CHAPTER 3

AMELIA'S POV 

“Hey, you don't look alright. You are crying too much,” the man said, bringing an end to my moment of wonder.

The presence of this man got me captivated and glued to the spot. His towering height, his muscular arms and broad chest sent shivers to my body.

“I'm fine,” I finally managed to respond before reaching for the door. “And… I'm sorry for bumping into you.”

“It's alright,” he waved, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

I reached for the door in a hurry, humiliated by my reaction. I knew I admired the man but I secretly prayed he didn't read through my actions.

Soon, the day's work was over. I picked my bag and was ready to leave the office. Frustration settled on me again. Fresh as ever I remembered that my father had less than 68 hours to live if I didn't get the money.

I took a taxi and headed to Clara's place. At least , “ a problem shared is half solved they say.”

“Hey, shaddy,” Clara said. That was her way of addressing me fondly. 

I didn't say anything, I sank heavily into the sofa, my heart ached just as if it was being pounded against a rock. I opened my mouth slightly, letting out a silent painful moan.

“You seem worried? Have you been thinking about Alex again?” Clara said, concern etched on her face as she leaned closer.

“It's not about Alex, Clara. I'm going to lose my father in less than 68 hours…”

She cut me short by placing her index finger across my lips, “Don't say that baby. There's power in the tongue. We are children of God and we should act and speak in faith,” she declared.

I leaned further a bit, irritated by her words. Clara was my friend but she was always being religious. “Stop it, Clara,” I yelled. “This is not some faith or religious beliefs. I need to get $30 million within two days if I don't want my father dead. Don't you get it?”

“Oh good Lord! Is it that bad? Just believe in God… No, I mean how do we go about this?” She whispered, her voice cracking.

“I don't know. I can't afford to lose my father now. He's the only relative I have,” I sobbed harder, resting my head on her shoulder.

Just then, my phone beeped, a message from an unknown number, it read:

“I know about your father's condition. I could be of help if you want. Block D, no. 12, Landmark Lounge. 6PM.”

I checked the time; 5:45. I looked at Clara, whose mouth was opened in bewilderment as she read through my phone's screen. “ Who is that?” She asked.

“I don't know either.”

I sprang up, my mind whirling to and fro. Who could it be? Who else knows about my father's illness apart from the doctor? But those questions didn't really matter at the moment. I just needed to save my father.

“I need to go, Clara,” I said, my voice laced in uncertainty.

“Wait. I'll come with you,” she shouted. As we both barged out of the house.

In less than 10 minutes, we were at the venue. I walked forward, urgency visible in my footsteps but Clara lagged intentionally. 

“You should calm down, Amelia. We have to be security conscious too, everything is not just about your father,” she pouted.

I slowed my pace, turning slightly, “How dare you talk about my father? I would sacrifice everything for my father, kindly back out if you're not ready to support me,” the anger in my voice couldn't be concealed. A part of me knew Clara was only trying to watch out for me but I was blinded by my quest for saving my father.

The next moments were encapsulated in silence until a young man appeared from nowhere. “Hi, ladies. I guess one of you is Amelia?”

I looked at Clara in surprise and she reciprocated the same thing, “Yeah…I am Amelia,” I stammered, surprised still.

“Mr. Nelson, your host asked that I lead you,” he stated convincingly.

I stood frozen in the doorway, with Clara by my side. The room seemed to shrink. We had finally arrived and walked into the magnificent lounge. 

My eyes scanned relentlessly, hoping to see the anonymous benefactor who had promised to help with my father's urgent surgery expenses.

“Here, ladies. Meet the prestigious Mr Nelson,” the young man announced before vanishing again.

My heart beat in a thousand, my legs trembled seriously beneath my body, cold balls of sweat were already formed in my forehead as I beheld the deadly looking man.

“Welcome, Amelia,” he said, finally pulling off his dark shades. “And you, young lady,” he pointed at Clara.

But nothing could have prepared me for the shock that awaited me. Seated across a clustered table, with a dry smile spreading across his face, was none other than the man at my boss’ office earlier. His eyes, as usual, were  stern and unyielding, but now it seemed to gleam with a hidden intention.

My heart raced  as I struggled to process the unexpected twist. The fact that I had stumbled upon  him in a compromising position in my boss' office earlier that day, and now, here he is again, masquerading as a mysterious benefactor heightened my fear. 

Instantly, Clara's hand found mine, her eyes scanning the room in confusion and concern. "Amelia, what's going on?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of my racing heart.

I couldn't cast my gaze away from this mysterious handsome man. "I don't know him" I whispered back, my voice shaking. "I saw him in my boss' office earlier today…”

“I heard about your father's health condition and I'm willing to help you settle his surgical expenses and clear your debts,” he cut me short.

I wiped my face with my palm, trying to be sure I wasn't dreaming. I suddenly felt excited, and my lips uncontrollably curved into a smile. I couldn't help but admire the young man seated right in front of me. His overall demeanor commanded wealth and his captivating gaze seemed to be pierced into my being. ‘I hate to do this, I shouldn't be admiring a man when my father is dying,’ I said in my head trying to restore my senses.

“But a condition is attached,” he said almost shouting, his masculine voice shattering my heart in pieces.