Chapter Three — Decision of freedom

AVA'S POV

I lay on the hospital bed, surrounded by sterile white walls and the steady beep of machines monitoring my vital signs. My mind raced with thoughts of James Valquez's proposal.

Marry him for two years, and he’d cover my medical expenses.

Refuse, and he’d cut me off, leaving me drowning in debt.

My gaze drifted to the stack of receipts of the hospital bills, paid by James, on my bedside table. My financial struggles were no secret, but how did James know?

I recalled my previous conversation with him:

“You owe me, Ava. Your medical bills are substantial. Refuse, and I’ll cut your treatment. I’ll make sure you struggle financially for the rest of your life.”

“I know about your debt, Ava,” James had added, his voice low and menacing. “I know about your struggling paramedic job. You need me.”

My skin crawled. How did he dig up such personal information?

I thought back to our first meeting. James had seemed charming, but now i saw him for what he truly was – a ruthless, seeming wealthy man who’d stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

But what did he want from me?

Why two years? And what would happen after our contract expired?

My thoughts swirled, my head pounding.

The door creaked open, and a nurse entered with a warm smile.“Hey, Ava. How’s our patient doing today?”

I forced a weak smile.

“I’m confused.”

The nurse’s expression turned sympathetic.

“About Mr. Valquez’s offer?”

My eyes widened.

“How did you know?”

The nurse hesitated before speaking in a hushed tone.

“Mr. Valquez’s people have been calling, asking about your condition. He’s persistent.”

My uneasiness grew.

“What does he want from me?”

The nurse’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“I don’t know, but be careful, Ava. Men like James Valquez don’t give offers out of kindness.”

I nodded, my mind racing.

I thought about paramedic recuse job, struggling to stay afloat.

I thought about my personal debts, piling up everyday, very fast without support from Brandon.

That crazy drunkard.

Suddenly, the thought of James’s proposal resurfaced my mind.

Two years of security, of financial freedom.

But at what cost?

My independence? My dignity?

As the nurse left, I made a decision.

I would accept James offer.

Not because I want to, but because I had to.

The weight of my debt crushed me, and James’s proposal seemed like the only escape.

I turned my head to face the ceiling, vowing to myself:

I would not be trapped and I would not be controlled.

I would play his game, but on my own terms.

Brandon has already exposed me to the cruelty of men.

If only he told me where my Mother was.

For two years, I would wear the mask of a dutiful wife.

But beneath the surface, i would my plan my escape.

And when the contract expired, I would walk away.

Free.

With no financial burden.

And ready to rebuild my life, debt-free.

My determination hardened.

I would sign James’s contract, but I would never surrender.

Brandon ruthless quote suddenly appeared in my mind, Ringing true for the first time in my head.

“Weak people never make their own choices Ava. We make it for them.”

A light shiver went down through my spine, recalling his cold statement.

I resolved not be weak again. Not for love, not for anything.

The door opened again. James stood in the doorway, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

“Ava, I see you’ve made your decision.”

My voice surprisingly became steady.

“I accept your proposal, James.”

My eyes flashed with empathy as James’s smile spread across his perfect jawline.

“I knew you’d see things my way.”

My eyes flashed with defiance.

“Don’t think you’ve won, James. This is just the beginning.”

James’s gaze narrowed, but his smile remained.

“We’ll see about that, Ava.”

The contract lay on the bedside table, waiting to be signed.

My heart sank, but my resolve remained firm.

I would play James's game.

And I would emerge victorious.

I picked up the suspended pen on the table. I scribbled away my signature on the allocated contract.

His eyes glinted with unknown satisfaction.

My uneasiness grew as James’s gaze lingered on me, his brown eyes seeming to bore into my soul. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he stepped closer, his presence suffocating.

I closed the contract document hopefully. I turned to James, which was suddenly on a phone call.

“End the search, Rodri. I’ve found a suitable wife already.” He Said, wincing at my direction.

I looked at him from the bed I laid. Something about him doesn’t speak honesty.

“Excellent choice, Ava,” James said, his voice low and smooth. “I’ll have my lawyer draft the contract clause and addendum today. We’ll finalize the details tomorrow.”

I nodded, trying to hide my fears and doubts. Tomorrow seemed too soon, but I knew I had no choice.

As James turned to leave, I called out, “James?”

He paused, looking over his shoulder.

“How did you….find out about my financial situation?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

James’s smile was confident.

“Let’s say I have my ways, Ava. You’d be surprised what information is available to someone with the right resources.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. How far had he dug? What else did he know?

James’s eyes glinted with amusement.

“Don’t worry, Ava. Your secrets are safe with me. For now.”

With that, he walked out, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just made a deal with the devil himself.

The nurse abruptly re-entered the room as if waiting for James to leave.

“Do you care for some fruits? We’ll have the patient care managers get them for you.” She said, humbly.

“You administer fruits in your hospital?”

“Not at all. No Health care facility is allowed to do that. We’ll get them outside the hospital, across the street, all by the orders of Mr. James.” She replied.

“Tell me, is it a crime to save a kid’s life?” I Said to no one in particular.

“What?”

“Nothing. I’ll call when I’m ready to eat.”

She politely nodded and left. I was once again left with my thoughts.

I started to wonder how far this man could get, just to get his personal desires.

My mind roamed back to Brandon, the scene I caused before leaving the house.

I sympathetically smiled inwardly.

Brandon wouldn’t approve another man wedding his so called girlfriend.