24 hours only

Doctor Carter walked them to the door, but by the time he came back, to the office, Lauren had left his office. He saw her leaving, but didn't bother calling her back, it is best, she goes home and think about what she have been told, that is a big opportunity for her.

Lauren got back to her office and Pamela was already dying to hear what happened.

"Why do you look so gloomy? She asked, but Lauren didn't answer.

"Is it about upgrading and the board, that will be visiting soon? She asked again, but Lauren didn't answer still, she kept looking into space, lost in her own thought.

"Well I know what will cheer you up.

I heard Mendez will be brought to our ward, I just pray I am assigned to be his personal nurse, I will do everything in my power, to make sure he is healed and there will be no paparazzi in sight. I will fight for him". Lauren looked up at her friend, but said nothing.

"The world won't just let a grieving man grieve in peace. I mean, they follow him everywhere. I don't even trust the nurses and doctors here too, they are all in it, but if i am his personal nurse, I won't allow any harm come to him". Lauren didn't smile nor shake her head, like she would have, anytime Pamela speaks so highly and emotional about Lucious, she just look down, then she whispered.

"They want me to marry him". Pamela didn't know whom it is she was talking about, so she waited for her to be clearer, but she went back into trance. And then a tear dropped and that was when Pamela became worried.

"What did you say? whom, do they want you to marry? Lauren knew she had to answer her, else she may never understand.

"Mr Mendez wants me to Marry Lucious Mendez, his son". She was very clear, this time. Pamela was shocked, she opened her mouth, but couldn't find the right words to say.

"But he is a psycho now. He just lost his wife, he is grieving, why would they want him to marry so soon, and why you?

Pamela almost sounded jealous, but Lauren was quick to respond.

"Yes why me? Why should I be the one to marry a psycho like Mendez. I cannot even begin to imagine all that would go wrong.

I am still a virgin. I have plans of how I want my life to go, and the way I want to spend my future.

How can I spend even one night with someone like him? She closed her eyes in tears, while Pamela seem to like what she just said, so she decided to use that to her advantage.

"Anyways, I know you don't like him, but I have always liked and admired him, so I am going to do you a favor, by going to his parents, and presenting myself. You don't have to do it if you don't want". Lauren didn't mind, she wouldn't have seen it as a problem, if not for the problems she has herself.

"I wish it were that easy, but doctor Carter have made it clear that I would be among the few that would be sent away, as soon as the board comes in". Pamela didn't want anything standing in her way, so she asked.

"So how does that have anything to do with you marrying Mendez?

"Mr Mendez have promised to get me into Houston and pay all the bills, he didn't stop there, he is going to bring in my mother to get her surgery done, if only I will say yes". Pamela grew red with jealousy, but she didn't want her to know, so she acted supportive.

"This is huge Lauren, so what's stopping you?

"I fear deceiving Lucious Mendez is a lot. What if he regains his memory? what if he remembers his wife, what if he hates me for lying to him?

Five years is a long time, and if I sign that contract, then I am bound to him. All I am hearing now are the sweet part of it all, what if the clauses in the contract wouldn't favor me? where will I run to then? Pamela didn't know what to say. It was pointless trying to discourage her, because it all started adding up.

She really does look like Sydney Mendez, no wonder Lucious mistook her. Now it was her turn to look into space, Lost in her thought as she wished everything will turn out differently to favour her.

"I see you are shocked yourself. Now you see why I am so confused, and to think I have only 24hours to give mr Mendez a response". Pamela still said nothing. She only watch, while Lauren carried her bag, and headed home.