Chapter 3

I picked the card off the ground and stared at it. Several thoughts came to mind as I looked at it. I turned it over but his name wasn't on it. It was just his number. 

For the rest of the way I pondered over the man and what he'd said. Suddenly his offer seemed like something I had to consider. He was clearly rich. If I married him, he'd help me pay for my muns surgery. 

I felt conflicted. I wouldn't just be agreeing to a contract. I'd be selling myself out. Sacrificing my morals and my dignity. Especially after I'd told the man I'd never call him. 

My room felt cold and empty that night. It seemed to feel my own inner emptiness and the thoughts battling within me. I turned and turned, unable to sleep. 

Around midnight, I got up for a glass of water and I ended up picking up the card again. I knew I had to make a choice. My self pride or my mother's life. 

My grip on the card tightened and I looked down at it. I bit my inner lip and closed my eyes before picking up my phone. 

I dialed the number and waited for the call to be answered on the other end. The phone rang and rang but he didn't pick up. I tried it again but it was the same. 

Perhaps he was sleeping. It was already late afterall.

I went to bed with a sense of determination. I'd do whatever it takes to save my mother. 

Early the next morning, I called the number again and again and again, but there was still no answer. I didn’t know the mans name so there was no way I could track him or even go back to the hotel to look for him. 

A few days passed, the deadline for my mother's surgery was fast approach and I still hadn't gotten hold of the man. I began to lose hope. 

It was too good to be true, he'd probably just found it fun and decided to toy with me like that. I squeezed the card and them tossed it in the bin. It was time to return to the real world. 

I began to think about Harry. Could he be the only option I'd have left? I thought about the humiliation I'd face from him. Was that really the only choice I had?

I still hadn't found a new job and what little I had in savings I'd spent on mums treatment. Two days before her scheduled surgery date, I came home from job hunting and I found a letter stuck to my door. 

I took it and went inside. It was a notice from the landlord. Our rent was due and to make things worse, I no longer had the money to pay for it. The landlord wasn't a kind man. I'd seen him evict people just for being a few days late on rent. 

The last thing I needed was to be homeless. I was about to call Harry when I saw a text from him. 

Stop being stubborn. Just apologise and we can move last all this

The message angered me and I tossed my phone aside. I was sick and tired of men thinking they could play around with me. I went to my mums wardrobe searching for an old box that I'd seen her hide severally.

My father wasn't dead. Mum said he was a rich man but she never said anymore about him. I had a strong feeling that the key to finding him would be in that box. 

I couldn't find any old pictures or even names. All I got was an address. I went online trying to narrow down who he could be but it was hopeless. Nothing was working. 

For the first time, I broke down. Hot angry tears streamed down my face as I shook uncontrollably. All the pain and anger and sadness from the last couple of days resurfaced. 

I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. I was completely alone. Completely alone. 

I cried myself to sleep. 

The next morning I went to the hospital to see mum again. She was still weak and she could barely speak but I had to try one last time.

“Mum… please tell me about my father. He can help, please” 

“N-no… don't” 

“I can't just sit back and watch you die. I'm going to find him”

“Honey no… you don't… understand”

“But mum”

“Promise… me. Don't search” 

I couldn't go against her wishes so I agreed. 

I stayed by her side the whole day. I didn't know how much longer I had with her. I didn't leave the hospital till late that night and I called a cab home. 

I reached my apartment and went in. Before I could close the door, something pushed me back forcefully. I looked up, stunned. There were two men staring down at me. They looked like thugs.

“You have been a bad bad girl” One of them said

“Who are you people?”

“We're just here to get what you owe”

“But I want what you owe and more” The other man spoke, locking his lips as he stared down at me. 

I tried to run but they pulled me back, slamming me onto the couch. 

The one who'd been eye raping me came and sat next to me, stroking my hair. “A little birdie told us you haven't paid your rent. Why's that?” 

My eyes widened as I realised my landlord had sent them. I'd always heard rumours that he was gang affiliated but this was my confirmation. 

“I'll pay I swear but please just leave me alone” My voice was shaky, my heart pounding in my chest. 

The man's hands trailed up my leg as he rubbed my thighs.

“No… please. Let me go!” I screamed as I struggled to break free of his hold. But he pinned me down further and climbed on top of me.

“Don't be a bitch. Just cooperate and we'll give you a little extra time to pay up” He smiled down at me as he toyed with my blouse. 

“Lock the door, Jimmy” He motioned to his companion who had been observing with a dirty smirk. He moved to the door but before he could lock it, the door was kicked open and Jimmy was sent flying back. 

Everything happened so fast. In one minute the man was dragged off me. I looked around and saw two other men in black suits beating up the thugs. 

I was still struggling to understand what was happening when someone else strutted in through the door. 

It was him.