III: Ex, Join the Show With Me

DEENA'S POV

"According to her results, your mother has a rare type of ovarian cancer also known as Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma, and it's currently at stage 3. Because this type of cancer is extremely rare, the treatment would be expensive and it would require surgery, therapy and possibly immunotherapy. I am informing you now that  this type has no exact treatments unlike any other types of cancer, and we'll have to experiment should you wish to proceed with treatment. If you approve, we must start the treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from damaging her organs."

I covered my mouth in shock and Daniel wrapped me in a hug. Days passed since Mom fainted and admitted, and we waited for the result, praying that it's nothing serious. But in the end, not all of our prayers are answered. 

"Why her, Daniel? Mom has always been careful with her health. Why did this have to happen to her?" I wailed, clutching my brother desperately to borrow some support. 

My brother and I cried, and the sound of it echoed around the doctor's office. I didn't know I still had tears to cry after all I've been through in just a span of a few weeks.

"We must treat her before we lose her, Dan." I sniffed and small hiccups left me. I stopped crying, but that heavy feeling on my chest remained.

"Where will we find the money for the treatment?" Dan asked with a solemn look on his face and punched the chair outside the doctor's office. "It should have been me! I'm useless. I'm an alcoholic, a gambler, a worthless son!" 

I shook my head and wiped my tears. "There is no use for any of that now. I don't know where but I won't just sit around here." I stood up with a determined look on my face.  "Let's not tell Mom yet while I look for a solution. Take care of her, Dan." 

I hopelessly looked at my bank account to see that I had saved enough for the first treatment, but I would be left with nothing. How about the next treatment? I can't take out a loan because I have no job yet. I have no one I can borrow money from. 

Swallowing my pride, I reached out for all the directors I have worked with to ask for some job, even if the role is minor, but they all responded with the same answer—no vacancy. I didn't give up and personally visited the other bosses in the company. I didn't care if I lost face if it’s for my mother. I would do everything. 

"Oh, dear. I'm afraid we have no role that will suit you at this time." Mylene, one of the executives I know, told me. 

"Mylene, I really need a job to help my sick mother. I need your help. Please." I begged her with thorns stuck in my throat.

When I decided to try my hand at acting, I didn't ask for Trenton's help. I auditioned for the roles and I was accepted because of my perseverance. I didn't want to be known as the owner's wife. I wanted to be known for my talent, but all my efforts were only in vain.

Mylene sighed deeply and opened her mouth to answer when there was a knock on the door and her secretary gave her a folder. She opened it briefly, but then her eyes widened and a smile spread across her lips. 

"Oh, what a coincidence? We've had a meeting about this just a week ago and it has been approved," the smile on her face faded and she suddenly looked uneasy. "I don't think it's good for you though, Deena." 

"What is it?" 

I'm desperate enough to accept anything at this moment and I am willing to accept any role. 

"It's a show where ex-couples will participate, and the winning couple that is willing to give their relationship a chance will win three million dollars plus a house and lot." 

Mylene gave me the paper where all the details about the show are concluded. Ten couples will live together in a house for a month. They will play games and couples will be eliminated by rounds. 

My teeth sank on my lower lip hard and it felt like a vine was tightly wrapped around my throat and the heavy weight on my shoulder came back. The gears in my head spun wildly as I thought hard and fast. 

Joining this show means I had to ask my ex to play with me which the possibility of him agreeing is next to none. It would also mean swallowing my pride by begging him. 

But I am desperate. My mother needs immediate treatment and the answer is right in front of me. Will I really let it pass for my pride and hesitation?

"I'll do it, Mylene. Please sign us up." 

"Eh? You and Mr. Outlaw?!" Mylene exclaimed with wide eyes. 

"Yes. I will make sure he will join it." 

I walked out of her office with determined steps and went to Trent's office but I was told he was in a meeting. I patiently waited because I needed his answer now before the chance slipped from my hand. 

"The CEO informed me he'd be going straight home, Mrs. Out—Ms. Wellington." Rose told me from where I was standing and I thanked her before rushing to his house. 

I almost tripped on my way out and it was rush hour so everyone was in a hurry to go home, but I fought over a taxi until I successfully got into one. I told the driver to drive fast so I can catch Trenton before he can enter his house. 

Paying for the expensive fare was heartbreaking, but I was able to catch up with Trent who was about to enter the gate, but I rushed to knock on the car window. 

"Trent, I need to talk to you!" 

The window rolled down and I was met with an amused gaze. "Were you robbed?" 

I glanced down on my body to see my disheveled state. The heel of my other shoe is missing, my skirt was ripped a little and my blouse was smudged with makeup. I'm pretty sure my own makeup is ruined as well, but I didn't care enough to look at my appearance. 

"If this is your way of seducing me, I'm afraid you are wasting your time." He chuckled darkly and I glared at him. 

"Who's seducing you? I need to talk to you," I bit my lower lip and hesitated before closing my eyes and blurting out the words that needed to be said. "I want to join your company's new show and I need you to join me." 

I was met with silence and when I looked up, Trent was looking at me with a serious look on his face. 

"You're wasting my time, Deena." 

He was about to roll up his window and drive when I tried to stop him and he got angry.

"My Mom has cancer and she needs urgent treatment!" I blurted before he could close the window and he stopped. "Do you think I like seeing you and talking to you? I'm desperate because of my mother, Trent! It's not as if I'm asking you to marry me again! We can fake it if we win and you can go back to Sandra after!" 

"Please, Trent." 

"Look, if it's about money—"

"No!" I quickly denied, "I saved up enough to do her first treatment and the second treatment would be after the show ended. Even if I don't win, the consolation prize is enough to continue it." 

Trent sighed and I swallowed the last remaining pride in me. "Do it as compensation for what you did to me."

"Alright."

"Huh?" I opened my mouth to say something but I was taken aback.

"You want me to compensate you and I will. I will join that show with you."