Chapter Four

“Liv?” Calantha choked out.

“Come now, Calantha!” Liv yelled before the line went dead.

Calantha dropped the phone, her mind racing.

She felt as though the world had collapsed around her. After hearing the nurse’s shocking call, she rushed out of her apartment without a second thought, grabbing her trench coat and bag. Her heart pounded as she hailed a cab to the hospital, fearing the worst.

When she arrived, the scent of antiseptics filled her nose, and her shaky hands clutched the counter at the reception desk. “My brother… Lawrence Donovan. Where is he? Is he… alive?”

The nurse looked up from her desk. “He’s stable for now. He had a crisis earlier, but we revived him. He’s receiving oxygen in Ward 7B.”

Relief washed over Calantha, and her knees buckled slightly. “Thank God… Can I see him?”

“Yes, but first, I’d advise you to speak with Dr. Reynolds. He’s the one who attended to your brother during the crisis.” The nurse gestured toward a tall man in a white coat, scribbling notes on a clipboard nearby.

Calantha hesitated but nodded. She approached the doctor with a trembling voice. “Dr. Reynolds? I’m Lawrence’s sister. How… how is he?”

The doctor turned to her. “Miss, your brother’s condition is critical. We managed to stabilize him this time, but his condition is deteriorating. The surgery he needs can’t wait any longer.”

Her voice cracked as she asked. “How much time does he have?”

Dr. Reynolds sighed deeply. “If we don’t perform the surgery in the next two days, I’m afraid he might not make it.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “But… I don’t have the money. I’m trying, I swear, but—”

“I understand.” The doctor interrupted gently. “But you need to find a way. This is your brother’s life we’re talking about. I suggest reaching out to family, friends, anyone who can help. I’ll do what I can, but the hospital requires at least half the payment upfront before we can proceed.”

Calantha bit her lower lip, nodding numbly. “Thank you, Doctor.”

After exchanging a few more words, she made her way to Lawrence’s ward. Her heart broke at the sight of him, pale and frail, struggling to breathe through the oxygen mask. She sat beside him, holding his hand.

“I’m so sorry, Lawrence.” She whispered, tears streaming down her face. “I promised that I’d take care of you, but I’ve failed. I’ve failed you so badly.”

She leaned closer, her voice shaking. “But I won’t give up on you. I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes. You’re all I have left, and I’m not losing you too.”

She kissed his forehead before stepping out of the ward. For the next two hours, she paced the hospital lobby, her mind racing. Borrowing money was impossible; her credit was ruined. Her friends couldn’t help—none of them had that kind of money. Getting another job wasn’t an option; Lawrence didn’t have the time.

Finally, with her options exhausted, her mind drifted to the black card Favian had given her last night.

In a few minutes, Calantha stood in front of DrDB’s sleek, glass-covered skyscraper. She clutched the black card Favian had given her like a lifeline. Inside, the receptionist greeted her with skepticism, glancing at her worn trench coat.

“I would like to see Mr. Favian.” Calantha said, her voice trembling.

“Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist asked curtly.

Calantha handed over the card. The woman’s eyes widened when she saw the golden inscription: Favian’s VVIP. Her demeanor shifted instantly. “Right this way, Miss.”

The receptionist led her to an elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. Moments later, Calantha found herself standing in front of an imposing double door.

Favian’s office was as intimidating as the man himself—modern, sleek, and exuding wealth. He sat behind a massive desk, reviewing documents, but looked up as she entered. 

His sharp eyes softened with a hint of surprise. “I didn’t think you’d come so soon.” He said with a smug smirk.

 Calantha’s spine stiffened. “I’m not here for small talk. Let’s get this over with.” She replied, sitting across from him.

Without a word, Favian pulled out a stack of papers from his desk drawer and slid them toward her, along with a pen.

She stared at the documents, her brow furrowing. “Did you get this done overnight?” She asked. “Were you that confident I’d accept your offer?”

Favian leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Let’s just say I’m a man who’s always prepared.” He added. “Besides that, you’re the perfect candidate.” Favian said. “You need money, and I need a wife. It’s a win-win.”

She rolled her eyes but picked up the contract. 

Favian began explaining the terms.

“We will be married for exactly one year, you will attend family events and social gatherings, acting as my devoted wife. You will adhere to specific rules to maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage. In return, I'll settle all your debts, pay for Lawrence’s surgery, and provide a generous monthly allowance,”

Calantha frowned, her mind racing. “What happens if I break the contract?”

Favian smirked. “That depends on how you break it. Let’s just say I have contingencies in place.”

She shivered but held her ground. “Fine, but I have conditions too. I need access to my brother whenever I want, a clause allowing me to end the contract if you cross any lines you shouldn’t, and a guarantee that you won’t touch me—aggressively or sexually.”

Favian’s brows rose, impressed. “Agreed.”

He leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on Calantha. “I’m not interested in a grand ceremony.” He began. “We’ll keep this simple—just a private marriage in court. No fuss, no unnecessary attention.” He paused, studying her reaction before continuing. “Once the papers are signed, you’ll move into my estate. It’s necessary to maintain appearances. My family and the media will expect us to live as a couple.”

Calantha frowned, her arms crossing defensively. “And what exactly does ‘maintaining appearances’ mean?”

“It means playing the part of my wife. Attending events, socializing when required, and staying out of trouble.” He replied, firmly. “This isn’t just about us. It’s about keeping up a convincing act—for my family and for the public.” He leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. “I’ll handle everything else, but you’ll need to follow the rules. This arrangement only works if we both stay in character.”

With no other choice, she signed the contract, her hand trembling slightly. And Favian watched her with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Suddenly the door was pushed open, and a feisty woman dressed in designer clothes strode in, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She glared at Calantha before turning her fiery gaze on Favian. “So, it’s true. You weren’t lying when you told Dad you had a woman in your life.”

Calantha shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.

The woman sneered. “How dare you fall in love again after killing our brother?”