CHAPTER 3

The hospital doors flew open as Evelyn bursted through them. The phone call from moments ago kept replaying in her head - Jake's condition had worsened, and the bills were now urgently due.

She didn't even wait to catch her breath before rushing into Dr. Patel's office. "How is this possible?" she gasped and gripped the back of a chair for support. "You mentioned last time that his condition was stable for now."

Dr. Patel barely looked up from his computer screen. "I told you his condition could worsen at any time. This isn't something we can control."

"Please," Evelyn's voice cracked. "Just give me more time. I can find the money, I swear."

"Time?" Dr. Patel scoffed as he finally meeting her gaze. "Your brother doesn't have time. Either you produce the funds, or we'll have to consider other options."

Evelyn's mind raced. Why was this happening now? She'd just lost her job, and now Jake's life was hanging by a thread. "Can I at least see him?" she pleaded.

"No," Dr. Patel said flatly and turned back to his computer. "Not until the financial situation is resolved."

Something wasn't right. This wasn't the Dr. Patel she knew, the one who always offered comfort and hope. She lurched forward and grabbed his coat. "You can't do this! He's all I have left!"

He yanked himself free. "Security!" he bellowed.

Two guards appeared out of nowhere immediately. They grabbed her arms, forcing her toward the door despite her struggles. She screamed Jake's name as they dragged her down the corridor.

At Jake's door, she broke free and reached for the handle, but they quickly caught her again. Her fingers barely brushed the cold metal before they pulled her back.

The guards finally dropped her outside the hospital entrance. Evelyn slumped onto the cold concrete, her mind spinning. Where could she even get the money? What was left to sacrifice?

Dazed, Evelyn got to her feet and stumbled into the street. A car horn blared and headlights blinded her. Time seemed to slow as she faced the oncoming vehicle. A distant part of her brain whispered, "If this is how it ends, so be it."

She closed her eyes and braced for impact, but then breaks squealed followed by the sound of a car door slamming.

Evelyn opened her eyes and blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision as everything came into focus.

The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder with each passing second. A pair of expensive shoes stopped inches from her face.

"You," a cold voice said. "Of all the sidewalks in this city, you had to stumble onto mine."

Evelyn struggled to her feet, her legs trembling beneath her. She brushed her hair from her face and winced when her fingers caught in the tangles.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

She became silent as she locked eyes with the man before her. Recognition hit her like a slap - it was him, the arrogant customer from the bar, the one she'd baptized in Merlot.

"I apologize," Evelyn muttered, averting her gaze. Damn it! what would she do if he recognized her?

She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her cold. "Leaving so soon? You might want to reconsider your grand exit." He pointed at her rough appearance. "You're attracting quite the audience."

Evelyn glanced around and became suddenly aware of the curious stares from passersby. She looked down, taking in her appearance - her clothes were stained and rumpled, and her hair was a mess.

"To spare us both the spectacle of you being mistaken for a vagrant, perhaps you should accept a ride."

She hesitated and weighed her options. He had a point in that. She couldn't possibly be walking like this and not be labeled a mad person. She sighed and climbed into the car.

As the car pulled away there was silence. Evelyn stared out, her mind with a lot of worries. She was already tired, tired of everything and now she had to start another lookout for job.

Then Ethan cleared his throat. "So Ms Martin."

The mention of her name startled her. She turned her head around and her eyes widened. "How did you—"

He waved a familiar book in front of her. "I believe this belongs to you." As Evelyn reached for it, he pulled it back. "Not so fast. I think you owe me something first."

She was confused at this point and looked at him. "An apology," he clarified. "For your little stunt at the bar."

Under normal circumstances, Evelyn would have not apologized at all because to her she was right but tonight, with a lot of things occupying her mind, she simply didn't have the energy to fight.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I was... I am... going through a lot. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

Ethan was surprised as he didn't expect that she'll apologize immediately. He then lowered the book and studied her with a new interest. "That was unexpectedly civilized of you."

She shrugged, her gaze fixed outside the window. "Some battles aren't worth fighting," she whispered loudly. "Not when there are bigger wars to wage."

"You mean the war for your brother's life?"

Evelyn head snapped towards him, her eyes wide with shock. She found herself pressing against the car door as she put distance between them as possible. "How did you... Who are you?"

Ethan smirked as he navigated a turn. "Let's just say I have my sources. Your brother's condition is... quite expensive to treat, isn't it?"

"Why are you prying into my life?" Evelyn's voice rose now. "Just leave me alone. I don't need your help or your pity."

He pulled the car to a stop at a traffic red light and turned to her fully. "Who said anything about pity? I'm merely offering you a mutual beneficial arrangement."

"What?" She stared at him like he'd grown two heads.

"Its a simple one," Ethan replied as he drummed his fingers on the wheel. "I have a problem that needs solving. You need money for your brother's treatment. I believe we can help each other."

She was disgusted at this point, and all she could see was her ex boss. "Who do you think you are? First my boss tries to use my situation against me, and now I have some stalker strangling my life?"

She reached for the door handle quickly, all her instincts telling her to smack him. "I'm leaving. Now."

His hand shot out. "Wait. At least take this." He pulled a sleek business card from his breast pocket, holding it out between two fingers. "Think it over. My offer still stands, incase you change your mind."

Evelyn glared at the card and made no move to take it. Ethan leaned forward, slipping it into her bag. "Just in case," he murmured.

She snatched her bag and her fingers now curled around the door handle. "I can assure you, I won't be changing my mind. Ever." She flung the car door open. "Thanks for the ride, but don't expect a thank-you note."