After delivering the food she obtained from Sarah to her grandfather, Lisa reluctantly returned to Sarah's villa.
Her mind was clear on one goal alone: to heal Sarah completely and claim the half-year's worth of food Miles had promised. Yet as she thought of the warmth and comfort of Miles' home, Lisa found herself distracted. In truth, losing the wager might not be such a bad outcome—she'd live in Miles' warm villa, free from the constant worry over food and freezing nights. Many residents had risked their lives for such a privilege.
The opportunity was within her reach, one decision away from achieving what so many could only dream of. And besides, Miles had a point: she wasn't the only doctor in Cloud Peak. What if he found another and left her to fend for herself?
Lisa shook herself from these thoughts, ashamed at the notion. No, she thought firmly, I won't sell my soul for a meal, no matter what.
But her resolve was tested when she caught sight of the crude, hungry gaze in Sarah's eyes. It was a look that turned her stomach, and in that instant, she half-hoped his injury would claim him sooner rather than later.
Seeing Lisa return with medical supplies, Sarah's face lit up with triumphant delight.
"Hah! I knew our doctor could pull it off!" he crowed. Then, his eyes narrowed with a sinister glint. "One day, I'll take everything from that bastard Miles—his house, his supplies, all of it will be mine."
Lisa's expression twisted in disgust. "Save it for after your recovery. For now, focus on surviving."
"Recovery?" Sarah's face lit up. "You mean I can fully heal? I thought saving my life would be a miracle, let alone saving my arm…"
"That's right," Lisa replied, with a strange intensity in her voice. "I'll heal you fully. You'll be as good as new."
Sarah stared, taken aback. Her tone suggested something more, and a smirk spread over his face. Could it be that she's taken a liking to me? If so, he was more than ready to accept such a gift—a beautiful, talented doctor devoted to his health.
"My deepest thanks, Miss Lisa," he purred, reaching to take her hand.
Feeling his touch, Lisa's face paled, and she yanked her hand away, eyes full of revulsion. "What do you think you're doing?"
Feigning innocence, Sarah chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. "If you stay here with me, you'll never go hungry."
Lisa wiped her hand on her coat with a look of disdain. "Save your charity. Once you're healed, we'll go our separate ways."
Had she not been bound by the wager with Miles, Lisa would have turned and left without a second thought.
Sarah's smile turned predatory. "Playing hard to get, are we? Miss Lisa, let's be real. This is no time for modesty. There are women out there who would do anything—anything—for just a scrap of bread."
Though she detested his words, Lisa couldn't deny the truth. Even a stale crust would drive some to madness in this place where hunger had made survival paramount and dignity irrelevant.
"If that day comes, I'd rather die."
But as she said it, the image of Miles came unbidden to her mind—his easy smile, his strong, sun-kissed physique. If she had to compromise, it would be him, not Sarah.
"Die?" Sarah sneered. "That may be the fate of everyone else, but you, my dear, will stay very much alive—for as long as I need your services, you'll be safe."
Lisa's face paled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means I expect you to remain here and tend to me until I'm completely healed," Sarah replied with a smug smile. "I'm willing to pay, and I won't let you starve. Anyone might die here, but you? Absolutely not."
"You're holding me prisoner?" Lisa's voice trembled.
"Not at all, my dear. Think of it as…ensuring your safety. Things are chaotic out there, and I wouldn't want you to be harmed."
Sarah's eyes gleamed with a twisted satisfaction as he watched her reaction. If not for his injuries, he would have forced her into submission by now.
Suppressing her anger, Lisa set to work, focusing on the task of treating his wounds. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she worked, despite the cold, her mind torn between two fears: the threat of Sarah's retaliation and the possibility of losing her wager with Miles. She couldn't afford either.
Two hours later, she finished the procedure, slumping down in exhaustion. "If you make it through the night, your arm should be safe."
Sarah looked at her with something approaching admiration. "I have to admit, your skill is remarkable."
Lisa said nothing, wrapping the wound tightly before gathering her supplies to leave. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going."
"Going?" A thud sounded as the door was closed from the outside, and one of Sarah's men stood by with a mocking smile.
"You gave me your word!" Lisa shot Sarah a glare of pure loathing.
"Oh, don't be so quick to judge. I'm just asking you to stay nearby. After all, I'll need help changing the dressings," Sarah said smoothly.
"I'll return tomorrow."
She turned for the door, but the guard blocked her way.
"Doctor," Sarah's voice grew cold, "you don't want anything to happen to your grandfather, do you?"
Lisa froze, her heart racing with panic. Only now did she realize that one of Sarah's men had disappeared during her procedure. It wasn't hard to guess where he'd gone.
"Keep helping me," Sarah continued, his tone softening, "and I promise your grandfather will be well taken care of. If not…" He trailed off with a shrug. "I might decide to throw him out into the cold."
Lisa's fury burned hot, but beneath it, fear churned. She could see no escape now. The very wager she'd agreed to was rendered useless, and all her efforts to secure food for her grandfather seemed futile. Trapped, she had no choice but to obey, her only hope now that Miles might somehow learn of her plight.