Chapter 003

Ava’s POV

Fifteen million dollars.

The number keeps echoing in my head like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.

After explaining everything..my father’s condition, the urgency, the transplant Doctor Mary had paused for a moment before leaving. Then she looked at me and said something that shattered whatever hope I had left.

“Ava, I understand that fifteen million dollars may be overwhelming for someone in your situation,” she said gently. “But you need to find it quickly. It’s the only way to save your father.”

And then she walked out just like that. Leaving me alone in the room…Alone with that number..

The moment the door closed behind her, something inside me broke.I sank into the chair beside the bed and burst into tears.

I cried uncontrollably, my whole body shaking as everything hit me at once.Fifteen million dollars.

Of course she was right.That kind of money isn’t just “a lot” for someone like me it’s impossible.

Even if I worked day and night at the restaurant for years… decades… I still wouldn’t come close to earning that amount. I barely have anything saved nothing that could even make a difference.

“What am I supposed to do…?” I whisper brokenly.

Desperation pushes me to grab my phone, there has to be someone..I scroll through my contacts and stop at one name.

My sister.

My fingers tremble as I dial.

No answer.

I keep calling, over and over, hoping praying that this time she’ll pick up.After what feels like forever, I stop.

Maybe she deleted my number, she really meant it when she said she wanted nothing to do with us.My chest tightens painfully, but I don’t let myself stop.

My gaze drifts back to my father lying on the bed, unmoving. And the tears come again.

“I’m sorry, Dad…” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I’m so sorry…”

I step closer, my vision blurred.

“I can’t save you… I don’t know how… I’m trying, but I don’t know what to do…”

A sob escapes me as I shake my head.

“I’m such a failure…”

The words hurt even as I say them but they feel true.I come from nothing.

A broken home and a struggling father who gave everything just to raise me.

I couldn’t even finish school because we couldn’t afford it.

And now…

When he needs me the most…I can’t do anything.

Fifteen million dollars might as well be the distance between life and death.

A soft knock on the door suddenly breaks through my thoughts.I wipe my face and walk toward the door, my steps heavy.

I open it and there she is.

Mabel.

My best friend.

The moment her eyes land on me, her expression changes instantly shock, concern, and sadness all at once.

Behind her, a nurse stands quietly, but I barely notice.

“…Ava,” Mabel breathes.

That’s all it takes.

She rushes forward and pulls me into a tight embrace.

And I break again.

I bury my face into her shoulder, crying harder than before, finally letting everything out as she holds me close.

Behind us, the nurse quietly steps out and closes the door.

Leaving us alone in the silence

“He’s going to be fine, Ava. Just calm down,” Mabel whispers softly, gently rubbing my back.

I take a shaky breath and nod.

Everything will be okay…It has to be.

I just need to stay calm.

Mabel slowly pulls away from the hug and guides me toward the small couch in the room. I sit down, feeling drained, while she watches me with a soft, worried expression.

I’m glad she came.I really am.

If she hadn’t, I don’t think I would’ve been able to hold myself together this long. I felt too alone… too overwhelmed.

“So… how is he?” Mabel asks quietly.

I sigh, my shoulders dropping.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “He hasn’t woken up since I got here. But the doctor said I shouldn’t panic about that.”

Mabel nods slowly, processing that.

“Did something happen? Like… an accident or anything?”

I shake my head.

I couldn’t tell her over the phone earlier. The moment I tried, I broke down completely that’s what made her rush over here.

I take a deep breath.

“His kidneys are failing, Mabel,” I say, my voice trembling despite my effort to stay composed. “Both of them.”

Her expression freezes.

“And… they said we need fifteen million dollars for the transplant.”

Silence.

For a moment, she just stares at me.

“Fifteen million?” she blurts out, eyes widening in shock. “That’s insane! Why so much?”

“He needs a transplant,” I reply quietly.

She exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

“That’s… that’s a ridiculous amount, Ava,” she says. “Did you try talking to the doctor? Maybe negotiate? Something? There has to be a way to reduce it. They should understand your situation you’re barely getting by as it is.”

I shake my head slowly.

“No. There’s no negotiation,” I say. “She made it clear. That’s the cost.”

My voice drops.

“I just… have to find a way to get the money.”

Mabel lets out another frustrated sigh and glances around the room.

“This hospital is way too expensive,” she mutters. “Seriously, why would they even bring your dad here in the first place? What were you thinking, Ava?”

I look up at her, my patience snapping slightly.

“Mabel, I didn’t bring him here,” I say firmly. “I didn’t even know he was in the hospital until the doctor called me.”

She pauses.

“Oh…”

“So someone else brought him?” she asks.

I nod.

“Yeah. Apparently, he collapsed while getting out of a cab, and someone nearby rushed him here.”

Mabel frowns slightly.

“What kind of person brings someone to a place like this? This hospital alone could bankrupt someone.”

I hesitate for a second before answering.

“He’s not just anyone,” I say. “Doctor Mary said his name is Dominic Hale.”

Mabel’s eyes widen again.

“The Dominic Hale?”

I nod slowly.

“He’s the one who brought my dad here… and he already paid for everything so far. Just not the transplant.”

I glance down at my hands.

“Maybe he didn’t even know about it. And even if he did… why would he help any further?”

Mabel studies me for a moment, then suddenly her expression shifts. A small, knowing look appears on her face.

“Dominic Hale…” she repeats, raising a brow slightly. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

I frown.

She’s trying to lighten the mood.

I can tell but I’m not in the mood for jokes.

“Mabel, please…” I say tiredly.

She sighs but leans forward anyway.

“Ava, listen to me,” she says more seriously now. “You need to call him.”

I blink.

“What?”

“Call him,” she repeats. “Reach out. Talk to him. If he’s rich and kind enough to bring your dad here and cover the bills, then maybe..just maybe he can help you with the rest.”

I stare at her, stunned.

“Are you serious?” I ask quietly.

She shrugs.

“What do you have to lose?” I look down at my hands again, my heart starting to race.

Call him?

A complete stranger and beg him for money? The thought alone makes my chest tighten.

But then…my gaze slowly drifts back to my father lying on the bed.

Fighting for his life.