Chapter two ~ Ruined

Emily

I stare up at him like he has grown two heads. ‘’What do you mean?’’ I ask, confused as it isn’t very nice to pull jokes at a time like this.

Especially for his age and reputation.

I am kneeling and in tears for crying out loud. 

‘’I’m sorry for catching you off guard. You actually dropped your purse which I returned. I know what you are going through and medical bills can be stressful. I can take care of that including you and your brother’s school fees if you agree to help me. Your father’s life can be saved, Emily. You have the power so use it.’’ Mr.Lockhart says and I look at him dumbfounded.

“We met less than an hour ago, how did you do all that research?” I ask as I eye him and he laughs.

“It’s been three hours my dear, and I have some friends who helped.” He smiles and I’m left speechless.

No wonder his businesses do so well. He knows the art of selling but even though. 

How could I? To a complete stranger at that. 

I turn my head to look at the hospital behind me and feel ashamed at the fact that I am even considering it. I should reject and call him out for trying to buy me!

But this is my father’s life at stake.

I have to do whatever it takes and if I was willing to sell my kidney, marriage is a walk in the park. The thoughts flow and I shake them off.

“Why would you pick me whom you just met when you must know so many people who might be a perfect match for your son,” I question him as curiosity grows inside me.

“They’re many. But none like you. If Spike liked you then it must be you.” He answers and I almost laugh.

“So you chose me because your dog licked me?” I ask with amusement in my voice and he laughs with me before his face turns serious.

“You are the first woman he has licked. I don’t know if you believe in signs but I do. And that was the biggest sign I can’t ignore.” He explains passionately such that it shocks me but I nod in acknowledgement.

‘’But how would it work? If I were to agree that is.”’ I quickly correct myself before I sound too cheap. 

‘’I know it’s a lot to take in my dear, but your father doesn’t have enough time and you will only receive the payment once the engagement is in full swing so I suggest we move faster.’’ He lays down the facts but it still hurts having to face the fact over and over again on what will happen if my dad is not operated on. 

I run a hand over my face with a heavy sigh before responding, ‘’ It’s a lot to take in Sir. Uhm  I mean Mr.Lockhart.’’ My cheeks redden in embarrassment but it’s dark and I doubt he can see my face.

He smiles kindly as he offers me a card. ‘’That is okay. Please call me when you’re ready.’’ 

“Okay,” I respond as I take his card.

“Remember Emily. Time is not with us.”

With that, he disappears into the night leaving me to wallow in confusion.

What should I do?

                         ****************

In the night, I barely catch any sleep as I think of what I will do. Before I know it, it’s morning and  Lewis has just left for school. I'm getting ready to submit my report but my thoughts keep drifting making it difficult to concentrate. 

"Are you okay?’’ Nina’s voice comes from the bed where she is sitting. 

‘’Yes, I’m okay.’’ I lie and she walks over to me, wrapping me in a hug. 

She always knows when and how to calm me down when everything comes crashing down. I don’t know how we even became best friends because we are the total opposite. She is in art and I’m in medical school. We are both in our final year but Nina is far from being serious with her school work but she is a great friend. 

She lets me go as he hops on my room table forcing me to look at her, "You look like shit. But you don’t have to be strong around me. We will figure it out and Dad will be fine.’’ 

I understand it’s good to be positive but $50,000 in a week? And that is only round one of the operations. At this point, I’m so exhausted that I don’t even fight her or correct her. All I can do is nod as my mind drifts back to the offer Mr. Lockhart gave me.

Do I have a choice? 

‘’Hey Nina?’’ I look at her as my tongue is itching to ask about Liam. She knows all the hot gossip about the rich people but I think better of it because then I’d have to answer questions I’m not ready for.

"Yes, doll.’’ She laughs and I roll my eyes as I mouth a "Thank you for being here."

"Call me if you need anything.’’ She says as she jumps from the table grabs her bag and leaves. 

Soon it is going to be time to visit Dad and my heart clenches painfully at the thought of going to see him with no solution. Taking a deep breath, I Pick up my phone and dial the number I never thought I would have.

‘’Emily dear.’’ He greets me softly on the other side and I smile at his kindness even though he can’t see me. 

Maybe I can survive this. The thought comes rushing as my heart beats at an abnormal rate for what I am about to say. I feel cheap and disgusted with myself but what can I do?

If anyone is worth this, It’s my father!

Everyone abandoned us and I can’t let the only family Lewis and I have, die when I have the solution on how to save him in the palm of my hands. 

I can never forgive myself.

"Hello. Mr. Lockhart.’’ I begin but my tongue gets tied down.

‘’Please, call me Richngard. Should I take this call as a positive response?’’ His voice comes on the other side and I nod until I realize that he can’t see me.

"Yes, I will do it,’’ I say as my heart beats so fast at the realization of what I’m about to do, the thing I never thought I’d do. 

Getting married! and to a stranger at that.

"That is wonderful! Let’s meet at the office tomorrow so we can go through the contract.’’ He responds excitedly. 

At Least one of us is smiling through this. I sigh.

"No problem.’’ is the only response I can come up with.

                    ******************

The night passes slowly and I twist and turn until I eventually fall asleep. The alarm wakes me up and the next thing I know, I’m rushing to the station for my meeting with Mr. Lockart.

I stand and gulp at the luxurious building which stands tall and proud as I take a deep breath and walk in. Suddenly feeling out of place in my faded jeans and simple top. 

Everyone looks so organized and orderly making me look like I’m definitely lost.

"Excuse me miss, are you here to see someone?’’ A well-dressed man in a suit asks me as he walks in my direction and I smile nervously. 

I definitely look out of place. 

I clutch my small bag as I respond, "Hello. My name is Emily Harper. Yes, I am here to see Mr. Lockhart.’’ 

His eyes light up at the mention of my name and he nods. ‘’Please follow me.’’ 

Soon we stand behind two huge glass doors as he gestures with his hand, "You may go in.’’ 

“Thank you.” I smile.

With a heavy sigh, I nod open the doors and enter the office. 

There was no turning back now.