Olivia's POV
It was two am by the time I left the hospital to go get things my mum needed at the hospital. I walked dejectedly on the lonely road. Stalls were closed and there was no one in sight. I didn't have enough money to get a cab. I had to save every cent for my mum's surgery.
I kicked stones and pebbles in my way as I walked, the yellow hue from the street lights illuminating my path.
Suddenly, a man tapped me from behind. Fear gripped my heart, and instinct kicked in—I turned to run. But before I could escape, he grabbed my arm. Panic surged through me as he spoke, "Don't fret, I mean no harm." His words hung in the air, confusing me. How could I not fear when it was just me and this stranger, on this lonely road at this ungodly hour?
I yanked my arm away from him. "H-how can I help you?" I was wary of him but still tried to steady my voice and sound firm.
"You seem to have not let your guard down." The man said smoothing out his suit with his hands. I looked at him from head to toe. He looked prim, with a well-ironed crisp suit and well-polished leather Oxford shoes. He exuded an air of professionalism even with his speech. Who was he?
"I don't know you." I flatly said, still wary of him.
I watched him get something out of his inner suit pocket.
"My business card." He handed out the card to me. "I have an offer that I feel you'd like. I'm talking money-wise."
My head snapped up to meet his. Money? Exactly what I needed.
I watched his back as he walked towards a car parked by the side of the road. I had been so out of it that I hadn't noticed a car drive on this lonely road. I couldn't get a clear view of the car but it looked sleek and expensive.
The car drove off, the revving engine, echoing through the wind.
I looked at the card in my hands. No other information aside a number was on it.
***
It was the next morning already. I stirred awake when I heard voices in the hallway. I had slept on the visitor's chair outside my mum's room. Once I was fully awake, I went to the glass window and observed my mum. She still hasn't regained consciousness.
Shortly, the doctor came to check up on her.
"Can I go in with you?" I asked when he opened the door to her room.
He gave it a little thought before saying, "Sure."
We walked into the room and I stood by the side watching him check her vitals and every other thing necessary. He turned to look at me, his expression not looking good.
"She's quite stable right now but I don't know for how long. We don't have enough resources in this hospital and I would advise you to move her to a bigger hospital by tomorrow."
I kept mute. I still haven't thought of a solution.
"I'll leave you two for a while," the doctor said and took his leave. His hand grabbed the doorknob before he paused suddenly. "Miss Olivia." I turned to look at him.
"The bill."
My heart sank with realization. "I'll settle the bills before sunset." I gave him my word before he left.
I turned to look at my mother's frail state. I wanted to hold her hands but the doctor advised against it. "I'll do anything to save you, Mum," I whispered, looking at her almost lifeless body.
I retrieved the card the man from early this morning, gave me from my back pocket. I was no longer doubtful of his intentions so far he could give me the money to save my mother.
With a newfound conviction, I dialed the number. I was beginning to lose hope when he did pick at the third ring and my hands fell to the side of my lap when in disappointment, I heard his thick voice.
"Hello."
I quickly placed the phone to my ear. "Y-yes yes! It's me. From early this morning."
"I know," he said stoically.
"Y-you told me to call you," my hope dwindled and it reflected in my voice. He sounded too…firm.
"Yes, I did. Where are you?" I heard him ask.
"I'm at St. Mark's hospital."
"Do you have an incurable illness? If so you're not the one for the job."
"Not all. It's my mum that's hospitalized, I'm perfectly healthy." I rushed to correct him but I was met with only silence.
"Please, I need the money to save my mum. What was the offer you talked about?"
"I'll arrange for a driver to come pick you up." He flatly said and hung up.
What was his deal? Was he even legit?
I shook my head. It didn't matter, he was my only hope. Mr. Thomas had called earlier but I couldn't bother the old man with my problems.
I watched my mother for a while, fighting back tears at the state she was in. Suddenly my phone rang. It was a private number.
I picked it up. "I'm outside the hospital. White Porsche. Plate number- *******" he hung up.
It wasn't the same voice as the man from earlier. Was this safe?
I looked at my mum desolately, my conviction hardening once more before leaving the room.
Just as he said, a white Porsche was parked in front of the hospital. I didn't need to check the details before knowing it was the one. It looked odd among the cheap cars parked around.
I opened the door to the back seat of the car and got in and immediately the car zoomed off.
"Good morning," I greeted carefully and when I got no reply I resigned to just looking out the window. I didn't want to get on the nerves of anyone.
The car ride was long and I had fallen asleep already.
"We're here," The driver announced, his deep voice jolting me awake. It was a cafe.
"Ask for the VIP room and say LW when asked for the passcode. You may go."
I came out of the car and looked at the cafe building.
*Sweet Bites Cafe* it read.
It was just like any other ordinary cafe. That lightened my heavy heart a bit.
I entered the cafe and went to the counter.
"Good morning," I greeted the waiter at the counter and she responded with a smile.
"Good morning. What would you like to order miss."
"I want the VIP room," I said and watched their demeanor change.
"Please wait here," the waiter said and shortly returned with a man I assume to be the manager.
The manager looked me up and down. He pursed his lips and raised his glasses his nose bridge in distaste. I'm sure he thought someone like me with shabby clothes had nothing to find in the VIP section.
"What's the password?" He asked still eyeing me.
"LW," I said and the man kissed his teeth. "Come with me."
The manager led me through the kitchen area and then through a series of doors and finally, we arrived at a red room. The red lights from the room seeped through the door.
The manager opened the door for me and once I was in he shut the door behind me…and I guess left.
The room was dim with red lights but I could make at the figure before me. In front of me was the man from yesterday, sitting on a couch that spread across the room, his legs crossed as he held a wine glass in his hand. Before him was a wine bottle and a bucket of ice.
He quietly tossed a document on the table. "Open it." He ordered, swirling the wine glass in his hand.
I walked carefully to the table and picked up the document. I opened it and read the content.
"Baby mama contract," I whispered the words my eyes read and looked up at the man in confusion.