Chapter 1: Death warm

Annabelle’s POV

I hate the sound from the coffee machine because it drives me crazy. But today it is the only sound that is keeping me awake. I have been working for 3 days non-stop all because I want to gather the money for my mother's treatment.

“You look terrible, Anna.” Says Sofia, she joined me over the counter. “You look like death warmed over.” she added while wiping the counter beside me. “When was the last time you left here and went home to have a sound sleep?”

I sighed before replying to her. “I think it was two nights ago.” I scratch my head while brewing the coffee machine. My hands were shaking as I filled the cup while spilling half of the coffee. “My mother needs new treatment, the doctor told me this morning but the insurance company is proving to be difficult in approving it.”

“How difficult is it?” Sofia asked, as she paused, wiping the counter and giving me the expression that she always does whenever she's about to get angry on my behalf.

“I don't know but it's difficult enough to not be able to cover all the expenses.” I answered while dumping the ruined coffee cup that was already stained into the trash. “They are talking about $40,000 which we don't have.”

“Nowadays, these insurance companies are leaching. But that is insane, your mom has been paying into the insurance for over fifteen years.” Sofia slammed the rag on the counter. “There has to be another way to help your mom. Some kind of appeal process of financial aid to help you.”

Before I could answer, the bell chimes by the doorway and without looking up, the scent already fills the air and my stomach does the stupid flutter it does whenever the figure enters. I already know who it was. 7:15 a.m. exactly for the past 3 months, he has been coming here and ordering the same coffee. Ronan enters with his expensive suit that cost more than my yearly earnings.

He walks towards the counter, smiling at me as he does everyday like I am the best part of his day.

“The usual?” I ask, already reaching for the cup to fill him his usual coffee mix.

“Actually, make it two today. I am meeting someone for breakfast.” he replied, reaching for his wallet and bringing out $20 for a $6 coffee. “You can keep the change and I hope your mom is feeling better.”

“Thank you, that's really thoughtful of you. I never expected you to remember about it after yesterday's conversation.” I smiled and handed him the two coffee cups. Our fingers brushed against each other and I hate the way it makes me feel. Most of the time, I always dream of having him as my man, which I definitely shouldn't be having about a customer.

“Of course I remember. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know please…” he answered, looking like he wanted to say more but confused if it would be appropriate.

“I appreciate that but thank you we will figure that out ourselves.” I smiled at him hoping that he would see the confidence in me despite feeling torn apart inside of me.

He nods and walks away towards the door and then suddenly stops and turns back as if he forgot something. “Annabelle, would you maybe go on a dinner date with me? It is probably weird since I am just a customer but I have been wanting to ask you for weeks.”

My heart literally stops. I can't believe this gorgeous successful man is asking me out.

“I would really love to.” I replied before my brain could stop me, before my heart could give me any reasons why this is a bad idea.

“Good, tomorrow I will stop by and then we can figure out the details of everything.” he said why smiling like he has won an important trophy. “Have a beautiful day Anna.”

Immediately he left, Sofia walked towards me staring at me like I had lost my mind and then she said "Did you just agree to go on a date with the man in a suit?”

“Well, the man in the suit is Ronan, and yea, I think I just accepted to go on a date with him.” I felt giddy and terrified. “Is that completely insane?”

“Maybe it is insane, but you deserve some happiness in your life.” Sophia came round the counter and then hugged me. “But promise me you will be careful, rich guys like this always have complicated lives.”

I smiled and nodded my head. The rest of the day went by as I spent most of it thinking about Ronan and also the kind of restaurant we were going to choose. And whether I have something nice to wear.

_____________

After closing for my shift, I went straight to the hospital by 3:00pm, and for the very first time I felt hopeful.

My mom was already awake when I entered the room, however she looked worse than she did yesterday.

There was some yellow tint on her skin that made me flinch with fear when I saw it.

“Mom, how are you feeling today?" I asked , sitting in the chair close to her bed.

“Like I am running out of time," she answered with a weak voice. She reaches for my hand with a trembling hand that feels like paper. “But we need to talk about some things my baby, some things I should have told you a long time ago.”

“The doctor said the new treatment might help if you can get approval tomorrow.” I squeezed her hand gently. “I talked to someone at the billing today, and they think they might be order option for financial assistance.”

“Annabelle, you need stop and listen to me.” Mom's voice was stronger than it was yesterday. “There are important things about your life that you need to know. About who you are, so I need you to listen to me carefully.”

The way Mom spoke made my heart to skip a beat “What do you mean by who I am? You are scaring me mom.”

“Your father never died in a car accident.” she said, looking at me. Her eyes are clearer now than it has been in weeks. “I lied to you about that because I was ashamed and I thought I was protecting you.”

I began to feel hot in my body my heart began to beat fast. “What do you mean by that mom?” I asked. “Of course Dad died in an accident, you showed me his death certificate when I was a child.”

“That was fake. I paid someone to make it for me because I never want you to keep asking me questions about where your dad is.” Tears began to roll down her eyes. “He is alive Anna and he is incredibly wealthy.”

I stand up so fast that the chair scrapes against the floor.