CHAPTER ONE: THE UNEXPECTED OFFER

ANNIKA'S POV

The chapel was silent, as silent as the way my heart weeps. I kneeled down, tears streaming down my face as I closed my eyes, uttering a silent prayer.

“Please… Lord, if you're listening, please hear my prayer. Save my mother, she's the only one left to me. I can't… I can't afford to lose her…” I whispered.

My tears kept falling down my cheeks. I wish I had seen it coming, but she took me by surprise. I can't remember a day when I saw her hurting, maybe she was just good in hiding it away from me. My heart twisted in pain, thinking how she chose face her battles and suffer alone.

“Hey…” Jade's familiar voice pulled me out of my trance.

I looked at her sadly. What will I do without her?

“The doctor wanted to talk to you…” she said, smiling weakly.

I wiped my tears away and stood up. Before leaving, I looked at the cross that was at the center of this mini chapel and prayed again.

Jade held my hand, gently patting and stroking my back to comfort me.

“Do you think she will be okay?“ I asked hesitantly.

She shrugged, her face fell into despair, and I couldn't help but to overthink. If anything happens to my Mom, I will be really devastated. She's all I have…

“I don't really know, but hey. Keep you faith stronger. God will not give us these trials if he knows we can't surpass it. We have to believe that she will be okay. She's a fighter, remember?“ she encouraged me.

Jade held my hand tightly, and gently squeezed it. Her eyes have become hopeful, and her smile gave me strength. She's right… I need to trust God, and believe in His power.

We walked back into her room. The sight from the hospital lobby was sickening. There were children crying because of pain, and other people who don't have the means to pay for a private room. It makes my heart bleed, seeing a lot of people suffering, and yet, they had nothing to do because they lack one thing: Money.

I looked away, I can't stand seeing people fighting for their lives. It makes me remember how my own father took his last breath in front of me. He was hit by a car, driven by a drunk driver. Their family was wealthy, and we had no choice but to accept the money they offered so Dad can have a decent burial. It was mainly the reason why I hated alcohol.

It hurt to see him take his last breath, his eyes were crying as he tried to say something to us. I was shaking that time, my tears fell uncontrollably as I sob and call his name, but his heart finally stopped beating. I was angry, but I couldn't do anything because we are 'No One”.

“Are you okay?“ Jade asked, concern lacing her voice.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. I still get this angry feeling whenever I remember my Dad. And now that my Mom is sick, I can't help but to feel extra nervous.

“I'm fine… I just remembered something…” I replied, stopping in front of Mom's room.

I took a deep breath, and mustered all the courage I have. The door clicked open, and I stepped inside slowly, trying as much to avoid looking at my Mom.

She looked so peaceful while she sleep. There were machines attached to her body, to monitor her heartbeat and pulse. An oxygen was in her mouth so she can easily breath. She looked so peaceful, but I know she's suffering deep inside her. I swallowed hard, and looked up to stop my tears from falling. I walked over to her side, and held her hand tightly.

“How is she, doctor? What really happened to her?“ I asked.

“Ms. Dela Cruz, I will be honest with you. Your mom is in critical condition. Your mother is suffering from cardiac arrhythmia, which causes her heart to beat a lot faster than normal,” he sighed.

My eyes widened, I had no idea her condition was serious.

“Cardiac Arrhythmia may cause stroke, or worse, heart attack that may lead to her death,” he continued.

My mouth gaped open, unable to believe that in a just a snap, I may lose my Mom. Unconsciously, my tears started gliding down my face. I shook my head violently, my body shaking from fear and worry.

“No… no… Is there a way to save her? Please… there's got to be some way!“ I held his coat, and shook him.

Jade held me, to stop me from assaulting the doctor.

“Annika, stop it. Get a grip!“ she said.

“Actually, there's still a chance for your mother. We need to perform an immediate open heart surgery. We will need a heart donor…” he explained.

“How much will it cost?“ I asked.

