Sarah’s Pov

I stare at him in disbelief, my mind flooding with questions. Marry him? He is clearly out of his mind. What could he possibly want from me? My mind races with questions, but my words are lost. 'You can't be serious,' I say, my voice barely above a whisper."

"Marry me," Mr. Stones repeated, his expression still as cold as ever, I managed to look into his eyes trying to find an emotion, but I saw nothing, but detachment.

I stare at him still in shock ."You can't be serious," I say, my voice laced with disbelief.

He raises an eyebrow. "Do I look like one to joke?"

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog, my heart races, and my palms sweat, I suddenly feel trapped, I keep reminding myself to breathe and I can feel my anger rising. The nerves of this man "Get out," I snap, pointing towards the door.

He doesn't flinch. "You know where to find me when you're ready to hear me out," he says, his voice still hostile and distant.

I slam the door shut behind him, fury and frustration boiling over. How dare he! I pace back and forth in my living room, trying to process the audacity of his proposal.

At the hospital, the doctor's words broke me into a million pieces “Your mother needs a heart transplant, Sarah The treatment may have contributed to her decline”. The room suddenly felt hot, and my legs became wobbly but I managed to walk out of his office. I knew this was going to cost me a whole lot, my pay at the restaurant wouldn’t cover this, and I didn’t want to ask Mr Marguie for help. I'm done with his cunning ways.

I feel like I've been punched in the gut, my world spinning out of control. I break down in tears, this is a lot, would I ever catch a break, I asked myself.

But as I cry I know can't give up. I have to be strong for my mother and my family. I take a deep breath, wipe away my tears, and start thinking of ways to raise the money.

Think Sarah, I thought about Mr Stones's proposal, I don’t want to sell myself off, it would make me look cheap and needy, I can’t take out a loan I know damn well I won’t be able to pay back on time, I have no choice but to give in to Mr Stones sick idea, I wonder why he wants to marry me, I know it isn’t love it can’t be, so what intentions does he have.

As I pace in the hospital waiting room, the antiseptic smell and fluorescent lights make my head spin. I hate hospitals, it brings back painful memories, I remember losing my dad here.

I glance at my watch and my heart sinks, remembering the doctor's words that my mother needs a heart transplant within the next two weeks, or her condition will become critical. I can't believe it's come to this.

I pull out my phone and dial Emily's number. She answers on the first ring. "Hey, girl! What's up?"

I try to hold back tears, but they spill out anyway. "Emily, it's my mom... she needs a heart transplant. And I don't know what to do”

Emily's tone turns serious. "Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry. I'll be right there."

Twenty minutes later, Emily arrives at the hospital worried plastered across her face. "Hey, what's going on?"

I break down in tears again, and she hugs me tightly. "It's just so much, Emily. The medical bills, the debts... and now this. I feel like I'm drowning." I can’t take it any more Em.

Emily pulls back and looks me straight in the eye. "You're not alone, Sarah. We'll figure this out together."

I take a deep breath and tell her about Mr. Stones' proposal. Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "That's... quite an offer."

I shake my head. "I know, right? But I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to say yes, just to save my mom. But another part of me is screaming no because it feels so wrong."

Emily nods thoughtfully. "Well, first of all, let's get one thing straight: you can't put a price on your self-worth. You are not a commodity to be bought or sold."

“We would figure something out, I could ask my parents for help, and work multiple shifts, we would find a way around this”

No, em I can’t make you do that, I don’t want to put any pressure on you.

“You are not making me do anything, I go you, we will work this out, your mum is going to be fine”.

“Now come on let’s get you home, you reek of antiseptic”

"I still can't believe this is happening," Sarah says, shaking her head as Emily drives her home from the hospital.

"I know, it's a lot to take in," Emily replies, “But we'll figure something out, okay? We'll get through this together."

Sarah nods, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Thanks, Em. Just being here for me means a lot."

As they pull up to Sarah's apartment, Emily turns off the engine and turns to her. "Hey, why don't I grab some food and we can eat in? You look like you could use a break from all this stress."

Sarah smiles weakly. "That sounds amazing, thanks."

As they sit down to eat, Sarah's phone rings. She hesitates, then answers it. Her face falls as she listens to the voice on the other end.

"What is it?" Emily asks concern etched on her face.

Sarah takes a deep breath. "It's the hospital. They say my mom's condition has taken a turn for the worse. She only has a week left now."

Emily's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry."

Sarah shakes her head, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I can't lose another parent, Em. I just can't."

Emily reaches out and takes her hand. "You won't, Sarah. We'll figure something out. You won't have to go through this alone."

Sarah takes a deep breath, then stands up. "I'm going to take Mr. Stones' offer, Em. I know it's not right, but I can't lose my mom too."

Emily's eyes fill with understanding. "I get it, Sarah. I do."