Chapter 3 $200,000 MESS

CALI

I placed my hands on my chest as I stepped out. I looked around but didn't see any of the girls again-most of them had already been dismissed by him. I left the building and took a cab home, disgusted by what I thought was meant to be a celebration, and I let out a bitter laugh.

BRYAN

No girl had ever resisted my offer before, but this one clearly did. Not only that-she yelled at me. At me. Who dares do that? Yet she did.

The funniest part was that I still gave her the job. That was exactly what I wanted. I didn't need a secretary who would drool over me or try to seduce me.

She's perfect for the position. The look on her face when I asked for sex showed she was decent. Still, I needed to rest. I thought as I placed a call to Catherine, my PA.

CALI

I got home and shut the door behind me, dropping my bag by the couch. I immediately noticed the house was empty-Edward wasn't home yet. Worry crept in.

Just as I was about to sit down, the doorbell rang.

I rushed to the door, already preparing to reprimand Edward for staying this long at the hospital. I opened it, ready to talk, but froze when I saw the house owner standing there. I sighed and rubbed my forehead in frustration.

"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted, bowing slightly as I let him in.

"There is nothing good about this afternoon, Cali," he said coldly as he walked in.

"Your rent is due, and you know that."

His harsh tone made me flinch. He suddenly started walking toward me, forcing me backward until my back hit the wall.

"What?!" I yelled.

He reached out and touched my hair. I slapped his hand away.

"You know you could pay with your body," he said suggestively, staring at me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"Are you mad?!" I shouted. "I just got a job. Give me this month and I'll pay everything!"

"You're being stubborn," he said angrily. "I'll be back next week for my rent."

With that, he stormed out.

Gosh... where would I get $80,000 to pay rent? I thought helplessly. And Edward-where was he? If he didn't come home by tomorrow, I would call the doctor.

I went upstairs, freshened up, and arranged the clothes and items I'd need for the next day. When I was done, I sat in the living room and picked up my phone to call the doctor-but my phone rang first.

"Good afternoon," I said, unsure of who was calling.

"Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Cali Rillion?" a woman asked.

"Yes," I replied, sitting upright.

"You are Edward Rillion's guardian, correct?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'm calling from B&S Specialist Hospital, where your brother was admitted."

My heart skipped as I jumped to my feet.

"Miss Cali, your brother needs surgery immediately. If not operated on, the cancer may spread, and it could become very dangerous."

I felt completely lost.

"Are you still there?" she asked.

"Yes... yes," I replied weakly.

"You'll need to deposit $120,000 to commence the surgery. It's urgent."

My heart sank.

"How is he now?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"He's stable for now, but you must get the money within 72 hours. Otherwise, we risk losing him."

"Okay... thank you," I whispered.

I dropped onto the nearest couch as she ended the call.

What kind of mess is this? I cried out loud. How do I get $200,000 to fix all of this?

"Edward, I'm so sorry you're going through this," I cried until my eyes burned. Exhaustion finally took over, and I fell asleep on the couch.