Chapter 7

Chapter 7

A STRANGE APPEARANCE

A moment later, the door creaked open and Sophia whipped her head around, breath catching. Alexander stood at the doorway with no shirt, only draped in a tiny towel. He propped himself against the frame with his arms crossed over his chest, narrow eyes scanning the halls over her with a knowing smirk.

“I see you’re settling’ in,” he said, his eyes darting toward the bundle of cash in her hands.

Sophia went rigid, shoving the money quickly back in her bag

“I was just… organizing,” she said, feeling strangely caught, as though she had been doing something forbidden.

Alexander suddenly noticed she was uncomfortable and surprised at his appearance. “I'm about to have my shower but I decided to check up on you. I don't usually appear like this.”

Alexander stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His presence filled the room instantly, the air shifting with the sheer weight of his dominance. He moved leisurely, eyes never leaving her. “Tell me, Sophia… now that you’ve had time to think, do you still believe this arrangement is worth it?”

She hesitated, crossing her arms defensively. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” She still felt uncomfortable with his appearance—only with a wrapped tiny towel.

He let out a low chuckle. “That’s not exactly an answer.”

Sophia swallowed hard, willing herself to meet his gaze. “I made my choice. That’s all that matters.”

Alexander tilted his head slightly, as if assessing her resolve. Then, without warning, he reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and tapped a few buttons. A moment later, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.

She frowned, picking it up. Her heart nearly stopped when she saw the notification—another credit alert. Another one hundred thousand dollars.

Her breath came out shaky as she stared at the screen. “You—” She looked up at him, bewildered. “You just sent me more money?”

He gave a slow nod. “Your first monthly allowance. Consider it a reminder of the life you’ve stepped into.”

Sophia felt a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, unease, a sense of being bought. It was a stark contrast to the struggles she had faced before, yet she knew that every dollar came with unspoken expectations.

Alexander took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Enjoy your stay, Sophia. But remember… Everything has a price.”

With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving her standing there, still clutching her phone, her mind reeling.

“Everything has a price.” She whispered to herself. Numerous thoughts began to run through her heart. She thought it had been bought. Anytime Alexander sends her an amount, it usually comes with being able to sacrifice something or being traded off in exchange for the money.

Was this truly the life she had signed up for? Or was she merely a pawn in a game she had yet to understand?

Sophia eventually settled and laid on the bed. The quality and freshness of the bed sheets is attractive to embrace and laid on. 

“There is no going back, the contract is irreversible.” She whispered and fell asleep.

*********

Sophia stepped into the hospital room, her heart tightening at the sight of her frail mother lying on the bed again. The once-strong woman who had raised her now looked small, her skin pale, her eyes filled with exhaustion. Her health is deteriorating every single day. But the moment she saw Sophia, a weak smile crossed her lips.

“My child,” her mother whispered, reaching for her hand.

Sophia sat down beside her, squeezing her fingers gently. “Mama, I did it. I got the money. You’re going to get the best care.”

Her mother’s brows furrowed. “Sophia… where did you get that kind of money? You didn’t do anything reckless, did you?”

Sophia hesitated, forcing a smile. “I made the deal, Mama. A contract marriage with Alexander. He’s taking care of everything.”

Her mother’s grip tightened around her hand. “Sophia, I told you to settle Ethan’s tuition and clear our debts first,” she murmured, her voice tinged with concern. “I would have managed somehow.”

Sophia shook her head, determination hardening her expression. “No, Mama. Your health comes first. What good is a debt-free life if you’re not here to live it with us?”

Her mother exhaled, her frail fingers squeezing Sophia’s. “I wanted you to take care of yourself first, my child. You deserve happiness. A good life. Not… this.” Her voice cracked, guilt and sorrow laced in every word.

Sophia forced a small smile. “Happiness can wait. You can’t.”

Tears welled up in her mother’s eyes. “It breaks my heart that you had to trade yourself for this. If only I could have found another way…”

Sophia immediately shook her head. “Don’t say that, Mama. I did what I had to. I don’t regret it.” She swallowed hard, pushing away the weight in her chest. “I’d do it a thousand times over if it meant seeing you healthy again.”

Her mother wiped at her tears but said nothing, the silence between them heavy with sorrow.

Determined, Sophia kissed her mother’s hand and stood. “I need to finalize the payment. I’ll be right back.”

She hurried to the reception desk, where the receptionist glanced up. “How can I help you, Miss Carter?”

“I want to pay for my mother’s full treatment,” Sophia said without hesitation.

The receptionist blinked in surprise. “All of it?”

“Yes,” she confirmed, already pulling out her phone. “Tell me the amount.”

The receptionist checked the system before reading out the figure. Sophia barely flinched as she tapped the screen, completing the transaction.

“Payment received,” the receptionist confirmed, her tone shifting to one of respect. “Your mother will now be moved to a private room. Her treatment will begin immediately.”

Relief surged through Sophia. “Thank you.”

She returned to her mother’s new private room, the space far more comfortable than the old one. The moment she stepped inside, the doctor entered behind her, a reassuring smile on his face.

“Congratulations,” he said, looking between them. “You’ve done well, Miss Carter. I know how difficult it is to secure this kind of money for treatment.”

Sophia simply nodded, her throat too tight to speak.

The doctor turned to her mother. “We’ll begin treatment immediately. You’re in good hands.” With a final nod, he left.

Her mother turned to her, eyes shimmering with emotion. She reached for Sophia’s hand and held it tightly.

“My daughter,” she whispered. “May God bless you. May He protect you and give you happiness. Whatever you sacrificed, I pray it brings you peace, not regret.”

Sophia closed her eyes, letting the warmth of her mother’s prayer wash over her. But deep inside, she knew—peace was something she might never truly have again.