“I will require you to prepare at least half a million for the surgery, and the medicines for her fast recovery,” He replied.

My heart sank upon hearing his words. Where will I get such a huge amount of money? Even my savings will never be enough to cover for all the expenses we will incur.

I pushed all the negative thoughts away. I still want to spend more time with my Mom, I still want to give her the life that she deserves. I'll do everything I can to save her.

“Do what you must, Doctor. I'll find a way to gather the amount needed. Please doctor, save my mother,” I begged.

“Rest assured, we will do our best Ms. Dela Cruz,” the doctor said, and excused himself, tapping my shoulders for encouragement.

The moment he went out of the room, Jade pulled me into a hug. I sobbed, and cried like a child in her chest. Why is it happening to us? What have we done? I asked myself.

“I don't know what to do anymore, Jade. I don't have that amount of money. What will happen now?“ I asked, still sobbing.

“Hey, everything will be okay. God will provide…” she replied.

Jade continued to stroke my back until I calmed down. I sat down beside Mom while Jade went out get us some food.

It was monday morning, I left the hospital to report for work. Jade volunteered to help by watching Mom.

I sat on my post, but my mind was floating somewhere. I've been working as an executive assistant to Mr. Caspian Timothy Ferrer for more than a year now. He was a good boss, but he's a womanizer, which was I why I distanced myself from him.

I sighed, and got my planner to check his schedules for today. I organized it, and made sure I don't forget any important meeting.

I stopped what I was doing when his familiar manly scent filled my nostrils. I looked up, and saw him looking so grumpy.

“Good morning, Sir. Your schedule for today is—”

“Cancel all my appointments for today,” his cold, baritone voice cut me off.

“Yes, Sir,” I replied.

He didn't say another word. I made him a cup of coffee before I started calling his clients to cancel the meeting, and reschedule. When I was done, I immediately felt the weariness seeping in.

I tried ro concentrate on my work, but everywhere I turn my eyes to, I can see Mom's face. I can hear her painful screams and feel her agonizing pain. If only I could take away everything that hurts her.

I let out an exasperated sigh, thinking on how I can accumulate such a large amount of money. The longer she stays in the hospital, the bigger the expenses will be. We're not really well-off, and I'm just earning enough to provide for us. What will I do now?

“Are you okay?“ Sir Caspian's voice woke me up.

He was looking at me intently, his eyebrows were almost touching and his forehead was in a deep crease. I released my breath, and looked away, trying to contain my emotions. Am I okay? Of course, I'm not. I don't want to burst out in front of him, but my chest felt so heavy.

“Yes, I am. I'm sorry, Sir—”

“No, you don't look fine to me. Come inside my office. I want to talk to you,” he said.

I was confused. His tone sounded concerned. He walked inside his office, and I immediately followed, afraid that he might scold me if I take too long.

The air-conditioning inside his office brought me chills. He motioned for me sit in front of him.

“So, care to tell me what's bothering you? I know you're doing great in your job, and I don't want you to make mistakes,” he stated.

I was beyond surprised, he's not really the type to check on his employees. This is actually the first time we've talked about anything aside from his daily schedule.

“I— my mother is sick. She's currently in the hospital, and will need a huge amount for her operation. She's all I have…” I shared.

I don't know why I was comfortable sharing it to him. Maybe I just needed someone to talk to, someone to release all the worries that filled my mind.

“How much do you need?“

My mouth gaped open. He looked at me, and I can see from the expression on his face that he was serious.

“Half a million…” I whispered.

“I'm willing to pay for your mother's operation, and in addition to that, I will increase you salary by fifty thousand,”he said, out of the blue.

My eyes grew huge, unable to believe what he just said. This is a joke, right? I mean, why would he give such an offer?

I wasn't thinking straight anymore. It was an unbelievable offer, but I found myself biting the bait.

“What's the catch, Sir?“

The corners of his lips twitched.

“Simple. I will take care of everything for your mother's operation. All I ask of you is one favor. Marry me.“