Chapter 2

two

Mona

"What do I have to do?" I asked suspiciously. I didn't trust Mia. She was a rich, spoilt kid who would never suffer any consequences for her actions.

I was sure that whatever she wanted me to do was illegal. If I ended up in jail, my mother would have no idea what my fate had been. The last thing she needed with her weak heart was any sort of stress or concern to aggravate her issues.

"As I said, something very simple." She repeated, "All you have to do is seduce a man."

I jolted, eyes going wide with shock,"S-seduce a man?" I screeched.

Irritation filled her face, "Hey, not so loud!" She snapped, "This is a super secret mission between you and I. If this gets out, I'll deny ever speaking to you. So what do you say, are you serious about saving the cleaner's life?"

My hands curled into fists at my sides and i nodded eagerly, "What do I have to do?" In my twenty years of age, I'd never had a boyfriend, I had no idea how I was supposed to seduce a man.

But as long as such a large sum was involved, I was willing to learn fast, "What man?"

"His name is Ian Harrison, and he's the CEO of Harrison worldwide." Her face screwed up, "He's rumoured to be a heartless monster. He even killed his first wife."

And she wanted me to seduce such a man? This was a suicide mission.

"I'm supposed to marry that man!" She spat, "But I refuse to become a sacrificial lamb to that sick bastard. I'm taking my own fate into my hands, and you're going to help me."

A gleam sparked to life in her eyes, "Your part is simple. All you have to do is get caught in a compromising position with Ian. I'll tip the paparazzi off and your job is to make sure it looks like you two are together."

"How does that help you?"

She rolled her eyes at me, like I was the dumbest person on the universe, "As soon as it gets out that he's cheating on his beloved fiancee, my father would have no choice but to end the agreement, and we'll gain public sympathy too. Of course you won't know how all of this works since you're nothing but a nobody."

It sounded simple, but I had a feeling it would be anything but.

"I'll do it." I told her, "when would I get the money?"

"As soon as the paparazzi has captured one incriminating photo of the both of you, you'll get your check," she said impatiently. "Wait here."

Mia turned around and marched back into the house. The few minutes she spent indoor, I used the time to imagine what fifty thousand could do for me. I'd give the hospital forty five for my mother's care, and then I could use the change to pay my house rent and get my mother a plain cake.

Tears of joy and relief welled up in my Eyes and spilled over. I couldn't believe that something good had finally managed to happen in my life. I could finally repay my mother for everything she had done for me.

Mia returned with a black card which she tossed over at me, "Don't lose that card. It's your invitation into the party." She informed me.

"What party?"

"There's a part starting in two hours time at the Rose Vine hotel." She said, "Ian is going to be there wearing a purple flower in his suit, that's how you'll know it's him. Don't fuck this up. If you do, not only would you not see a single dollar from me, but Ian won't let you go so easily."

Terror sliced through me, but I steeled my spine, refusing to back down.

"Get my check ready." I told Mia, before walking off.

If I had to be at the party soon, there was a lot to do and there was no time to waste. Staring down at my rag like clothes, I sighed. I needed a dress without holes in it first and foremost.

I dialed the nurse who had called me earlier, "hello?"

"Hello, Miss. Carter."

"Is my mother awake?"

"Uh, yes. As a matter of fact, she just woke up now and is asking about you."

A smile curved my mouth immediately, "Can you give her the phone please?"

"Of course." I waited while the nurse made her way to my mother's hospital room and handed her the phone.

"Mona?" Mum asked in a weak voice.

"Hey mama," I said with an excited tone. "How are you feeling today?"

I was eager to tell her that she'd soon have her operation and be out of the hospital, but I didn't want to answer questions about where I'd gotten the money. If she found out I'd gone to the Elliot's to beg and was now on my way to seduce a man for a heavy sum, she'd have my head.

"Where are you? Are you at work? Are you coming anytime soon?"

I nodded, "Yeah, soon."

"Okay. I miss you." She said sadly, "I never get to see you anymore. I know you're working hard to earn money to save my life, but I just to let you know that it's not your fault that you can't save me. I just need you to be here in my final moments."

My lips began to tremble at her words, but I didn't let myself cry, "Okay, mum. I love you. Can you give the phone back to the nurse?"

"I love you too."

As soon as the nurse came back on the line, I spoke up, "I want you to go ahead with the surgery for my mother."

"W-what? Are you sure about that? It costs_"

"I'm expecting some money," I cut in stubbornly, "Don't worry about it. Just save her."

"I hope you know what you're doing miss Carter."

"I do."

I was going to make that fifty thousand and save mother's life, no matter what.