Bella looked at the man and begged, thinking of her brother, "Please just help my brother, and I'll do anything."
Ethan's expression softened ever so slightly. "Alright, Bella. I'll help your brother. But remember, you agreed to my terms. You'll marry me, and you'll do exactly as I say."
Bella nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face. "I'll do it, I'll do it. Just please, save my brother."
Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "I'll arrange for the payment to be made. Your brother will receive the treatment he needs."
Bella's shoulders sagged in relief as Ethan spoke on the phone, his voice calm and authoritative.
When he hung up, he turned to her. "It's done. Your brother will be taken care of. Now, let's discuss the details of our arrangement..."
Bella felt a chill run down her spine as Ethan's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She knew she'd made a deal with a man who wouldn't hesitate to use her for his own gain. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing on one thing: her brother was going to live.
"My lawyer will have to draft up the contract, and my assistant will bring it for you to sign. Ensure to come to the Bureau tomorrow before lunch hour so we can sign our marriage certificate," he said.
Bella's mind was racing. This was a nightmare, but she had no choice. "What about... intimacy?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan's smile was cold and calculating. "Don't worry, Bella. I have no interest in you romantically. This is a business arrangement, nothing more."
Bella felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a pang of shame. She was selling herself to this stranger to save her brother's life. She took a deep breath and nodded.
Ethan then stood up without another word and left. Bella watched as Ethan walked away, feeling like she'd just made a deal with the devil, the weight of her decision settling in.
"Don't be late," he warned before turning and stepping into his expensive-looking car with his long, straight legs. Bella felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched the car speed away. She couldn't believe she'd agreed to this.
She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of unease. She had to focus on the positive—her brother was going to get the treatment he needed.
As she walked back into the hospital, Bella couldn't help but wonder what she'd just gotten herself into.
Bella sat in the hospital waiting room, her mind reeling with thoughts of what had just happened. She tried to push aside the feeling of unease, focusing on the positive—her brother, Ken.
After what felt like an eternity, a nurse called out Ken's name, and Bella stood up, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She followed the nurse to the ward, where Ken was.
Ken looked pale and weak, but his eyes lit up when he saw Bella. "Hey, sis," he whispered, his voice frail.
Bella forced a smile, trying to hide her tears. "Hey, bro. You're going to be okay. Everything will be fine."
Ken nodded, his eyes closing in exhaustion. Bella sat beside him, holding his hand, and waited for the doctor to come and explain how the treatment plan would be managed.
As she sat there, she kept thinking about the deal. She would do anything to save her brother, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.
The nurse came back, gathering Ken's things, and she led them out of the normal ward to the VIP.
Bella's eyes widened in surprise as the nurse led them to the VIP ward. "Wait, what's going on? Why is he being taken here?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.
The nurse smiled. "Mr. Black arranged for your brother to be transferred to the VIP ward. He's going to receive the best care possible."
Bella's mind raced as she processed the information. She figured Mr. Black was the stranger she made a deal with. His influence and wealth were even more extensive than she had imagined. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the magnitude of her decision.
As they settled Ken into his luxurious room, Bella couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was in deeper than she had ever intended, and she wasn't sure if she could keep up with Ethan's demands.
Ken, however, seemed oblivious to the luxury surrounding him. He was too weak, too focused on his own struggle. Bella's heart ached as she looked at him, her determination to save him renewed.
Just then, the door opened, and a team of doctors entered, led by a renowned specialist. "We'll do everything we can to save your brother," the doctor assured Bella, his expression confident.
Bella nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she had made the right decision.
Dr. Lee began to explain Ken's treatment plan. "We'll start with a round of chemotherapy to reduce the cancer cells, followed by a bone marrow transplant. We've already found a matching donor, and we're confident that this will give Ken the best chance of recovery."
Bella listened intently, trying to absorb every detail. "What are the risks?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Lee's expression turned serious. "There are risks involved, of course. Infection, organ damage, graft-versus-host disease... but we're prepared for anything, and we assure you that your brother is in capable hands." Bella breathed a sigh of relief hearing that.
After some time, Bella settled in with her brother in the VIP room. She didn't want to go back home. Those people were not her family. No one cared about them. In this world, only the two siblings could look after themselves. Bella slowly dozed off as the sun set.
The next day, Bella woke up because of a knock at the door. She looked at her brother, who was sleeping peacefully, and said, "Come in."
A man wearing a suit walked into the hospital ward, carrying a briefcase and a garment bag.
"Good morning, madam," he said softly. "I'm Mr. Black's assistant, James. It's time to go to the Bureau. I brought a change of clothes for you."
Bella rubbed her eyes, disoriented. "Bureau? What's going on?"
James explained, "Mr. Black's lawyer has drawn up a contract. You need to sign it to finalize the agreement."
Bella looked at the garment bag. "What's that?"
James replied, "A dress for you to wear to the Bureau. It's a bit more... presentable than what you're wearing now."
Bella nodded, still looking uncertain. James handed her the bag, and she went into the bathroom—privileges of being in a VIP ward. She changed into the dress, staring at herself in the mirror, looking at her ocean-blue eyes and curly red hair with some freckles on her nose and cheeks. She knew she was beautiful but never had time for boyfriends. She came out of the bathroom, and James handed her the contract to read over.
Bella read the contract, and it was as Ethan said. Everything was there, but she did not sign it. She saw Ethan's signature on it and closed it.
As they prepared to leave, Bella asked, "Where's Mr. Black?"
James replied, "He's not available right now, but don't worry. Everything will be taken care of, and we'll get your brother the help he needs."
Bella nodded, took a deep breath, and followed James out of the hospital room, ready to face whatever lay ahead.