Chapter Six

Grace’s POV

My heart raced as I hurried to the hospital reception. There, I spotted Vera in the front row of chairs, her head resting on her lap, shaking it repeatedly—a sight that only intensified my fear.

“Vera, what’s wrong?” I blurted out as I rushed to her, my eyes locked on her as she lifted her head. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying, and it made my patience slip away.

“Speak up, Vera!” I shouted, momentarily forgetting we were in a hospital. Vera only broke into tears once more. At that moment, I knew something terrible had happened.

My legs gave out, and I sank down beside her, my heart heavy. I couldn’t even cry, my sorrow was too big for tears.

“I found her motionless when I entered her ward this morning,” Vera finally said, struggling to hold back the tears streaming down her face.

I couldn't even find the words to respond to what she said. My heart was just beating faster than normal.

“Why would the woman who was the reason I entered into a loveless marriage die?” I thought, nearly questioning God.

“So I rushed to call the nurses…,” Vera continued.

“Was she still breathing when you went to call the nurses?” I interrupted her, my voice trembling. I couldn’t bring myself to accept that my mother was dead.

“I don’t know,” Vera replied, breaking down in another round of tears. “Neither the doctors nor the nurses have said anything to me about her condition,” she added through her sobs.

I was just about to say something else when a doctor walked up to us.

“Good that you're here, Miss Thomas,” he began, looking directly at me. My heart was racing, and I could feel it pounding in my chest.

“Your mother was in a very critical condition, but she’s stable now,” the doctor said. It felt as though the weight of the entire world had been lifted off my head almost instantly.

“Why would they allow her to reach such a dangerous state under their care?” I wanted to question the doctor, but remembering how much I owed them, I stayed silent, focusing on his lips as he continued speaking.

“We can’t delay the surgery any longer, Miss Thomas,” he said. “We might lose her if we do. If you don’t have the funds right now, I advise you to…” I could sense he was about to suggest taking her home. Was he implying she could die at home? That thought made me furious.

“I have the money,” I cut him off. Vera glanced at me, her expression brightening as she smiled, giving me that knowing look that I had finally agreed to my boss's deal.

“That’s great to hear,” the doctor replied. “Go make the necessary payment at the accounts office, and we’ll start preparing to take her into the theater.” He said this before excusing himself and leaving.

Vera didn’t even ask me anything after that, she just pulled me toward the hospital accounts office so we could make the payment on time. Her face was lit up with joy, and you’d think it was her mother in that situation. She was such a wonderful friend.

We completed the payment and went over to the nurses' station. I had to sign the consent form, and they gathered all the necessary information from me. After that, they informed me that the operation would begin in less than an hour.

I was allowed to see my mom before they wheeled her to the theater. She still appeared weak, but I held onto the hope that she would feel better after the surgery.

“Where did you get the money for my surgery, Grace?” my mom asked after they told her the surgery would be happening that day. I glanced at Grace, who was gently squeezing my hand. I didn’t know how to respond, I’m not the lying type, and my mom doesn't like lying either.

“We got a loan, Mama,” Grace quickly interjected. Even though it was a lie that I didn’t agree with, I was grateful for her help.

I knew I had to tell my mom about the marriage, but I wasn’t sure how I would do it, I had already decided that it would be after the surgery.

She let out a sigh of relief when she heard I hadn’t sold her necklace to get the money but she still appeared unconvinced.

“Pray for me,” my mom said, her voice low and weak. There was fear in her that tone, and her eyes were glistening with tears. She was scared about the surgery, and so was I, but I needed to stay strong for her.

I was about to start the prayer when my phone beeped with a message from Victor Mason, my CEO.

“I know I freed you today, but you need to come over to my house tonight. My dad wants to see you. I told him I already have a wife. Don’t stay too long so we don’t have any issues,” the message said.

“Is there a problem?” My mom's weak voice asked, noticing how the message had really caught my attention.

“No, Mom,” I replied, forcing a smile as I said the prayer, even though she looked unconvinced.

Shortly after, the nurses arrived, changed her into an operation gown, and got ready to wheel her to the theater. She held my hand tightly as they prepared to take her away, and then she said,

“I know you’re not being honest with me about the money,” Mom said. I shut my eyes tight, wishing she would just drop it.

“Grace.” She called my name, looking deep into my eyeballs, and I knew that meant she was asking if I had finally sold my pride and dignity as a woman for her sake.

“No, Mom,” I replied immediately. “I didn’t do anything wrong, I promise. I got a loan, just like Vera said.” I tried to smile, but she just let out a deep sigh and turned to Vera.

“If I don’t make it out alive, Vera, make sure you take good care of my daughter, your friend.” Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, and my hand trembled as I let go of her hand and watched her being wheeled out of the ward.