Chapter Six

“What?” I exclaimed, trying to ensure I’d heard correctly. Wasn’t this the same man who had insulted me in his father’s office? What was he doing here? Was he following me?

“Mr. Richard,” Rose began to stammer, “b-but you just…” She was about to say more when Richard cut her off.

“I said I would pay for it, Rose. Are you going to stand here arguing with me, or are you going to start preparing for the treatment?” His tone was commanding, and I noticed Rose jump slightly as he spoke.

Rose turned to the nurse, who was already near the machine. “You heard Mr. Richard. Get her the consent form and inform the doctor,” she barked.

I stood there, confused, watching them scatter across the room. Taking a deep breath, I felt a small wave of relief wash over me as I turned to the man, a warm smile on my lips.

“Thank you,” I whispered to Richard, who wore a smug smile.

“Don’t thank me yet. This is not free,” he replied. I sighed. Why was I not surprised? He seemed nothing like his kind father.

He called out to Rose, who seemed preoccupied with paperwork. “I think I’ve changed my mind. Don’t start the treatment yet,” he said, staring at me with a devilish smirk, as if trying to show the power he held.

“Give Elizabeth and me five minutes to come to a payment agreement. If we don’t, you can let them go. But if we do…” His gaze locked onto mine. “Then we’ll give her sister VIP treatment,” he added.

My eyes darted between him and Rose, noticing her nod at his every command. Once he was done, he gestured for me to follow him.

“Walk with me,” he commanded, turning to walk deeper into the hospital. I followed silently, watching as he navigated the halls like he owned the place. Doctors greeted him, and security granted him access to private areas. 'Is he a doctor?' I wondered, trailing behind him until we entered an office where he seated himself comfortably.

“Sit down,” he instructed, pointing to the chair across from him. I obeyed, my heart pounding as I anxiously waited to hear what he wanted.

I clasped my hands, waiting for him to start talking. Instead, he pulled out an alarm clock, setting it to five minutes. My heart raced as I stared at it.

“Let’s get straight to the point, Elizabeth,” he began, pulling a tablet from a drawer and placing it on the table. His eyes locked onto mine, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. “I’ll cover all your sister’s medical bills, including a VIP room and a dedicated nurse,” he said, pausing to let his words sink in.

Leaning forward, his gaze intensified. “In return, Elizabeth, I want you to work for me,” he said, his voice low and measured.

“Work for you?” I echoed, sensing there was more to his offer.

“Yes, Elizabeth. I want you to work for me for two years,” he clarified, his gaze unwavering.

“Okay…?” I hesitated, waiting for him to explain. Hadn’t he just told his father not to hire me? Why did he want me now?

“In those two years, you will do everything I ask of you, without question,” he stated firmly.

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. “I’m not done. During that time, you are not allowed to be with any man—young or old. No dates, no clients, no flirting. If you so much as smile at a man, the deal is off,” he added, his tone final.

“And you will owe me everything I paid for your sister, plus interest.”

I stared at him, trying to gauge if he was serious. He looked dead serious. “What?” I exclaimed, confused about what kind of work he wanted from me.

“I don’t understand, Mr. Richard,” I said, using the name I’d heard Rose call him, unsure if it was correct.

Without a word, he slid the tablet toward me. “Just read it,” he instructed.

I skimmed the contract. It contained everything he had just mentioned and more—covering my sister’s surgery, aftercare, and any future medical expenses. But there was nothing about the nature of the work I’d be doing for him.

“This contract is vague,” I blurted out, and he smiled.

“What exactly do you want me to do for you?” I asked, frustration creeping into my voice. My sister’s life hung in the balance, and he was giving me five minutes to read and sign an absurdly vague contract.

“Nothing you’re not used to,” he replied, his smile widening.

I blinked. 'Used to?' Who did this man think I was?

“There is nothing I’m used to, sir. I would appreciate it if you were clearer,” I said as politely as I could, glancing at the clock. We had already wasted two minutes saying nothing.

“Nothing too taxing,” he replied sarcastically. “Just do everything I ask. It could be anything—I haven’t decided yet,” he smirked.

“Basically enslaving myself to you,” I muttered under my breath.

“Yes, basically that—for just two years,” he said with a smirk, and my heart sank. This was absurd.

“And if I don’t, you won’t help my sister?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Exactly. If you don’t, your sister’s life is in your hands,” he said coldly.

My stomach churned. This man was heartless.

I glanced at the contract again. The rules were strict, especially about interacting with other men.

“Two hundred percent interest?” I gasped.

“Yes. If you break any part of the contract, you’ll owe me the full amount, plus 200% interest. And I always collect my debts, Elizabeth, one way or another,” he said, his voice dropping into a sinister tone.

“It’s simple—just don’t break the contract,” he mocked, handing me a digital pen. “You have one minute left.”

Panic surged through me as I stared at the clock. With just 30 seconds remaining, I scrawled my signature on the tablet and pushed it back toward him.

“Good girl,” Richard said with a triumphant smile, tucking the tablet into his drawer.

He picked up his phone, dialing Rose. “Start the treatment,” he ordered, his voice filled with satisfaction.

As I watched him, dread twisted in my stomach. I had just signed two years of my life away to the devil.