Chapter 1
Ana's pov
"Dr Grey, please I just need a little more time…I'm begging you, don't let my mother die." I pleaded with the head surgeon of Fountain hospital. He gently took off his reading glasses and placed them on his desk.
"Miss Miller, we are doing everything we can, but if your mother doesn't get her heart transplant soon…" he allowed the silence to convey the gravity of his words as I was crushed beneath it.
"How…how long does she have?" I managed to say in between sobs.
"Two…maybe three months at best."
My heart sank to the floor.
"Dr Gray, where do I get 1.5 million dollars within such a limited time!"
Having sold virtually every single property I and my mother owned, down to our TV. I was only able to raise a miserly $20,000; which is hardly enough to scratch the surface.
"Don't you have health insurance?" The doctor asked hopefully. A dry chuckle escaped my lips.
"Sort of…" I said wiping my tears with the back of my hand, "I've called and made several claims, but it keeps getting denied over and over again on the basis of my Mom's pre-existing medical condition."
Fresh tears streamed down my cheeks and I buried my face in my palm. By the time I stepped out of the head surgeon's office, my eyes were red and partially swollen.
We have been hoping–desperately praying–that my Mom will find a matching donor, and after 2 years of being hospitalized, it finally happened. I nearly jumped through the roof when Dr Gray called me up, sharing the good news. But now, would I have to watch my only family die before my eyes due to lack of funds?
I don't recall how I made it to her ward, my consciousness seemed to fully kick in when she brushed my cheek, as I gently settled into the chair beside her bed.
"What's wrong, my love?" She asked tenderly. I held her hand on my cheek, trembling all over as I squeezed it lightly to reassure her.
"Mom, I'm going to get the money. I don't know how but–"
"It's okay, my love." she said; her voice coming out like a hoarse whisper.
"You've done all you can, maybe this is meant to be…"
"Mom, don't you know that you have less than four months to live? You might even die the day after tomorrow, who knows. I can't–"
She shook her head weakly. "I've been dead for a long time, Ana." Her words pierced me; like a dagger going directly through my heart. My gaze lingered on her slim, sickly frame. The shimmering blonde hair I had inherited from her was now filled with several strands of silver. I looked at her now darkened emerald eyes; it looked as though overwhelmed by a strong storm.
"You've already made enough sacrifices for me, don't destroy your life just to save mine…wasn't it your dream to go back to college? Maybe you can use your savings and–"
"No!" I said kindly but firmly. "I'm going to get that money, Mom, one way or another…"
Her eyes were suddenly filled with tears, she managed to sit up while still letting me hold her hand.
"Ana" She said, sounding like the mother that raised me before illness struck. "If you're going to do this please promise me…promise me you won't do anything you'll regret."
"I won't" I said, knowing I was lying right through my teeth.
Inorder to save my mother, I stepped into a despicable world of thievery and deception. Using some of my savings, I bought a couple of designer dresses and bags then posed as a wealthy heiress or whatever backstory I could cook up, coupled with my looks I would lure rich, influential men into bed, but drug them while they were asleep. I'd hack into their accounts and transfer funds to mine. The men I targeted were usually scum that had their scandals painted all over social media, so it lessened my guilt even though deep down, I knew what I was doing was wrong.
I had only gone into this shady venture to save my mother, but I knew that I needed enough money to fly out of state with her, and live in comfort for the rest of our lives. Also, because I didn't want these men after me, I only stole small substantial amounts that wouldn't warrant them being on my tail.
Eventually, I was able to raise up to one million dollars in six weeks. By my calculations I thought I still had enough time, that was until Dr Gray called.
"Miss Miller, your mother's condition has worsened considerably…it suddenly took a nose dive this evening and she won't make it beyond this week."
There were only 3 days left in the week, normally I allowed myself a "cooling period" before going after my next victim but now there was no time for that anymore. I had to catch a big fish tonight.
I was attending a charity event in one of the most renowned galleries in the city, that was holding an exhibition, but what caught my eyes in the articles concerning it apart from the stunning art, was a household name; Marcus Blinge.
He was one of the youngest CEOs of the country, but his age didn't put him at a disadvantage. It was clear because he dominated the business world with his colossal company Bling Enterprises which spread out to many subsidiaries. He was known to be ruthless and calculating and conquered all of his adversaries with ease.
For me, he seemed more like a predator than a prey.
But he was just a man, and as far as I know all men are the same.
I arrived at the party wearing a short red gown, bright red lipstick and a light layer of foundation over my face. I also wore a brown wig for disguise. I easily spotted him from the rest of the crowd, it was hard not to be overwhelmed, he naturally drew everyone's attention.
But how could I pull his attention towards me?
The opportunity came when he joined in a bid for one of the art pieces. The moment he joined in, everybody else grew quiet, until my voice broke the silence.
"I bid a million dollars!".