Chapter 3 3

"My brother's friend suffered the same trauma as I have, and I am afraid I might end up like him too," Cathy stood up from her seat and approached me.

"I must be losing it. I don't know why I thought of visiting a psychiatrist recommended by a friend," I said, uncertain about my decision.

Tyron mentioned his doctor just listens to him. Maybe that's what I need. "Based on what Mylene told me, it's you against yourself. I think you're trapping yourself in the past. Try distracting yourself. Maybe you need a bit of a diversion," she suggested, leaning back on her table.

"His distraction was sex," I revealed, standing up. The doctor, around my age, had caught my attention earlier with her outfit. I leaned on the table, locking eyes with her. "Will you have sex with me?" She sipped her coffee, unfazed. "It could be a distraction, but you need to find somebody else," she replied.

"I am looking forward to this project with you, Mr. Forbes," entering the conference hall, I saw Rowin and Mr. Forbes shaking hands, a sign of successful negotiation.

"You two are real brothers. I commend your skills in business," Mr. Forbes turned to me, extending his hand. "I hope you don't expect too much. We still have a long way to go," I replied, acknowledging Rowin's efforts.

While Rowin found success in business, I struggled after Mia's death. "While you enjoy your accomplishment, I may have done something terrible last night," I admitted, seeking support.

The tranquility was interrupted by a call. "Is this Mr. Rohan Nieves?" the caller asked, inquiring about a person named Miss Reyselle Cortez. Memories flashed, and I realized my involvement from the previous night.

Arriving at the police station, I found Reyselle in distress. I decided to fix her mess first. "Mr. Nieves!" a surprised elderly officer called out, questioning my presence. I explained that I received a call about being her guardian, and chaos ensued when they realized she was Nieves' sister.

"What about the agency?" I just closed my eyes as both of them panicked. My brother is quite popular among the police.

"Fine, stop that," I said irritably to make them cease their argument in front of me.

"Okay, Sir. You don't need to explain. Just take your girlfriend home," the older policeman who knew Rowin approached me.

"Okay, then... I have a question," I cleared my throat and locked eyes with the officer who called me earlier. It seemed he was intimidated by my gaze.

"Can I also file a complaint against the police at the front desk?" The two older men exchanged glances.

I just finished my shift at the bar when I decided to visit Moira in the hospital. I want to talk to her doctor about the kidney transplant. Getting a donor is a difficult process, with long queues and financial barriers. After accepting a deal with a man, I feel relieved as I finally have the money for Moira's operation. I also heard that a kidney donor has been found.

Arriving at Moira's room, I saw some nurses rushing towards it. An uneasy feeling washed over me, so I ran inside. The world seemed to stop. I wanted to believe it was just a dream-that they weren't removing the tubes from Moira, that she would respond to their calls. "Answer, Moira. Open your eyes; your sister is here."

They were about to cover my sister with a blanket, but I stopped them in time. I held Moira's pale face. Her hands were cold, and it seemed like she was in a deep sleep. Despite wanting to call her back, it felt like my heart was breaking. She looked peaceful, unlike during her dialysis sessions. She used to smile at me, but I knew she was in pain. I felt she fought because I refused to give up on her.

Yet, I couldn't accept her simply passing away. "Moira..." I hugged her, burying my face in her chest. There's nothing left for me. You're gone. The reason for all my sacrifices is gone. My chest tightened, and anger overflowed. I was hurt, unsure of what to do in the days ahead.

"Miss Cortez," the doctor touched me, but I recoiled. As I looked at him, my eyes darkened. This is the doctor who promised Moira would be next in line for the transplant, yet it's clear he's letting those with money jump ahead.

I couldn't accept it. Because you're poor, you don't have the right to heal. Because you're poor, these doctors won't prioritize you.

"You beast!" I shouted, wanting to hit him, but the nurses restrained me. "I told you I'd bring the money! I told you to proceed with the operation!"

I almost hit him. It's his fault! I know he took a bribe again.

"I said I'd pay you! I said to go ahead with the operation!" I tried to approach him, but they stopped me. "You killed my sister!"

"You beast!" I smashed things in the room. I couldn't accept it. She would have been alive if I had the money... she would have survived.

I found myself in the precinct, my anger still not subsided from that doctor. Adding to that, I faced lewd looks from the police, knowing they discuss me since I've seen some at the bar. I should have been with my sister now, but here I am, being questioned by that doctor.

The officer who spoke to me earlier approached in the police waiting area. "Cortez, you can go home now."

Without looking at him, I immediately stood up and left the station. I need to return to the hospital. Moira is probably waiting for me.

Checking my cellphone, I saw a text from Tin saying she went to the morgue to claim Moira's body. My knees went weak as the reality of Moira's absence sank in.

"Moira..." I cried while tightly gripping my cellphone. If only I were wealthy and didn't just work at a bar, I could have provided everything she needed. I've carried this shame all my life, accepting it because it's my livelihood. I had to think of Moira's needs.

"I was looking for you," I halted as I heard that familiar voice. I quickly stood and turned around, not even realizing how I got out of the precinct. I handed him his business card when I was there. After all, he's the only one on my side. I left Tin at the hospital, thinking if our deal that night was true, she would bail me out.

"Do you know why my sister died?" I gasped.

"Because we didn't have money. You might laugh at me now, but I'm truly desperate. Desperate to escape poverty. That's why I am offering myself-"

"I'm the one who proposed the deal," he interrupted, raising his voice. "And I stand firm on my words. I am the one offering a different life, and I am the one asking for yourself in return."

I felt a deeper pang in my chest. I knew my dignity was almost gone, but his words managed to salvage some of it. I was about to officially offer myself to him in exchange for the luxurious life I desired.

"Go to your sister. I hope you can send her away properly."

I couldn't bring myself to look at him as my tears flowed.

"Right. I should be with her," I whispered, wiping my tears and taking a deep breath. Moira wouldn't want to see me like this.

"And after that, prepare yourself..." I followed him with my eyes as he walked past me.

"For what?" I asked.

"For your rebirth. After your sister's burial," he glanced back briefly. "I'll change your life."