The Contract

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Thauce was right; I wouldn't earn that two million in just one month. Seya needed surgery as soon as possible. It's tough, but I had no choice.

I couldn't afford to lose my sister. I'd face humiliation, pain, and loss of dignity, but I couldn't lose Seya.

"I'll let you know when I need the money. I'll send it to you immediately. What do you prefer? Cash, bank transfer, or cheque?"

I didn't look at Thauce. I had no doubts now. This was for Seya... for my sister's safety.

"I think a bank transfer will do. I'll use it to pay the hospital for Seya's surgery--"

I was surprised when Thauce suddenly gripped my waist. His face was so close that I could barely breathe.

"I don't like it when someone isn't looking at me when I'm talking, Zehra Clarabelle."

I pushed him away forcefully.

"You said I just need to make Errol fall for me, right? Nothing else?" I asked.

"But that doesn't give you the right to do anything that you want. You are under me right now, Zehra Clarable. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to pick you up. You'll come to my office to sign the contract."

Contract?

"What's that for?" I asked.

He smirked, approached, and held my chin, lifting it up.

"I am not an idiot, Zehra Clarabelle. I need a contract and your signature. I don't want you to just run away once you get what you want."

I glared at him. I wasn't that kind of person! I knew how to keep my word! He was the one who looked like he'd revert to his old ways after getting what he wanted.

"I'm not like that, Thauce. Even though we're struggling, it's not my nature to chase after money. You have my word," I said firmly.

"Then come tomorrow. I need you to sign the contract."

I just nodded at him and didn't reply further. When I thought he had nothing else to say, I turned away. But I paused when he grabbed my hand. I looked back at him.

"What else do you need from me?"

"I don't like you talking like that to me, Zehra Clarabelle. Watch your mouth."

I swallowed hard at his words. He let go of my hand and took out money from his wallet. He handed me a thick stack of bills. He took my hand again and placed the money in it.

"W-What... I don't need this. Tomorrow... tomorrow when I've signed the contract, then--"

"This is not for you. This is for your sister. Take it and buy her medicines."

After saying that, Thauce turned away. I looked at the money in my palm. The pain in my chest intensified. This feeling of begging for help was overwhelming. But I had no choice, no one else to turn to. I had to endure this.

I had to accept Thauce's hurtful words. Even what he wanted me to do in the next three months.

After buying the medicine, I returned to Seya's room. I looked at Errol, he was asleep. I approached him and gently stroked his cheek. Who wouldn't be drawn to someone like Errol?

He's kind... very kind. Even after five years, his way of speaking, his actions, don't show any malice.

I understand why Lianna couldn't forget him after all these years.

But I'm hurting now.

I wiped away the tears that fell from both my cheeks.

In exchange for five million, I needed to approach Errol and make him fall in love with me because that's what Thauce wanted. To get Lianna's attention, Errol needed to love me.

When I saw Errol's eyes move, I withdrew my hand. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes.

"I must have fallen asleep, sorry, Zehra."

He was the one apologizing even though I was the one asking him to watch over my sister.

"No, it's okay... I bought coffee too, here," I said, showing him.

"You can go home after you've had your coffee, I can manage here," I added as he reached for the coffee I bought outside.

But when Errol shook his head, I raised an eyebrow.

"I will stay with you here until Seya wakes up. I'm sure you'll cry alone here."

I was surprised by what he said. It was true.

I sat beside him on the sofa and pulled the small table closer. I placed my coffee there, and he did the same. He's so kind. I couldn't say anything.

"I can see that Errol already has feelings for you. Plus, he's not that hard to love."

Yes and no, but what will Errol think when he finds out that I agreed to Thauce's offer to make him fall in love with me in exchange for five million?

That I agreed to it for Seya's sake?

I looked at Errol as I thought about it. It's not right, but I have no other choice but to accept Thauce's offer. I'm desperate, for Seya's safety.

"You're so kind to me and Seya, Errol... thank you so much. It's just... it's so hard. Seya suddenly got sick. I didn't expect it, and my sister kept her feelings to herself because she knew she'd add to the expenses."

I drank my coffee, and so did Errol.

"Seya is such a good kid, just like you..." Errol looked at me, and as I set down my coffee, I was surprised when he took my right hand.

"I'm happy to help you both, Zehra. If you need anything else, just tell me. While Seya is being treated, I'll be here by your side, I won't leave your sister."

Thauce was right. It's not hard to love Errol. You naturally fall for him because of his kindness. He's so thoughtful, good to others, and doesn't pick and choose who he helps. Any woman would be lucky to have him love her.

"Thank you so much, Errol."

I was surprised when he hugged me.

"Everything will be alright, Zehra. Seya will get better, she will."

Seya's doctor didn't allow us to take her home today. Before Errol left, he talked to the doctor, but we were told it's risky. Seya could have another attack anytime. Because Seya's health and safety are my priority, I agreed.

