CHAPTER 3

Evelyn burst through the hospital doors, her heart pounding in her chest. The call she'd received moments ago echoed in her mind - Jake's condition had worsened, and the bills were now urgently due. She rushed to the doctor's office, her mind reeling.

"How is this possible?" Evelyn gasped, gripping the back of a chair for support. "You said his condition was stable!"

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."

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

"Time?" Dr. Patel scoffed, 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 world tilted. She'd lost her job, and now Jake's life hung in the balance. "Can I at least see him?" she pleaded.

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

Desperation clawed at Evelyn's throat. She lunged forward, grabbing Dr. Patel's coat. "You can't do this! He's all I have left!"

Dr. Patel yanked himself free, his face twisted with disgust. "Security!" he bellowed.

Two burly guards appeared, forcibly escorting Evelyn from the office. She struggled against their grip, screaming Jake's name as they dragged her down the hallway. At Jake's door, she broke free, reaching for the handle, but was quickly restrained again.

Evelyn's legs gave out as the guards deposited her outside the hospital entrance. She slumped against the cold concrete, her mind reeling. Where could she possibly get that kind of money? What was left to sell? To sacrifice?

In a daze, Evelyn stumbled to her feet and wandered into the street. A horn blared, headlights suddenly blinding her. Time seemed to slow as she faced the oncoming car. A distant part of her brain whispered, "If this is how it ends, so be it."

She closed her eyes, bracing for impact. The screech of brakes pierced the air, followed by the slam of a car door. Evelyn opened her eyes, blinking against the glare of headlights.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered open, the harsh glare of headlights momentarily blinding her. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision as the world slowly came into focus. The sound of approaching footsteps cut through the haze of her thoughts, growing louder with each passing second.

A pair of expensive leather shoes stopped inches from her face. "You," a cold voice drawled. "Of all the sidewalks in this city, you had to stumble onto mine."

Evelyn struggled to her feet, her legs wobbling hard. She brushed her tangled hair from her face, wincing as her fingers caught in the knots. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Her words died in her throat as she locked eyes with the man before her. Recognition dawned, bringing with it a wave of disbelief. It was him—the arrogant customer from the bar, the one she'd baptized in Merlot.

"I apologize," Evelyn muttered, averting her gaze. She took a shaky step, intent on escaping this uncomfortable reunion.

The man's voice sliced through the air. "Leaving so soon? You might want to reconsider your grand exit." His eyes raked over her disheveled form. "You're attracting quite the audience."

Evelyn glanced around, suddenly aware of the curious stares from passersby. Her cheeks burned as she took in her appearance—clothes stained and rumpled, hair a wild nest atop her head.

Ethan's lips curled in disgust. "To spare us both the spectacle of you being mistaken for a vagrant, perhaps you should accept a ride."

Evelyn hesitated, weighing her limited options. With a resigned sigh, she climbed into the luxurious car, the leather seats creaking beneath her.

As the car pulled away from the curb, an uncomfortable silence settled between them. Evelyn stared out the window, her mind filled with worry and exhaustion. The man cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

"So Evelyn," the man's voice broke through her thoughts, startling her.

She whipped her head around, eyes wide with surprise. "How did you—"

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

Evelyn's brow furrowed in confusion. Ethan's eyes narrowed. "An apology," he clarified. "For your little stunt at the bar."

Under normal circumstances, Evelyn would have bristled at his arrogance. But tonight, with the weight of Jake's condition crushing her spirit, 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."

The man's eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting such a quick capitulation. He lowered the book, studying her face with curiosity. "Well," he said, clearing his throat. "That was easier than expected."

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

Ethan's eyes narrowed. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "You mean the war for your brother's life?"

Evelyn's head snapped towards him, her eyes wide with shock. She instinctively pressed herself against the car door, putting as much distance between them as possible. "How did you... Who are you?”

A smirk played at the corners of Ethan's mouth 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, her hands clenching into fists in her lap. "Just leave me alone. I don't need your help or your pity."

Ethan's eyebrows arched as he pulled the car to a stop at a red light. "Who said anything about pity? I'm merely offering a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What kind of arrangement?"

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

Evelyn's face contorted with disgust. "Who do you think you are? First my boss tries to use my situation against me, and now I have some stalker thinking he can offer deals?”

She reached for the door handle, her movements sharp and angry. "I'm leaving. Now."

Ethan's hand shot out, not quite touching her but hovering near her arm. "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, should you change your mind."

Evelyn glared at the card, making no move to take it. Ethan leaned forward, slipping it into her bag with a swift motion. "Just in case," he murmured.

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

With that, she stepped out of the car, slamming the door with enough force to make the vehicle rock.

Ethan watched through the window as Evelyn stormed away, a small smile playing on his lips.

"We'll see about that, Evelyn," he murmured to himself. "We'll see."