Valeria’s POV

I stood in front of the director's office, my heart thundering against my ribcage. I thought of turning back several times but my legs wouldn't move. This is the last ticket to mother's treatment and I'm not going to let it slip away.

I breathe in and out, steadying myself before knocking on the door gently.

“Come in,” the director's sharp voice called out.

I twisted the doorknob and stepped inside.

The director—a middle-aged bald man was seated in a couch that was facing the door directly while another man whom I assumed was the shareholder Dr. Green was talking about sat on the couch backing the door.

The director's brows furrowed, his expression was laced with a mix of disgust and anger.

I opened my mouth to talk but no words came out.

The silence was thick between us for a while before the director finally broke it.

“Who the hell are you?“ He snapped, his patience wearing thin.

“Hmmm,” I started, swallowing hard. Then my voice became confident, surprising even me. “I'm Valerie Gaston. My mother is being diagnosed with heart disease and I heard about the sponsorship to treat heart disease patients, so I was hoping that my mother could be included.“

The director scoffed. “Who do you think you're to barge in here and think you can make such a demand? Do you think here is a charity organisation you can just waltz into anytime you have problems? The list is always complete.“

His words cut deeper than I cared to admit. I couldn't say a word; just stood there. Head lowered. Fingers fisting into the edge of my blouse. Tears blurring my eyes.

“Now. Get out.“

“I'm sorry about that. I just wanted to save my mother,” I whispered.

I turned to walk out of the room. The moment I reached for the doorknob another sharp voice kept me rooted to the spot.

“Wait.“

It was the shareholder's voice.

A beat passed then I heard footsteps behind me; I could feel the person standing just a few strides away.

His presence was so suffocating. His heat radiating off me. The smell of his expensive cologne filled my nostrils.

“You want to save your mother?“ He asked, his voice low.

I nodded. “Yes.“

He rounded me and stood right in front of me.

“Look at me!“ He commanded.

And I forced myself to look up at him.

He stood tall, chiseled jaw, blue dreamy eyes with a smug grin on his face.

“Marry me and I’ll make sure your mother lives.”

I didn't say anything. I looked at him, really looked at him, trying to see if he was pulling my legs or something but his expression gave nothing away; he was serious.

My chest skipped a beat. “Are you serious?“

“Of course. Matthew Rodriguez is too busy to joke around,” he said, his voice brimming with pride and his eyes sizing me up like I was a prey to be devoured.

“You’re insane,” I whispered.

He chuckled, brushing invisible dirt from his sleeve. “My mother wants me married before the next board meeting. Says it’ll 'make me look responsible.’ So this works for both of us. You get your mother treated, and I… get everyone off my back.”

“Mr. Rodriguez, are you sure of what you're saying?“ The director asked, her voice laced with disbelief. “She's just some girl that…..“ he didn't complete his statement but I knew what that meant.

I was just a girl below his level, so what would he do with me when there are thousands of other beautiful and influential women in Las Vegas who'd die to have him.

“She would do it. She's beautiful and I'm sure she would be compliant,” Matthew said.

Compliant? He needed someone that would follow his rules blindly. No questions asked. No complaints. And I was the perfect person.

I squeezed my eyes closed, willing to halt the storm brewing Inside me. All my life, I had fought to keep my pride and dignity intact. I have made a vow never to sell myself short but at this juncture I think it's the only option left.

I opened my eyes and met his gaze. “I will marry you.“

“Fine.“ He gave a triumphant smile and moved towards the door.

He opened the door and called over his shoulders. “Come with me. Let's go save my mother-in-law.“

His voice sounded so calm like he was truly concerned about her.

I looked back at the director—whose mouth was still wide open and then walked out, trailing behind Mathew.

_________

Hours later, I sat beside my mom inside the hospital room.

“I heard some nurses talk about how you want to get married to a man you don't love because of me,” mother whispered, her voice trembling slightly due to her condition that seems to have worsened.

I swallowed hard; didn't know what to say as a mix of rage and disappointment courses through me. Who are those nurses that are so insensitive to gossip in front of a sick woman?

I had hidden everything away from her, told her a charity organisation paid for her surgery because I know how bad she would feel when she learns of it.

“No… mom. Of course not. Mathew and I are in love,” I lied smoothly. "We've been seeing each other for a while now.“

Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Don't lie to me, Val. You shouldn't have done this because of me. You should have let me die instead.“

“Mom….“ I screamed, tears dancing in my eyes. “Stop talking about death like it's nothing. What would I do without you by my side? I need you mom. You are the only family I have in this cruel world. So… please survive for me.“

I blinked away my tears and wiped hers with the back of my hand.

“It's only for some time. I will divorce anytime he treats me badly.“

Another lie. I'm bound to Mathew Rodriguez forever. Or till he gets tired of me at least. Only he gets to make the call.

“Dr. Green stepped inside. "We are ready for the surgery.“

My heart raced as I stood up, squeezing her frail hands. “Survive, mom. I will be here waiting for you.“

She nodded weakly.

The doors to the operating room shut with a soft click. I stood alone in the hallway—hoping that mama made it back. Alive.