2. I’m not Natalie!

Ruby's POV

“No,” I slurred again, trying to push him away. He didn’t listen, holding me tighter, his hands roaming over me. My heart pounded in a mix of fear and anger as he forced my hand to palm his face. Panic surged through me. I gathered all my strength and shoved him hard. He stumbled backward, hitting the elevator wall and slumping to the ground, tears streaming down his face as he cried out, “Natalie! Natalie!”

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. A man and woman entered, their eyes widening at the scene before them. The strange man from earlier stood up revealing a tall, well-built frame and striking blue eyes that contrasted sharply with his dark hair. He rushed towards the woman. “Natalie, you’re really here. Wait what are you doing here?” he asked, reaching for her hand.

She recoiled in disgust, slapping his hands away. “Get away from me, I don’t know you!” She snapped as she looked up at the man with her. For a moment while they entered I was sure I saw a glimpse of recognition in her eyes.

Embarrassed, he turned away, his face a mask of pain and confusion. Something inside me snapped. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the sheer absurdity of the situation, but I felt a surge of pity for him. I moved to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Come on,” I whispered, and before I could second-guess myself, I kissed him. His lips were soft and needy against mine. I felt his shock melt into the kiss. I pulled him out of the elevator and through his drunken state he led to his room.

Once inside, he pressed me against the wall, our kisses growing more fervent, our hands exploring each other with desperate need. Clothes were discarded carelessly, and we tumbled onto the bed, losing ourselves in the passion of the night.

Later, as he slept beside me, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The reality of what I’d done crashed down on me. Emma needed me. I shouldn’t have had sex with a stranger. What have I just done? He just looked so pitiful and handsome and I couldn’t bare seeing him sad, or did I just sleep with him to forget the hardships im going through. Exasperated with myself, I ran my hand through my hair and glanced at him. Even while sleeping he had the most beautiful eyes, those long lashes balanced well at the end of his eyelids, and the wrinkles around his eyes made me want to see how he looked when he smiled. Subconsciously, I ran my fingers on his cheek, admiring his peaceful state.

“Natalie.” He said, smiling softly as his body moved closer to my touch.

Yea, I think I forgot this was just because of a certain Natalie, no hard feelings whatsoever, he had been a good fuck but all the way through he had thought I was another person. I looked at the time and it was 3am, I needed to get out of there and return to the hospital so Lily could go home to catch some rest. I know she would ask a lot of questions, especially about where I’d gotten such huge amount of money from.

I stood up quietly, tiptoeing as I picked my things and dressed up, but just as I was about to head for the door, my eyes rested on his wallet on the nightstand. Quietly, I tiptoed near it, my heart racing. I grabbed all the cash I could find, shoving it into my purse. Right now, I needed all the money I could get.

One last look at the sleeping man, and I slipped out into the hallway. The cold air of the night hit me as I stepped outside the hotel, making my way back to the hospital. Emma was all that mattered now. I had to see her, hold her, and make sure she was safe.

When I reached the hospital, the lights were dim, and the corridors were quiet. I found Lily in the waiting room, her eyes red from crying.

“Ruby, where have you been? I was so worried,” she said, rushing to hug me.

“I’m sorry, I had to settle somethings.” I said as we refrained from the embrace.

“What things?” She asked, furrowing her eyebrows in concern. “Perhaps you want to start by telling me how you got the money to pay for Emma’s fees and surgeries.”

“Well….” I dragged on, wondering how best to tell her.

“I’m listening,” my redhead friend replied, rolling her eyes impatiently.

“Well, I went to my uncle, he was really the only one I knew that could give me such money.”

“So he gave you the money?”

“Not exactly,” I said, evading her eyes. I knew Lily, and she had told me severally to let Emma go, to take her off mechanical ventilation and let her out of her pain, especially when she was in coma for over four months. I knew Lily loved Emma, but she preferred the little girl not having to live in the hospital day after day.

“Spill it Ruby, what’s going on?”

“I’m getting married.” I rushed out my statement.

“I’m sorry what?” Lily’s eyes bulged wide open. “You don’t even have a boyfriend, talk more of a fiancé, so what do you mean about getting married.”

“It’s a contract marriage, I’m getting paid to marry a guy.”

“What! Surely you don’t meant that Ruby.”

“I do mean it Lily.” I said, drawing her shoulders nearer to me, staring directly in her eyes. “I had no option, I had to do it for Emma.”

“I know, I know, I understand but you have to know what you’ve signed up for. You’re getting married to a man you don’t even know.”

“I know,” I said, slumping into my chair in frustration. “I have no idea what I’m getting myself into.”

“How’s it going to be? Are you going to live with him?”

“The contract says we would stay in the same compound but different apartments.”

“What of Emma?” Her eyes left mine and settled on my dear two year old. “ Where would she stay after the surgery?”

“I can’t tell him I have a kid, so I was thinking maybe you could…?” I dragged on suggestively.

“You want me to keep Emma with me while you’re living a fake life with a man you barely know. Why can’t you just tell him that you have a child?”

“Because it’s an arranged marriage Lily! And I’m sure men like him don’t expect to marry women with children. Look I’m going to come see her everyday.”

Lily's face was a mix of disbelief and concern. She sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging as she considered my request. “Ruby, I’ll take care of Emma. You know I love her, but this whole situation sounds dangerous. You need to be careful. I’m worried about you. I think you're making rash decisions.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude mixed with guilt. I knew she couldn't say no to me. “Thank you, Lily. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She hugged me tightly, her embrace warm and comforting. “Just promise me you’ll be safe. And if you need anything, you call me, okay?”

“I promise,” I whispered, holding onto her a little longer, taking solace in her strength.

Lily pulled back, giving Emma a tender look. “Goodnight, Ruby. I’ll be back in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Lily.” I watched her leave, the sound of her footsteps fading down the hallway, leaving me alone with my unconscious child.

I sat by Emma's bedside, the hum of the machines the only sound in the room. Her tiny hand was cold in mine, and I gently rubbed it, willing her to feel my presence. The sight of her pale face, framed by the harsh hospital lights, broke my heart.

“I’m doing this for you, baby girl,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m doing everything I can to save you.”