Chapter 0002

Ximena's POV

Having put forth an attempt to alleviate Mila's crying, I offered words of comfort in the sterile confines of the hospital. We both occupied seats, awaiting the doctor's report. Despite Aunt Sadie's less-than-ideal character, she remained a member of my family. The one who fulfilled my basic needs, providing nourishment, clothing, and shelter. Should I dwell on her attempts to trade me off to men and harbor resentment towards her? Or should I focus on her acts of kindness, inviting me into her home and empathizing with Mila's tears? I believe the latter option would be more suitable.

"Don't fret, Mila. Aunt is a resilient woman. She will pull through," I assured her. Mila nodded, her tears showing no signs of stopping.

“Mila?” the doctor called, walking toward us.

“How is she, doctor?” we inquired, speaking in unison.

"Unfortunately, her condition has deteriorated over time, Ximena," the doctor reported. "She requires immediate surgery, or we might lose her."

"No, doctor. That's not an option. My mother isn't going anywhere," Mila protested, clutching onto the doctor's hand. "Please, tell us what we can do. Just save my mother," she pleaded.

"I don't understand, doctor. What is wrong with my aunt?" I asked, perplexed.

"Didn't she inform you two?" the doctor responded.

"Tell us, what is the problem with my aunt, for pity’s sake?" I interjected impatiently.

The doctor let out a sigh. "Your aunt has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease a few months ago. Her condition has worsened, and she requires a heart transplant surgery," the doctor revealed.

Aunt had been keeping her illness a secret? Why would she do such a thing? My stomach churned at the thought of it. This shouldn't be happening. I can't bear to lose any more of my family. Tears welled up in my eyes. Despite Aunt's tough exterior, I cared for her deeply. Mila sank back into her seat, her cries subdued, and she remained still, tears streaming down her cheeks. I turned back to the doctor, trying to keep myself composed.

"W-what do we do now, doctor?" I managed to utter, my voice trembling as a lump formed in my throat.

“The surgery requires a sum of one point five million dollars," announced the doctor.

The numbness I had felt seeing my aunt collapse earlier was a mere illusion. With the utterance of the amount, all sense of vitality drained from my being and I remained frozen in place.

***

"Get up, you asshole!" Mila shook me roughly, annoyance apparent in her voice. I sat up on the hospital chair, rubbing my eyes to clear my vision. "Why are you sleeping here like a lifeless log?" she scolded.

"Is it morning already?" I mumbled drowsily, still trying to adjust to the bright light flooding my face.

"No, it feels like eternity. Mom is fighting for her life and you're just sleeping? What kind of human being are you, Ximena?" Mila berated.

I must have overslept. After waiting at the hospital all night without a plan, we both dozed off. She fell asleep before me and yet she expected me to be awake before her?

"You need to do something. Anything to get the money to save Mom's life. I don't care if you have to sell yourself again," her last words provoked anger in me. I glared at her, clenching my jaw as I stood up.

"Have you lost your mind, Mila? Have you forgotten that she's your mother and it's your responsibility to take care of her?" I retorted.

That little brat. She met my gaze with a glare, her eyes threatening to reveal secrets and open old wounds. I knew exactly what she was planning in her twisted mind and my shoulders slumped. I could never stand up to them. The past will always haunt me and they will always use it against me. My anger subsided and I softened my gaze.

"Now you know your place," Mila sneered. "This is your fault, Ximena. You will do whatever it takes to make Mom better. If anything happens to her, I will hold you responsible for it," she poured out and went away.

Experiencing the weight, grunting under the burden of responsibility, I find myself at a crossroads. Lost and unsure of my next move, I am determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Desperate for guidance, I plea to a higher power, burying my troubled face in my palm.

“Ximena?”

In a commanding tone, a voice interrupts my thoughts. I lift my head to face the woman before me: Mrs. Adeline Miles Lucas. Radiating with opulence, she moves gracefully towards me, every step calculated. Taking a seat beside me, she holds my attention with her presence.

"The solution is simple, Ximena," she says, her ruby eyes fixed on me. I am taken aback.

"You mean you will give me the money?" I question, hope glimmering in my eyes.

"The choice is yours, Ximena. Do you truly need the money?" Mrs. Miles pierces me with her gaze, deceit hidden behind her words.

"What do you want from me, Mrs. Miles?" I inquire, sensing a hidden agenda.

A cunning smile spreads across her face, the kind often worn by a skilled negotiator. "You are clever, seeing through the picture," she remarks, rising from her seat. "Marry my son, and all your aunt's debts will be cleared," she declares, striding away with a distinctive click of her high heels. My worst nightmare has become reality.