Chapter 6

Isabella's POV

"Doctor please, you have to help my mother. I don't want her to die." I pleaded with the doctor in tears to save my mother.

"Ma'am, your mother requires surgery, otherwise her condition will just get worse." He said looking at me, his small eyes peering through the nose-rimmed glasses he had on. I could see pity.

"How much would the surgery cost?" I asked in fear. I had spent a lot on my mother's health already and tried to avoid surgery at all costs. But now it seemed, surgery was the last option.

"For her condition, approximately $1.3 million dollars."

"What?!! Where am I gonna get such money?" No, this cannot be happening. . "Doctor, can't there be something you can do to help her now at least?"

"I'm sorry ma'am. That's the last option we have. The tumor has grown considerably and it's now life-threatening. If we don't take it out soon, she may not survive. I suggest you take a loan or find a friend who can help."

That was probably the worst day of my life. And believe me, I've seen the worst of things.

My mom had developed a brain tumor when I was 19, and we were able to manage it for three years. I worked three jobs just to afford her drugs. One as a waitress, a bartender and I also made dresses to sell at a local thrift store. I couldn't sew anymore though. Her condition grew considerably worse after my divorce with Jacob, my ex-husband.

Jacob was from a very rich family, one of the most respected in Oklahoma city. I met Jacob when I was 20, at a local restaurant. We fell in love and planned to get married after a year. At first his parents weren't judgemental, but six months into the marriage, they began questioning my identity. His father did some investigation and found out I was from a dysfunctional home, with my dad nowhere to be found and my mom battling with her health. I was basically the one doing everything.

They thought I married their son for their money and poisoned his mind into divorcing me. I was heartbroken, betrayed, hurt. But I had to be strong, for my mother.

She on the other hand, didn't take it so lightly. She got so worried about us and went into cardiac arrest, which got her hospitalized. The doctors had realised how bad her condition had gotten and the need to get rid of the tumor in her brain. Now, I had to come up with $1 million dollars for her surgery. Seemingly out of nowhere. Oh Lord.

I stared outside my room window as I recollected my thoughts. The cold breeze washed my face, leaving my skin pale. "You gotta start somewhere Bella." I muttered to myself and headed to my bathroom. I had a long day ahead

I slowly allowed the water seep into my hair, wetting it. I listened to the soft sounds of the water, quietly arranging the days activities in my head. I had an interview to get to at an advertising firm, and work my next 8 hour shift at The Hidden Café. After that I needed to visit my mother in the hospital. "Argh." Today better be good.

I was taking a shower when I heard my phone buzz. Hm, wonder who that could be.

After drying body with a towel, I sat on the bed and took my phone.

Hannah- Hey girly, I was wondering if you were free today, maybe we could meet up? I have something very important to discuss with you.

Isabella- Sure why not? Name the place and time.

Hannah- How about the Kakao Café? We can talk over some bagels and coffee. When will you be on your break?

Isabella- Sure, 4pm.

I replied and started dressing up. I met Hannah a few weeks ago and we had a striking resemblance. The only difference was our hairstyles. I couldn't forget the look she had on her face that afternoon. Like she had seen a ghost. I laughed. She was such a sweet woman. I saw a lot of myself in her.

I got done in under 15 minutes and left the house, making sure to lock the doors. I hailed a cab and told the driver I was headed to The Gateway, the advertising firm where I applied for. I arrived in a little under 15 minutes and damnnnn this place was big. I got a little nervous, and sweaty. Oh God, not now. I took five...okay maybe ten deep breaths and carefully pushed open open the fibre glass doors to the building.

I was greeted by a large reception, with a long glass window at the end of the room that seemed to go on forever. There were four chairs on the right side of the room, for guests I suppose. There was a fancy chandelier in the middle, lighting up the hall. People were moving in and out of offices, each one with a file or tabloid, and a very serious look on their face. I got more nervous, and sweaty.

I headed straight for the receptionist. Can't back down now.

"Hi, good morning. I'm Isabella Wilfred. I'm scheduled for an interview with Mr Devin." I said with the most cheerful smile I couldn't muster. She on the other hand, wasn't buying it.

