Chapter five

~ELENA’S POV~

Max was sitting with his back resting against the chair and his elbow resting on the chair handle. He stared at me like he was eagerly waiting for a response. Then my phone rang and I picked up, it was Dr. Mark.

“Mrs Fox, your attention is needed urgently at the hospital; your mother had a cardiac arrest,” the doctor divulged.

My heart thumped so fast like it was going to escape my chest all of a sudden, my brows widened, “What!?” I exclaimed, “I'll be there shortly.”

Max immediately asked out of curiosity, “Elena, what is the problem?”

“I have to get to the hospital right away,” I announced, “the doctor just called and said my Mom just had a cardiac arrest.”

“Okay, let me take you in my car, that way we get there faster,” he said, then took out his phone and called Steve, his assistant, to get the car ready.

“Okay,” I agreed without hesitation. I quickly rushed out of bed and put on my clothes. I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the hotel room with Max following behind me.

Steve drove us in Max's car to the hospital. I ran into the doctor in the hallway at the ICU, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and I stopped the doctor to find out how my mother was doing.

“Doctor Mark, how is my mother doing?” I was panting repeatedly while I awaited the doctor's response.

“Mrs Fox, your mother had a cardiac arrest, which was caused by a swelling in her brain as a result of electrolyte imbalance. We were able to stabilize her for now, but she needs surgery as soon as possible, or she might die. We need to move her to the Dickson Medical Center cause we do not have the facility to conduct such surgery here,” the doctor revealed. “I have been waiting for your feedback on the funds for her medication refill.”

I felt a sudden coldness through my core. I gasped, “What!? I thought Alex took care of the bills yesterday,” I grimaced.

I remember vividly that Alex and I had an agreement to pay my mother's medical bills immediately after I signed the divorce papers. So what is going on? Did he go back on our agreement? Does Alex want my mother to die? This is unfair. I felt my heart constricting, and I ran my hands over my hair.

“Not that I’m aware of, Mrs Fox–” I cut the doctor off, correcting him from calling me by the name ‘Mrs Fox’ since I'm no longer with Alex.

“Please address me as Miss Elena. Alex and I are no longer together.” I divulged.

“Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs fox– I mean Miss Elena,” the doctor corrected.

“I'll make sure the bills are sorted out today, Doctor Mark,” I announced. “Can I see my mother now?”

“Yes, you can, Miss Elena,” he replied.

I rushed into her ICU room, and I saw my mother lying lifelessly; she was connected to a cardiac monitor.

“Mom, please stay with me, no matter what. I can't lose you now,” I begged as I held her hands. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

Max stood by the door, staring at me crying by my mother's side. He stood there for a while and then walked close to me and pulled me into his arms. I didn't realize how I ended up sobbing in his arms with my face against his chest.

With my mother's current state, my hatred for Alex amplified. After being humiliated and stripped of my rights to my designs, I planned to just let it go. My moving on and becoming successful in the future was my vengeance, but after what had just happened, I knew I had to settle the score.

I pulled away from Max, and a mix of anger and sadness filled my chest. I sat back in my chair and glanced at my sleeping mother for some time. After taking a deep breath, I glanced at Max and declared, “About your proposition, I agree.”

“What?” He inquired

“I agree to marry you,” I replied without hesitation

Alex has turned his back on our agreement and has not paid my mother's medical bills even after I signed the divorce papers. Now her situation is worsening and needs urgent attention, and I can't do all that if I don't have the money.

In my five years of being married to Alex, I have earned a lot of money while leading our company's design team. However, I have also spent lavishly on my mother.

My mother, Leni Frost, was a single mother who made so many sacrifices to raise me. When I began making decent money, I bought her a house, cars, jewelry and other luxury stuff. I also have my investments. Asset-wise, I could cover the hospital bills myself, but I lacked liquid funds. So, making Alex pay the bills was the quickest solution.

Max stood for seconds, speechless with his lips parted, staring at me before he finally answered, “I promise you won't regret this”

“I will sort the medical bills right away and have Steve make immediate arrangements to transfer your mother to Dickson Medical Center for the surgery,” he assured. “From now on, your mother’s recovery is my number one priority.”

Max picked up his phone and made some calls. So I reached out to the doctor, demanding that we transfer my mother for the surgery as suggested.

“Doctor Mark, I want to move my mom to the Dickson Medical Center now,” I said unwaveringly. "We can't afford to waste more time, I don't want to lose my Mom.”

“Your mother is not in a condition to move facilities, but I'm sure Dickson Medical Center has a high-end ambulance that can transport patients on cardiac monitors. Though you'll need to sign a waiver," the doctor prescribed.

“Please, doctor,” I asserted, “we need to leave as soon as possible.”

In the next two hours, everything was ready. My mom was moved to the Dickson Medical Center using the hospital's most advanced medical transport. Seeing how efficient the staff was, I was a bit relieved that my Mom would be well taken care of.

At Dickson Medical Center, they began preparations for my mother's surgery, and then I got a text from Steve, Max’s assistant.

Steve: [The boss wants to see you in his office before we begin the surgery on your mother.]

I was at the hospital lobby when I saw the text, and I answered: [Okay, Steve, I'm on my way now.]

Moments later, I arrived at Max's office, and he was sitting with Steve standing by his side. He offered me a paper containing the contract terms, and I went through it thoroughly. Not like it matters, basically it changes nothing. Besides, I don't have a choice considering my mother's condition.

“Sign the contract papers and we'll begin your mother's surgery,” he said, offering me a pen.

I glanced at him, then back at the papers. I took a deep breath. “Okay.” I signed the contract.