Chapter 5

NICOLE

A contract marriage was not something I had ever imagined for myself. Love wasn't even on my bucket list. But here I was, considering a contract marriage with Marcus, a wealthy young man.

As I sat on the couch, gazing out the window, I noticed the serene surroundings, and it looked like it was going to rain.

I sent a text to Nina, telling her that I had made it home and that she could enjoy the after-party on her own.

Memories flooded back to me, and tears began to stream down my face. Damian my younger brother had been born with a defective heart, and even at sixteen, his condition was still critical. He had undergone several surgeries, but none had been successful. He urgently needed a heart transplant, but finding a suitable donor had proven to be a challenge due to his rhesus factor.

Also, my dad had suffered a work accident years ago, resulting in a perforated lung.

These were some of the reasons why I had left home and moved to North Dakota - I wanted to work and raise money for Damian's transplant and Dad's treatment. Dad had undergone surgery to cover the hole in his lung, but now it seemed like he had contracted an infection.

My head was pounding and I collapsed onto the couch, slipping into a restless sleep.

Suddenly, my phone rang, jolting me awake. I saw Nina bustling around the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

“Nina,” I groaned, rubbing my temples. “When did you get here?”

“A few hours ago. Are you feeling okay? You look pale,” she said, rushing over with a cup of green tea.

“I just have a bad headache,” I mumbled, taking a sip of the tea. I noticed my phone flashing with my mother's name and quickly answered it.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, my heart racing.

“Thank you, Nicole. Damian is out of surgery, but he’s still unconscious,” she said, her voice shaking.

“Was the surgery successful?” I asked, holding my breath.

“Yes, but we need a donor as soon as possible. His heart muscles are very weak at the moment, and we have a week to find a donor or he might not make it,” she said, struggling to hold back her tears.

“I’ll fly to Florida this evening. I hope to be there by 8 pm,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Would your boss be okay with that?” she asked.

“I’m sure he’ll understand. Please keep me updated, and I’ll see you soon,” I said before hanging up.

As I sat there, tears streaming down my face, I knew what I had to do. I had to go through with this contract marriage with Marcus to save Damian's life.

“Is this another cardiac episode for Damian?" Nina inquired, and I simply nodded, the lump in my throat preventing me from speaking.

"I'm so sorry, Nicole," she said, gently placing her hand on my head as I rested it on her chest. The tears I had been struggling to hold back flowed freely and uncontrollably.

After breakfast, I felt somewhat calmer. Nina insisted on accompanying me to Florida and purchased a ticket for the same flight. Fortunately, we were able to secure twin seats so that she could sit next to me.

After I gave my landlord the remainder of my savings, Nina came with me to pack a few of my belongings before we boarded a bus back to her house.

Nina, there's something I need to tell you," I said, and she looked at me expectantly.

"What is it?" she asked.

"You remember the guy who came to my rescue at the diner a few days ago? Marcus?" I said.

"Of course, I remember him. Wait a minute... I ran a background check on him. He's the biological son of Christian and Jean Russell," she replied, causing me to stare at her in shock.

"Jean Russell? The famous actress who passed away two years ago?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes, that Jean Russell. His father, Christian Russell, owns a chain of high-end schools and real estate. Marcus himself is a self-made billionaire, as he owns Ria Games," she explained, leaving me gaping in disbelief.

"Ria Games? That's the most popular game of the century," I said in surprise.

"Well, it turns out he's not some mysterious man after all. He's a rich young playboy who's also breathtakingly handsome. I wonder what made him step up to save you," she mused.

"Or what made him approach me for marriage," I murmured, causing Nina to exclaim loudly.

"Shh! Keep your voice down, Nina. We're almost home. I'll tell you all about it once we get there," I said, trying to calm her down.

We maintained silence till we reached home but I could see the curiosity burning in Nina's eyes. As soon as we dropped my bags, she turned to me.

"I'm all ears," she said, and I led her to the couch, taking a seat beside her.

"The thing is, I met him again at the art exhibition yesterday. He proposed a business deal where we enter into a contract marriage for the next year”

“His father and stepmother have been nagging him to get married, but he doesn't want to. To appease them, he's decided on a marriage of convenience”

“I'll be paid, and he's already given me some money to handle a few things, which is how I have some money left," I explained, and Nina's jaw dropped in surprise.

"The most sought-after man in all of North Dakota and the United States asked you for a marriage of convenience? Damn girl, you're really lucky," she exclaimed

“Oh, come on, stop teasing me and start packing. We need to leave for the airport soon," I replied with a laugh, playfully smacking her shoulder.

We arrived in Florida in just 40 minutes, and Nina quickly hailed a cab. "Monica Memorial Hospital," she told the driver, and we got in.

"I hope Damian is alright," Nina said, expressing my own thoughts.

The journey was uneventful, and we arrived at the hospital soon enough. I called my younger sister, Darla, to let her know that I was at the hospital counter.

"Nicole!" Darla exclaimed when she saw us, and she hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much," I told her as I kissed her cheeks.

"I missed you too, Nicole. Hi, Nina," Darla greeted as she hugged Nina too.

"Where's Damian?" I asked anxiously.

"Follow me," she said, and we walked to the ward. As we entered the ward, we saw many doctors and nurses bustling around, and our mom was standing by a corner, staring as if in disbelief.

"What's happening?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"They found a donor for Damian, Nicole," Mom said tearfully.

"They found a donor that matches his unique situation. And to top it off, the money for the heart transplant has been deposited anonymously. It's a miracle, Nicole. A miracle has happened."