"Really? An interview huh. Sorry, Mr Devin's not around." She had a disgusting look on her face.

"How is that possible? It says here on my email that the interview is scheduled for 9:30 and it's 9:25, maybe you should-"

"Listen girlie, this isn't my first rodeo. You little sluts dress pretty and nice just to get into his office and do all sorts of shit. Have some self dignity for once and walk away." She cut me off, probably in the most rude way ever. But did she just call me a slut? No way this drawing of a human would make me miss my interview. I needed this.

"Please, I can't miss this interview with him. It's my last chance." I tried being nice. She still had this "I don't care what you want" look on her face and it was slowly pissing me off.

"You little bitch, what didn't you understand by-" She slowly shut her mouth as her gaze shifted to someone or something behind me. I turned around. Finally!

"Yes, calmly talk to him and see if we can invite him for another interview." That voice, it was-- Devin Hughes! The chairman of the firm! He was good-looking, bright brown eyes, jet black hair and fairly chiseled face. And he had this laugh, the type that people usually associate with rich men. I caught myself smiling and put my act together. Yes! I gave a last "in yo face" look to the rude receptionist and walked towards him.

"Excuse me sir, good morning. I'm Isabella Wilfred. I'm supposed to have an interview with you this morning. It is such a pleasure." I said, slightly bowing.

"Ah yes, Isabella. I was really impressed with your resumé. We need a little bit of young minds to help add some spice to the environment. We are getting a little old you know." He said, taking me in his vision. I suddenly felt uneasy.

I let out a nervous laugh. "Thank you so much sir." At least he was impressed. There was finally light at the end of the tunnel.

"Shall we?" He implored.

"Of course." I said as I followed him into his office. Here goes nothing.

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"You want me to do what??!" I was both furious and scared. This can't be happening right now, please, not now. I had all the requirements. I clearly passed the interview. This was just pleasure. Stupid pleasure. And I sure won't be a part of it.

"Keep your voice low baby doll. I could make a lot of sounds come out of that pretty mouth." There was pure lust in his voice. The revolting type. This man....no, this demon had just asked me to strip in front of him!!!!

"Sir, please you can't do this. It's not proper! It's not fair!" I was on the verge of crying, again. Another opportunity, gone. Just like that. Was I cursed?

"The world isn't fair baby doll." He relaxed into his chair. As if giving me time to think. Fuck no!

"Well then, goodbye. And keep your fucking job." I retorted and quickly ran out before he could say anything. There was no way I was gonna be that cheap. Dropping to the floor on the pavement outside, I cried my eyeballs out. All I could think of was my mom. My mom! Oh shoot. I had about an hour before I was supposed to start my shift at the Café. Maybe I could see her. I quickly called a taxi and headed straight to the hospital.

"You'll be fine mom, I promise." I stared at her pale face while holding her hands, connected to a syringe with drip slowly flowing into her veins. The tumor had made it so that she fell asleep easily, and for long periods too. "Dear God, please do something." I silently prayed in my heart. I left in a hurry, I was almost late for my shift. I wish I had more time with her.

I rushed back to the Café and put on my waitress clothes. Adding a touch of powder on my face, I smiled at myself inthe mirror and dived into the sea of humans we called customers.

"Bella? Are you okay?" My coworker and friend Gina, asked.

"Huh?" I replied blankly. "Oh no no, I'm fine. Just got caught up in the middle of something." No. I wasn't fine, I was on the verge of breaking down and screaming so loud people would think I was a banshee that's searching for her daughter. But I couldn't, I had to put myself together.

"You seemed lost there for a sec. It's 4pm by the way. Time for your break." She said as she walked away.

"Yeah, thanks." I checked the time on my wrist watch, 4:03pm. I quickly texted Hannah.

Isabella- Hey girl, are you here yet?

She replied almost immediately.

Hannah- Yeah I just got out of a cab. Where are you?

Isabella- Third seat to the left.

I looked up as we locked eyes with each other and smiled simultaneously.