Part 5

5

"There's a burst blood vessel in his head that needs to be addressed immediately, requiring a blood transfusion and surgery as soon as possible," a man dressed in all white explained to Chelsea after examining Tomas.

"The surgery needs to be done soon, Doctor?" Chelsea inquired, repeating the information.

"Correct, and to proceed with the surgery, you must register first. You'll also need to sign a consent form for the surgical procedure before it's performed. Additionally, you'll need to pay half of the total cost upfront since Mr. Tomas doesn't have any insurance or similar health coverage."

Chelsea nodded slowly. "Approximately, how much is the upfront payment?" she asked weakly, although she couldn't really question this because she was aware that she didn't have the funds to bring her father to the operating table.

"Around $10,000 in total. $5,000 for the upfront payment, which includes blood and medications up until the completion of the surgery."

Chelsea tried to keep her facial expression composed. She wasn't panicking at all, even though it felt like her world had crumbled. Shattered into pieces, completely formless.

"I'll try to make the payment soon..."

"I recommend that Mr. Tomas undergoes surgery in two days' time to prevent his condition from worsening."

"Alright, Doctor," Chelsea replied before leaving the man's office. Her body felt cold and sweaty, not knowing where to obtain that amount of money within the next two days.

Dragging her steps, Chelsea slumped in front of Tomas's hospital room. She sighed heavily several times. She remembered Indri and quickly contacted her friend to share the news from the doctor. Although Indri couldn't help, at least Chelsea could share her sorrow.

"$10,000, Chelsea? Oh my... can't they reduce it to just $100 or something?" Indri asked on the other end of the call.

With only half of that amount, $5,000, neither of them could fathom where to find such a sum, let alone the full amount of $10,000. It seemed utterly impossible.

Especially considering they only had two days. "I also have no idea where to get that much money. As you know, there are no remaining assets. Even my father's insurance has been claimed by my mother. Right now, I also have to pay the rent that's due in a week. How can I possibly find that much money? Swear to anything, I feel like dying," Chelsea confessed. If she were to follow her impulses and be honest, Chelsea would want to end her life right now.

She truly couldn't afford the medical expenses anymore, let alone dealing with her mother's behavior and other bills.

However, she had to keep fighting because her father, the reason for her existence, was still alive up to this moment. No matter the cost, Chelsea had to come up with a substantial amount of money to continue her father's treatment.

If Tomas were no longer around, Chelsea might find peace and follow in her father's footsteps.

 "You must not talk like that, Chelsea. It's better to contact Carlos now and tell him you accept his offer to seduce Vano. Let him know you need $10,000 right away."

"Are you crazy? Do you really think Carlos would give me that much money just from my words? He would be afraid I'd run away and betray him. $10,000 isn't a small amount, Indri. Don't you know that?"

"True, but you can convince Carlos by asking him to create a legally binding agreement. I'm sure Carlos would agree if you genuinely want to become Vano's prospective wife."

"Fine, then I'll contact Carlos. I'll end the call now, and I'll get back to you after I've talked to him."

"Alright," Indri concluded the call, feeling anxious as she awaited news from Chelsea.

Chelsea hurriedly contacted Carlos and explained her current situation. He was at his office and couldn't talk much, so he asked Chelsea to come over.

Despite the difficulty of leaving her father, Chelsea followed Carlos's instruction. Riding her worn-out motorcycle, she left the hospital and headed to a 17-story building.

Knowing Chelsea was going to see him, Carlos sent his secretary to wait for her in the company's lobby, so she could be easily guided to his office.

"Please wait here; I'll inform Mr. Carlos that you've arrived," a woman said before knocking on Carlos's office door.

One knock, then two, calls and calls, but no response came. Frustrated, the woman took the bold step of opening the office door to check on Carlos. She was surprised to see Carlos embracing Margareth. It was completely unexpected, considering that earlier, he had seen Margareth leave with Chelsea. So, what was this?

Seeing her mother in Carlos's office, Chelsea quickly sought a hiding spot. She didn't want Margareth to know that she was now involved with Carlos.

"I'm sorry, sir. I've been calling and knocking, but you didn't respond at all. And I was asked to promptly welcome the guest, so I thought..."

"It's alright; I'm done. Please go back to your desk and tell my guest to come in."

"Of course, sir!" the woman said before leaving. However, she was puzzled when she didn't find Chelsea near her desk. In a panic, she ran around searching for Chelsea, who was now hiding under her desk.

"We can't get married until we have Vano's approval. I also can't process our marriage documents without a divorce certificate from your husband," Carlos said as he exited his office. His arm was now around Margareth, who was clinging to him affectionately.

"Try to find another way. With the money you have, I think we can get married as soon as possible. Seriously, I can't stand living in this mosquito-infested, stuffy rental house anymore. I also can't stand being apart from you for too long due to longing." Margareth spoke so tenderly, unlike when she talked to her husband.

Hearing her mother's words, Chelsea suddenly felt nauseated. She felt like vomiting right now.

"I can manipulate things so that we can get married. However, before that, you must clearly remember when was the last time you had sexual intercourse with your husband. I don't want any unwanted pregnancies here." He gently rubbed Margareth's belly.

"That was a long time ago. Ever since he cheated, I haven't done it with him. I'm repulsed, Mas. Just thinking about having to take turns with him..."

"Alright. I'll talk to Vano again; hopefully, he'll come around. If Vano agrees, we'll get married right away."

"Really?" Margareth cheered.

"Of course. The final decision rests with Vano."

"I love you." Margareth nuzzled Carlos's neck, aiming for his lips but failing as Carlos blocked her with his palm.

"Mas," Margareth whined, disappointed. Carlos always avoided her when she got too touchy.

"Go home. I have a client."

"But..."

"Margareth..."

"Fine, fine. I can't stand it anymore, but you just don't get it!" she grumbled, leaving Carlos.

Carlos just shook his head, watching Margareth's behavior. She was starting to capture his heart, but she couldn't arouse him the way Chelsea did.

"Chelsea?" Carlos raised an eyebrow, thinking about the girl, then noticing her crouching under the secretary's desk. "What are you doing there?"

"Uh, Uncle," Chelsea stammered, embarrassed by her own behavior.