CHAPTER ONE
“Have you seen the news? He is everywhere. And for what?! Sleeping with numerous ladies. Is that who you want me to marry? All for what?! Money?!” Lila screamed at the top of her voice
“Those are all rumors darling” Her father said in a comforting voice
“And what would someone like him want from someone like me? What does he stands to gain? Have you asked yourself this?!” she yelled again trying to force the threating tears from dropping.
"Lila, can you not be selfish for once in your life?! Magnus Thompson angrily yelled. “Will you stop thinking about yourself alone and think about your mother! You're marrying Damien Kingston, and that's final. This isn't a suggestion, it's an order. Quit Arguing because it won’t change a thing. You are meeting with him tomorrow by 3pm, Eleven Madison Park!" he said in a more frustrated voice now.
Lila furiously ran up the stairs as tears streamed down her face, her father’s voice echoed through the corridor. She was done arguing with him; and it was obvious he wasn’t changing his mind anytime soon.
She quickly banged her room door and snapped the lock forcefully. Her mind is racing with emotions. She leaned against the door, trying to steady her breath.
"I am almost fucking engaged," She yelled at the top of her voice
“You have been almost fucking Engaged for three years now, darling” she heard her father said from the hallway, “Admit it baby, Richmond doesn’t have what it takes to marry you.” he continued, in a calm voice.
"I can’t marry Damien Kingston! I don’t love him. How can you force me into marrying someone like Damien Kingston, that ruthless business tycoon?"
Everywhere became silent, he didn’t bother replying this time.
Tears rolled down her eyes as she sank to the floor, pressing her knees firmly to her chest. The reality of her situation was suffocating, and she hadn’t a say to it.
She lay on the cold floor hugging her knee so close to her chest.
#########
The beep from Lila’s phone woke her up about three hours later. She couldn't believe she slept the whole time on the floor.
"Ouch..." she groaned as she stretched, placing her right hand at the back of her neck as she winced from the pain that enveloped her whole body . “Hello” she said, her voice still thick with sleep. She sluggishly sat up rubbing her palm over her temple.
"Wha...what?! No! Doctor, you can't do that! I’ll be there in a jiffy!"
Her mind raced with fear as she took a cab to the hospital.
When she arrived, she burst through the door and walked hurriedly to the reception’s desk.
"Where is Dr. Stevens?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The receptionist looked up before replying. "He should be in his office. I'll let him know you're…."
She didn't bother waiting for the receptionist to finish her sentence before walking down the hallway as soon as she got a glimpse of Dr Steve.
"Dr. Stevens, please, you can't stop my mother from receiving treatment. Lila pleaded immediately, her eyes were hot from the tears boiling in them. "I just need a little more time to get the money."
He sighed, his expression softening. "Lila, you've been saying this for a week now. We've done all we can, even without the necessary funds. I'll give you until the end of the week to come up with the remaining balance. If you can't raise it by then, we'll have no choice but to stop the treatment."