Why should I help you

GENEVIEVE'S POV

"Yes! you still are." the audacity of this man.

"I am your mother's saviour, without me she'd be dead by now." He had the audacity to say this.

“Saviour indeed! Why do I have the intuition that you purposely ran my mother over so you could bring her in and play the hero?” I gnashed my teeth, seething with fury as I considered the possibility and a dry chuckle escaped his lips.

“What the fuck is funny? You shameless asshole! How low can you stoop to knock down an innocent old lady just to get back at me for rejecting your advances? Were you sent to ruin me? Haven't you done enough?!” I couldn't control the rage that brewed within me and his nonchalant expression infuriated me to the core. I was panting heavily after my outburst and I paused when the doctor stepped in to pick some files.

“Please, miss Smith. This isn't the right place and time to do this. Besides, I don't think he's responsible for your mother's predicament. On her arrival, she could still speak slightly and she confirmed he wasn't the perpetrator of the act but a helper. I think you should focus more on trying to save her first, her condition is deteriorating gradually and I'm afraid time is not by your side,” She explained and I face palmed myself internally, I'm at a complete loss for what to do.

After the doctor's departure, silence was restored in the office but the atmosphere was tense. I was sweating profusely in the air conditioned room and he looked calm and collected without making an utterance. I regretted jumping into conclusion but he left me no other option.

“I— mmm… Thank you.” I stuttered when I finally found my voice and he lifted a brow inquisitively.

“I mean, thank you for bringing her in and I'm also—” I bit my lower lip, finding if difficult to apologize to this man.

I have to be careful and not just spout out nonsense or words that can land me in trouble, he is the only one who is financially capable of helping me out right now.

"Mr André, I know I blamed you for what you didn't do and my behavior towards you has been hostile but I beg you can you please put everything behind you? let's put everything behind us and start at fresh." I stared at him waiting for a response but none came to I proceeded.

"If it's not too much to ask, please can you help me with $50,000? I promise to pay you back, consider it a loan." I know I was asking for too much after everything but what can I do? I can't let my mother die.

“$50,000? That sounds like a whole lot. Tell me why I should spend that amount for you…”

“It's not free, I'll definitely repay you when I can. Just please— I don't want my mother to die,” My tone suddenly became soft. I knew yelling at the top of my voice wouldn't make things better so I pleaded hopelessly. I tried as much as possible to be polite, the defiance I was exhibitiong minutes ago is nowhere to be seen.

“I don't run a charity organisation, I believe in business— So, if I must help you…. I will get something in return.”

“And what is it you want?” I asked eagerly, hoping it'd be something I could offer. At this point, I was desperately in need of his help. He was my last hope and I wouldn't mind making a sacrifice.

“Warm my bed for six months,” He said casually, rubbing off imaginary dirt on his sleeves and my pupils dilated before I let out a scoff. What was I even thinking? Such a person couldn't have made another request.

“I'm sorry, I can't do that. You'll have to make another request– that's too much for just $50,000.” I declined, folding my hands on my chest.

“what if I add an extra $500,000? Or maybe a million. I could make it 2 million if you wish." The humongous figures he was mentioning casually, made me gulp and I really wondered if he meant his statement. Even if I worked at the club for ten years, I still wouldn't make that much.

“By warming your bed…you mean I—-” I bit my lower lip, unable to complete the statement.

“You’ll be my personal whore for six months. I guess that's more comprehensive,” He kept a poker face after making such a ridiculous utterance and his shamelessness amused me.

His offer was mouthwatering. 2 million dollars would be more than enough to sort the hospital bills, my mortgage bills, Tex’s tuition fees and even be enough for me to start a profitable enterprise but still, he was asking for too much. Sacrificing my chastity for money? Especially to an arrogant jerk? What then would become of my dignity?

“I'm sorry, I can't accept your offer.” It took all the courage and boldness I could muster to turn him down and he only let out a dry chuckle before getting on his feet.

“I see you're still being stubborn. That's my card; call me whenever you change your mind.” He tossed his complementary card at me before strolling out of the office with his hands tucked in his pants pockets. I sighed deeply after his departure before exiting the office to check on my mother.

I went back to the wardroom where I met the nurses panicking after the life monitor kept beeping continuously. I was the most worried as I watched them scurry out to get the doctor. The doctor returned shortly and was able to stabilise her heartbeat before the deafening beeps ceased.

“Doctor, are you sure she's gonna be fine?” I asked with knitted brows, hoping to hear something positive or reassuring but she only heaved an exasperated sigh.

“I'm sorry to say, Miss Smith– but it depends on how quickly you raise the money. Like I said before, her condition is really critical. I noticed she's extremely malnourished and… If urgent care is not given, I can't promise you anything.”

I nodded after listening to her and withdrew my phone from my bag to place a call across to Tex. Even if I knew he couldn't be of help, some words of encouragement could at least boost my spirit if I let him know.

“Hey sis….”

“Tex, I–”

“Please, have you been able to raise any amount? I'm scared I won't be able to write my final exams and I just ran out of groceries, please….”

I ended the call and shoved the phone down my purse before he could blow my head with his constant demands without caring about how I made the money. I glanced at the card in my hand and wondered if I really could afford to miss such an opportunity.

My suffering would indeed come to end and I'd regain my freedom after six months but what would differentiate me from those girls at the club who'd go down with different men for money?

Maybe because mine is for a good course and I'm not taking it as a profession. ‘For goodness sake, this is magnified prostitution, Genny. Don't try to justify it!’ A voice sounded in my head.

‘Then, do you have a better solution?!’ I felt like retorting but I knew the solution to the problem wasn't fighting my demons. It was embracing my fears and taking bold steps which would liberate me from mediocrity and give me financial freedom forever.

I glanced back at the card which was now rumpled into a messy ball and straightened it with determination and strong resolve. I was left with no choice at this point. This was my last option and I was willing to make the sacrifice to get what I wanted.

I dialed the contact immediately and held the phone as it rang, waiting for him to pick up. He didn't answer the first call and I was reluctant to call him the second time. “Time is ticking, Genny.” I urged myself inwardly before dialling the contact for the second time.

“Isn’t it too early for you to change your mind? You should ponder on the intensity of the furnace you're jumping into,” His voice was calm as he spoke and I wondered how he knew I was the one calling.

“Who says I changed my mind?” I tried to put on a tough font, not ready to let him have the upper hand.

“I instructed you to call me only when you've changed your mind. Have a nice—”

“Hold on,” I said abruptly before he could end the call and he went silent, waiting for me to speak up. I parted my lips to speak but the words seemed too heavy for my tongue to utter.

“Young lady, I don't have all day.” He voiced out impatiently and I knew he wouldn't be giving me all the time in the world but still, I felt too ashamed to mutter the words.

I took in a deep breath and gripped the phone firmly, gnashing my teeth before uttering the words, “I agree.”

I bit my lower lip afterwards, waiting to hear his response and it was a victorious chuckle which made me feel disgusted. “Glad you made the right decision. My beta will come to you with the agreement. I'll seal my part of the bargain after you sign.”

I tried to object but he ended the call before I could make another statement and I frustratedly leaned against the wall, weighing on the gravity of the sacrifice I was about to make. No doubt my life would be taking a drastic turn but I kept asking myself if this would be for the better or mark the beginning of impending doom.