mother needs-medications, procedures, treatments, emergency interventions-requires at least fifty thousand dollars a month."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back. Dr. Vanderbilt quickly offered me a tissue and a cup of water from a nearby cooler.

"I'm truly sorry, Miss Carter The hospital administration has informed me that if funds aren't provided soon, we'll have no choice but to transfer Mrs. Carter to a state facility."

The thought of losing Mom so soon after Dad was unbearable.

"Please," I begged, "give me five days. I'll find a way to make the payment."

Dr. Vanderbilt nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He knew our family's mansion and the business Dad had left behind. All I needed now was to confront Erica and resolve this situation.

I retreated to the hospital restroom and allowed myself to cry. Mom shouldn't see me like this.

Staying calm, I walked to her room. Through the small window on the door, I saw her lying in bed, surrounded by machines and monitors. Despite her frail appearance, she was smiling and chatting with a nurse, nibbling on what appeared to be lime Jell-O.

My mother was so brave... I needed to be, too.

Despite the worry churning in my stomach, I managed to smile as I entered the ward.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, pushing the door open with forced cheerfulness.

"Emily..." Her face lit up, though I couldn't ignore her thinness and how age seemed to have caught up with her.

I hurried across the room quickly, careful not to disturb the tangled IV lines. "I missed you a lot! I had to come see you!"

"How's school, sweetheart? Have you been skipping classes? It's quite a long drive from your college. You shouldn't miss lectures if you visit me, a phone call would have enough," she murmured, her concern evident in her slow speech.

Inside, I felt like I was falling apart. The contrast between how I looked on the outside and felt inside was overwhelming.

How do you maintain a façade of happiness when your world falls apart? The desire to collapse and reveal everything felt almost too strong to resist.

"I'm doing great, Mom!" I replied with forced enthusiasm. "Didn't you miss me, and that's why you wanted me to visit?"

She smiled warmly. "Of course I missed you. You're my greatest joy."

We chatted about simple things like the weather, hospital food, and the kind nurses until Mom brought up something unexpected.

"So, you're nineteen now. I'm sure there are boys at school... Tell me about it," she prompted.

Bronn came to mind, but I chose not to share anything about him with my mom.

The contract says Bronn would support my schooling-all fees. Aside from that, I will also get a one hundred thousand monthly allowance.

I will accompany him whenever necessary, live with him on his estate, or wherever he may take me.

No sex during the monthly period, and I can definitely tell him if I'm not in the mood or I'm not feeling well. Mr. Martin has the right to terminate this contract anytime, even before I graduate. However, it states that his scholarship program will cover my educational fees until I finish my studies.

I feel nauseous while reading the contents.

I had two boyfriends; one when I was fifteen-puppy love, while the next one was during my last year in high school. I never engaged in any sexual activities with them, so this is very unfamiliar.

My cellphone vibrated, its screen illuminating with an unexpected message from Robert, Mr. Martin's assistant. I felt a twinge of anxiety. Did this mean I had to coordinate everything with Robert?

The message read: 'Good evening, Miss Carter. This is Robert Kingsley from Mr. Bronn Martin's office. The boss would like to invite you to join him for dinner at The Sapphire Hotel this Saturday at 8:00 PM. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance and delicious cuisine. Please dress comfortably, but do note that the hotel has a smart-casual dress code. Something appropriate for a nice dinner setting would be perfect.'

My expression soured. I never expected Mr. Bronn Martin's invitation to be so... impersonal. It felt more like a business meeting than a date.

"How can you even call it a date, Emily?" I scolded myself. "It's probably just an apology dinner."

The weight of obligation settled on my shoulders as I sighed, resigned to the fact that I had no choice but to meet them. The money indicated would help clear the hospital bills quickly.

Digging through my wardrobe, I found a floral dress that seemed decent enough-a reminder of the days when I had money to shop now and then.

"Wow, a date?" Evelyn, my roommate, exclaimed. She was sprawled on the couch, munching on popcorn and binge-watching her latest obsession on our shared TV.

"It's for a scholarship interview I applied for. Mr. Bronn Martin will be interviewing me tonight," I lied hastily.

"Mr. Bronn Martin?" Her face lit up. "The guy everyone at school is talking about? They say he's incredibly handsome! And you have a date with him?"

"Evelyn, focus-it's an interview! Sheesh!"

She gave me a once-over. "Oh no, no, no! You can't wear that! Even if it's an interview, you still want to impress him to ace your application! This dress... you look like you're going to a Sunday school picnic!"

Before I could object, Evelyn dashed to her room, returning moments later with an armful of clothes. "Here, try this on instead!"

I tried on Evelyn's dress, hesitating as I examined my reflection. The two-piece ensemble consisted of a sleeveless top covering my chest modestly but exposing my waist. The skirt reached my knees, with a subtle slit that hinted at my thighs.

Evelyn exclaimed, "This is perfect! Sexy, yet still conservative. Enjoy the night, roomie. If I were the one receiving that invitation, I might wear something even shorter and spicier!"

When I arrived, Robert was waiting at the hotel entrance. He greeted me with a neutral expression and didn't remark how I looked. He guided me through the grand lobby to a secluded restaurant section.

Mr. Martin's expression darkened when he saw me. Nonetheless, he remained a gentleman, helping me to my seat before taking his own.

My lips quivered as I looked at him. Truth be told, my attraction to him had intensified, and the idea of being admired by Bronn Martin made me weak.

The waiter arrived with our food, and I couldn't help but dig in, realizing how hungry I was. Mr. Martin ate occasionally while his gaze stayed on me with an unreadable expression.

Seriously, what was the real purpose of this meeting? Had he invited me to dinner to gaze at me?

A violinist began playing nearby, and Bronn invited me to dance.

My heart raced as I focused on him in the music's light. This is definitely a date!

Could it be that Bronn genuinely liked me?

When the music stopped, he cupped my cheeks, his thumb gently tracing my lower lip. The intimacy of the gesture left me gasping, and I found myself leaning into his touch, silently yearning for more.

Soon, his lips crashed into mine, igniting a flurry of emotions in my heart.

I must admit, I yearn for Mr. Bronn Martin!

For the first time, I find myself lost in a fantasy-willing to surrender to him, whatever the consequence!