I stood there, my heart heavy with the weight of an impossible choice. As much as I despised Marcus' sinister proposal, the reality was stark and cruel.
It was either giving in to his demands or watching my mother's life slip away. The very thought tore me apart, but I couldn't bear the idea of losing her.
Agreeing with Marcus' sinister proposal, memories of Pablo flooded my mind. He was the guy I had known for years and was about to marry before my life took this dreadful turn.
The guilt of betraying him clawed at my heart, weighing down my every step, even as I moved forward with this loveless marriage.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I reluctantly turned back to face Marcus, who wore a smug grin, confident in his manipulation. "Fine," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'll marry you."
His smile widened, victorious. "You've made the right decision, Camilla. I knew you would see things my way eventually."
But even as I spoke those words, I couldn't shake the overwhelming burden of guilt that Pablo bore no responsibility for. He was innocent in all of this, caught in the crossfire of my desperate attempt to save my mother.
A guy who looked in his twenties appeared in front of me, he looked at me as if filled with guilt, " Hello, I was told you are Camilla. The daughter of the patient,"
I nodded. So this is the guy who demands such a huge amount of money, "Thank you for saving my mother,"
"It's you that I should be thanking. I just lost my mother. She had been ill for ten years. We had so much debt. With this, my siblings and I can start a new life."
My heart sank at his story. The beginning of my tragedy turns out to be a starting point for another family. I gave a small smile, my eyes filled with burning tears.
"Be safe. And best wishes to your new life," I manage to smile as I sob, my cheeks already wet from crying. He nodded and stepped away with a doctor.
I watched as my mother was taken to the surgery room, where she was going to be given a second chance of living, maybe a better chance. A small smile accompanied by more tears left my eyes.
As I stepped out into the garden, seeking a moment of solace, I found myself unable to escape the memories of my past.
The laughter, the dreams, and the fun all felt like distant echoes of a past life, slipping through my fingers like sand.
"You seem distant," Marcus sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Is it your lover you're thinking about?"
My heart skipped a beat, the weight of my betrayal crushing me further. I turned to face him, my voice shaking. "Don't say things you have no right to speak about."
Marcus laughed mockingly, savouring my pain like a predator relishing its prey. "Ah, but I can see it in your eyes. You long for him, don't you? Too bad he couldn't save your mother. This gentleman here is the sole saviour of her poor little life."
I felt anger and hurt welling up inside me, but I fought to remain composed. "This isn't about him. It's about my mother."
"Enough with everything now, let's go to your new hotel room," He yawned.
"At least let me make sure she gets out of the surgery room alive," What the hell is wrong with this man? Can't he be human enough to let me see my mother?
"Ah ah," He shakes his head, " That is not an option for you right now baby girl. Now move. The car is right that way,"
"Asshole!" Fuck him! My stomach keeps churning every time I see his face.
What kind of a guy makes a woman clench her fist over something like this? Hurriedly, I walk inside when I hear the words that make me stop.
"One call and the little transplant stops,"
My heart pounded so loud that my chest panted at its highest level. The oxygen my nostrils could inhale was not enough to the point I used my mouth.
" The choice is yours," He sings like those fucking soprano songs, " Anyway honey, I am going to my car right there and if you don't follow me in five minutes, I will walk away and I will make that impossible phone call," A mugged smirk left his lips, walking while dancing with joy.
I look at the hospital again, I make a holly cross. Lord, you know why I am going through what I am going through. Please help me and don't let my mom come to you yet. I closed my eyes as I turned around, and following a way towards hell.
"Again, I knew you would make the right decision. Hey, Pepa. Meet my new soon-to-be wife," The driver in his dark uniform looked at me through a mirror.
"Congratulations Mrs Del Monte " His smile was anything but genuine. I didn't say a word.
The ride was filled with despicable songs sung from his lips. This is the guy I am going to marry. To be honest, this still feels like a dream.
Maybe I will wake up tomorrow and everything will be fine. My mother won't need a kidney transplant. My Pablo will be by my side and the only thing I will be looking forward to is my graduation and my wedding day.
"Mh mh. Baby girl. This is not a dream. It's a reality. You will officially be Mrs. Del Monte in a few days to come."
Exactly how did he know what I was thinking? What the fuck?! Can't I even think in peace?
We finally enter the gates of a hotel, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya being the name. Grand and luxurious.
The entrance was a marvel in itself, designed with a delicate balance that embraced the surrounding environment. Smooth stone pathways meandered through the gardens, leading the way to the heart of the resort.
Welcome to the world of the rich, Camilla.
As I gazed at the magnificent architecture, my eyes were drawn to the main building's facade, a striking blend of contemporary design and natural elements.
The elegant use of wood and stone gave it a warm and inviting charm, making it feel like an extension of the breathtaking surroundings.
The driver opens the door for him and I open it for myself. We both go to the reception and he takes the key to his room. I don't know, our room.
As he turned the polished brass handle and pushed open the door to the hotel room, a sense of anticipation washed over me.
The room was suffused with warm, natural light that filtered through sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow on the earth-toned furnishings.
"Like what you see?" I turned to Marcus, " I have work to do. Behave while I'm gone. And before I forget," He takes a phone from his pockets, "
"I've already dumped the old phone. What century are you in using iPhone 6?" He laughs, "Anyway, see you later or tomorrow in case I go home," He closed the door behind him.
I wish I had the energy to panic, but what happened today has drained it all away. I look at my new phone and turn it on.
Pablo's phone number is in my head like a heavenly father prayer. I press the dial app but my finger won't write it on the app. What do I tell him once he picks up my call?
A door knocks and clicks open, "Mrs. Del Monte?" I tilt my head to look at a lady dressed in a white uniform, struggling with the rack with a bunch of white fancy dresses.
"Hello Ma'am, Mr. Del Monte sent me to give you these dresses and choose one that fits for your wedding tomorrow."
"What?! The wedding is tomorrow?"
"That's what I am told, ma'am,"