I sat in the hospital room, holding my mother's frail hand in mine. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed sunken and tired. The machines beeping around us were a constant reminder of her fragile state.
"Mom, please don't leave me," I whispered, trying to hold back tears.
My mother's voice was weak, but her words were laced with determination. "I'll be okay, sweetie. I just need you to promise me something."
"Anything, Mom. What is it?"
Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep sadness. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself. Find someone who loves you, someone who can take care of you when I'm gone."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I nodded, trying to reassure her. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be easy. My mother was my rock, my everything. Without her, I felt lost and alone.
As I sat there, holding her hand and trying to process the weight of her words, I knew I had to find a way to keep her with me for as long as possible. But the medical bills were piling up, and I was running out of options.
The doctor's words kept echoing in my mind: "We've done everything we can, but your mother's condition is deteriorating rapidly. We need to explore other options, but they're expensive."
I felt a wave of desperation wash over me. I would do anything to save my mother's life. Anything.
That's when I remembered the flyer I'd seen posted on the hospital bulletin board. "Seeking a wife for a mutually beneficial arrangement. Must be willing to sign a contract. Generous compensation provided."
It sounded desperate, but I was desperate. I would do anything to save my mother's life. I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone, snapping a photo of the flyer.
As I looked at the image, I felt a shiver run down my spine. What kind of person would propose such an arrangement? And what did they mean by "mutually beneficial"?
But I didn't have time to think about it. I had to act fast. I sent a text to the number listed on the flyer, my heart racing with anticipation.
"Hello, I'm interested in the arrangement. Can we discuss further?"
I waited anxiously for a response, my mind racing with possibilities. What had I just gotten myself into?
Little did I know, responding to that flyer would set me on a collision course with the one person who would change my life forever – the man I'd spilled coffee on just a few days ago.