Lily took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "So what do I do now?" she asked, her voice shaking. "We can't just leave my mom here to die. There has to be something we can do."
"I agree," Chris said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Why don't we talk to the hospital administration and see if there's any way they can work with us on the cost of the surgery? Maybe there are some options we haven't explored yet."
Lily nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "That's a great idea,"
"Lily, I know this is a lot to ask," Chris said, his voice serious. "But I'm in a bit of a bind. My inheritance is at stake, and I need to get married in order to secure it. I know it's not ideal, but it's the only way I can think of to help you and your mom. I hope you can understand my position."
Lily was taken aback by Chris' request. She knew he was in a difficult position, but she didn't feel comfortable getting married just to help him out. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that," she
"Chris, I can't believe you're doing this," Lily said, her voice shaking with emotion. "You're trying to blackmail me into a marriage I don't want? I thought you were my friend."
"I'm sorry, Lily," Chris said, his face pained. "I didn't mean to threaten you. I'm just trying to find a way to help you, and this is the only way I can think of. I hope you know I would never do anything to hurt you."
Lily didn't know what to think. She felt betrayed and hurt, but she had to agree.
As the doctor took the cheque from Chris, Lily's heart sank. She knew that she was now beholden to him, and that he had the power to control her future. She felt trapped and helpless, like a pawn in his game. But she also knew that she had to do what was best for her mother, even if it meant sacrificing her own well-being.
She watched as the doctor began the operation, and she prayed that everything would be okay. She wanted nothing more than for her mother to be healthy and happy, even if it meant being under Chris' thumb.
Chris brought out a contract in the hospital lobby, the contract states that they'll be in a fake marriage and to be divorced after a year.
She would have no sexual contact with him but they would act like the perfect couple in front of people.
He would pay her 2 billion dollars to go far away from him after the divorce and she must not fall in love with him.
The terms of the contract were clear, but Lily felt uneasy about what she was being asked to do. She knew that a fake marriage was not a healthy or ethical way to live her life, and that it would be difficult to keep up the charade without falling for him. She didn't want to be bound by a contract, but she also didn't want to lose out on the money that could help her mother.
She hesitated, unsure of what to do. She looked at Chris, and she saw the determination in his eyes. He was serious about this, and he was not going to back down.
She picked up the pen and looked at the contract in front of her. The terms were clear, but something didn't feel right. It felt like a trap, and she wasn't sure if she could go through with it.
"Do I have to sign this?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"It's the only way to get the money you need for your mother," Chris said, his voice cold and emotionless. "I'm doing this for you, and I expect you to honor your end of the bargain."
Lily felt torn. She wanted to help her mother, but she didn't want to end up trapped.
This was not the kind Chris she had encountered. He was using her weakness against her.
She looked at the contract again, and her eyes landed on the clause about falling in love. It seemed like an impossible condition - how could she control her feelings like that? She felt her heart start to race, and she felt trapped.
"I can't do this," she said, her voice breaking. "I'm sorry, but I can't."
Chris looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I'm not giving you a choice," he said, his voice hard. "You have to sign this."
Lily felt a wave of panic wash over her. She didn't know what to do.
"Chris, please," she pleaded. "I'm not asking for your money, I just want to help my mother. Can't we find another way?"
"There is no other way," he said, his tone unyielding. "This is the only way I'm willing to help you. I'm sorry, but I'm not changing my mind."
Lily felt her heart sink. She was trapped, and she didn't know what to do. She thought about her mother, lying in the hospital bed, and she knew she had to make a decision. But what was the right choice?
With a trembling hand, she signed the contract. As she put the pen down, she felt a wave of regret wash over her. She had just made a decision that would change her life forever, and she wasn't sure if she had made the right choice.
"Thank you," Chris said, taking the contract from her. "I'll make sure half the money is transferred to your account as soon as possible."
Lily nodded, unable to speak. She felt numb and exhausted, and she just wanted to go home. But first, she had to see that her mother is fine.
As Lily watched, Chris pulled out his phone and started making calls. He spoke to wedding planners, florists, and caterers, making arrangements for a lavish ceremony. He spoke with authority and confidence, as if he had done this before.