Our bill is increasing every hour he spends in the hospital. I suddenly remembered my encounter with Thauce and what he wanted me to do.

"Ma'am."

I looked at his driver. I'm on the highway now, at a convenience store. I'm heading to his company now to sign the contract he mentioned to me. I have no other choice, and I didn't think of asking Errol for financial help.

Even though he offered any assistance, I still didn't want to. I didn't want Thauce to think that I was only after money from his cousin if I asked for Errol's help.

His hurtful words were enough.

I got into the car, and the driver immediately started the engine.

My mind is still at the hospital. Seya has lost so much weight, her eyes are sunken. Her lips are pale. I couldn't help but cry, wiping away the tears that fell from my eyes as I remembered our situation as siblings.

Even if I have to accumulate debts, even if it costs my dignity, I'll fight for my sibling.

When my cellphone rang, I saw Lea's name on the screen. She sent a message. I opened it immediately. I saw a photo of her and Seya eating. It made me smile, seeing Seya with an appetite. Earlier, I tried to make her eat, but she didn't want to.

I messaged Lea back when I noticed that Seya was eating something different from what I bought earlier. I bought her porridge this morning.

"Where did the fried chicken come from? No wonder she's eating well, she likes the food."

I was just kidding. I sent my reply to Lea. Less than a minute later, she replied to me.

"Errol brought it, Zehra! He also gave some fruits, he seemed in a hurry, probably heading to the office."

My heart raced when I read Errol's name. I held my chest. Even if I tell him his help is enough, he doesn't stop. It seems he's really going to keep his word from last night, that he'll be with us until Seya gets better.

He's so kind.

"We're here now."

I couldn't reply to Lea when I heard the driver's voice. We're in the parking lot of what I think is Thauce's company. When the driver got out of the car, I followed suit. The company looks nice, and there are employees outside, probably on their break.

We entered the elevator with the driver, and I saw him press the 30th floor. Thauce's office is quite high up.

"We're here, ma'am. Sir is expecting your arrival."

The driver bowed, and I did too.

"T-Thank you."

I looked at the door before entering. I knocked three times and it opened.

I saw Thauce wearing glasses, focused on his computer. He looks very different now compared to the past few days. His face is still serious, but there's something different about his aura. So this is how he is at work.

He paused typing and looked at me.

"Close the door, Zehra Clarabelle."

I immediately obeyed and closed the door. Once it shut, I stayed in my spot, a bit away from him. Thauce took off his glasses and looked at me again.

"What are you doing there? Are we going to have a conversation with you standing there? Sit on the sofa."

I walked slowly to the sofa by the side, as he instructed, and sat down. He really has a sour attitude. He could have said that nicely, but he chose to sound annoyed.

His attitude is far from Errol's.

"I heard that Errol went to the hospital earlier. He brought food and fruits. Did you see him?" he asked. He placed a brown envelope on the table and then sat opposite me.

"No. He met Lea. I was briefly at the bar, so we didn't see each other there."

I told Sir Jio that I won't be coming in today to watch over Seya. It looks like I need to find another job. It can't always be Lea watching over my sister; it's embarrassing for them.

And Seya can't be left unattended either; it's not fair to her.

"We will have a group vacation next week. That's your chance to get Errol's attention. I'll include you."

I was surprised by what he said. I can't leave. What about Seya? Who will watch over my sister?

"But, Seya... Seya will be left alone, Thauce..."

He took the envelope and pulled out its contents.

"This is the contract. If you need, I will read it for you."

I shook my head. Somehow, I can understand English. Even though I didn't finish high school, I tried to read books to gain knowledge even without money to enroll in school.

"I got it, I can understand," I said. He lowered the paper, and I took it. I focused my full attention on reading.

He was right about the hospital. The agreement stated that I had to make Errol fall in love with me within three months, and if that didn't happen, I wouldn't return the money to him. That was one thing on my mind. If I fail, do I have to return the money? Luckily, no.

But at the end, I'll surely struggle. It was stated that I had to follow everything he said.

"I will transfer your sister to a private hospital, Zehra Clarabelle. You don't have to worry about the expenses or who will watch over her. I've also hired someone to take care of your sister. To make sure that she's safe, you can video call her while you are with me."

It means he really planned everything.

"How long will we be gone?" I asked.

"One month," he quickly replied.

One month... he wasn't strict because, as he said, I could call Seya.

"If you are still worried, I can pay your friend to look after your sister. I'll get two private nurses to check on your sister's condition."

I think he's referring to Lea.

I noticed his aggressiveness in what he wants me to do. Thauce is desperate. That's what I see in him now.

"You love Lianna so much, Thauce... because you're doing all of this for her." I bit my lower lip as I said that.

His expression became blank. Earlier, he was looking at me seriously. He turned his head slightly and sighed.

"I will do anything to get Lianna's attention. Her love belongs to me, not to Errol who just ignores her," he said, looking at the contract.

"If you don't have questions, sign the contract now, Zehra Clarabelle."