Chapter 5 A CONTRACT WITH THE DEVIL

I had no idea how long I sat hugging my legs to my chest, shivering from the nightmare I had just experienced. My mind was a tumultuous sea, the waves of fear and confusion crashing relentlessly against the fragile shores of my consciousness. I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes, afraid that the darkness behind my eyelids was safer than whatever awaited me in reality.

When I finally mustered the courage to open them, I was met with a pair of striking emerald eyes staring down at me. Startled, I flinched away, my heart racing, until I hit the edge of the bed. Where am I? Panic began to set in as I scanned the room, taking in its luxurious decor. The ornate furnishings, the opulent bedspread, and the sheer size of the room were all foreign to me.

This is not the little room I share with Kya. This room looks like it belongs to a king. How did I end up here? What happened to me? Have I been kidnapped? My thoughts spiraled, each one more terrifying than the last.

As I stared at the guy in front of me, I noticed how different he looked from the guy on the beach. His eyes were a captivating shade of emerald green, sparkling with an almost mesmerizing warmth. His slender, athletic build moved with a fluid grace, suggesting a sharp mind and quick wit. His chiseled features and strong jawline gave him a strikingly handsome appearance, further softened by a radiant smile that seemed to light up the room. His presence, though unexpected, was oddly comforting.

"You're up. I nearly thought Damion induced you or something," he said, his voice as friendly as his demeanor. He took a step closer, and I instinctively shrank back, my unease palpable.

"Who are you? Who brought me here?" My voice came out small and shaky, betraying my nerves.

"You don't remember? The alp... I mean, my boss brought you in last night. He said you passed out at the beach, and he couldn't leave you behind." His explanation did little to ease my anxiety. The events of the previous night were a blur, and the only thing I remembered clearly was the overwhelming sense of exhaustion.

"Oh," was all I could manage in response. But I need to get out of here. Kya is going to be mad at me for leaving her all alone.

"Can I talk to your boss? I really need to ask him something." The urgency in my voice was unmistakable. I had to figure out what had happened and, more importantly, how to get back to Kya.

"He isn't around at the moment. He left very early this morning, but I could help you with anything at all," he offered, still smiling that disarmingly friendly smile. His demeanor was so genuine that it made me question my initial fears.

Why is he so friendly to me? Maybe I should ask him more about his boss.

"Can I get a little information about your boss, like who he is?"

"He's Damion Volk. I thought you knew that." There was a hint of surprise in his voice, as if it were common knowledge.

Why does everyone expect me to know Damion Volk? I've never heard that name until yesterday. Okay, I really need to go. I managed to get myself out of bed while maintaining a maximum distance between me and the guy in front of me.

"Can you thank your boss for whatever he did for me yesterday? But I really need to go," I said, edging towards the door. My instincts screamed at me to leave, to get back to familiar ground.

"Wait!" His voice stopped me in my tracks, and I turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"Are you leaving just like that?" His question left me momentarily confused. Then it dawned on me-was he expecting payment? Is this a hotel? I can't afford such an expensive room and bed.

"Yes, I really need to go," I replied, my voice firmer now, trying to assert some control over the situation. But he merely giggled in response.

"What's so funny?" I asked, unable to hide my irritation.

"I'm sorry, but did you say you're going to leave dressed like that?" His words made me look down at myself for the first time since waking up. I was wearing a big hoodie that stopped at my mid-thigh, leaving the rest of my legs exposed. A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I instinctively pulled the hoodie down, trying to cover myself.

"Come, I'll find you something to wear. By the way, I'm Kenzo. What's your name?" he asked, opening a wardrobe filled with neatly pressed clothes.

"It's Clara," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease. He handed me a pair of sports pants.

"These could help instead of pulling on the poor hoodie."

"Thank you," I mumbled, taking the pants. He smiled and nodded.

"I'll be waiting for you outside." With that, he left the room, giving me some space to gather my thoughts. The clothes were soft and smelled fresh, a stark contrast to the ragged state of my dress from the previous day.

Should I just ask him to let me have my old dress? I really don't think I can afford any of these clothes that I'm wearing. The thought of debt weighed heavily on me as I ran my hands through my hair, trying to make myself presentable. Despite Kenzo's reassurances, I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place.

When I joined him outside, he complimented me, "Wow, that goes well with the hoodie."

"Yeah, but can I get my old dress back?" I asked hesitantly. He looked at me with a curious expression.

"Why do you need it? They're torn and worn out," he replied, seemingly puzzled.

"I really can't pay you for these clothes at the moment, so I might need you to get me my dress." He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Oh, you're so worked up. Relax, you don't have to pay for those, and your old dress is gone."

"What do you mean it's gone?" I asked, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

"I had someone throw them out."

"Oh," I muttered, feeling a pang of loss. I had planned to take the dress with me, but it seemed that wasn't possible now.

"Are you angry?" Kenzo asked, taking a few steps toward me. I backed away, maintaining a cautious distance.

"No, I just want to go."

"Where do you want to go? I'm willing to take you."

"No, you don't have to. I think I'll be fine on my own. I promise to pay you back for the clothes you lent me." Despite his kindness, I couldn't bring myself to fully trust him. My recent experiences had left me wary.

"Alright, just give me a moment, and I'll be back." He disappeared briefly, returning with a pair of sneakers.

"You'll need these, and here, use this to grab a cab to your destination," he said, pressing some money into my hand.

"No, I just can't accept all of this." His generosity overwhelmed me, leaving me unsure how to respond.

"I'm not asking you to pay for any of these, Clara. Just don't catch a cold again, will you?" His smile was genuine, making it hard not to like him.

"Thank you, Kenzo."

"You're welcome. I'll show you out. Are you sure you don't want to stay for breakfast?"

"No, I really have somewhere I need to be at the moment." He nodded, understanding, and helped me find a cab.

As the cab pulled away, I couldn't help but glance back at Kenzo, standing there with a warm smile. He might be the nicest guy I've met so far. I hope I have the chance to meet him again so I can repay his kindness.

When the driver pulled up in front of the hospital, I quickly paid him and rushed inside. The familiar environment brought a small measure of comfort.

The first person I saw when I entered was Kya's nurse, Mrs. Samuel. "Clara, where have you been?" she asked, her tone both concerned and relieved.

"I'm sorry I'm late. Is Kya okay?" I asked, panic evident in my voice.

"Relax, she's fine," Mrs. Samuel replied with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, thank goodness." I exhaled deeply, the tension in my body easing slightly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Mrs. Samuel asked, her tone suddenly teasing.

"Tell you what?"

"That you have such connections."

"What? What do you mean?" Confusion laced my voice.

"Come on, Clara, you don't have to act dumb with me. Mr. Damion Volk paid Kya's bills and has already discussed with the doctor about moving Kya to a bigger hospital."

I froze, unable to process her words. The information was too much, too unexpected.

"Um, Clara, are you okay?" she asked, noticing my stunned expression.

"Are you saying Mr. Damion Volk paid our bills and offered to cover all the expenses for Kya's surgery?"

"Yes, he's with Kya as I'm talking to you." Panic surged through me, and I rushed to Kya's room, terrified of what I might find.

When I entered, I found Kya laughing, her face lit up with a smile I hadn't seen in ages. Across from her sat Mr. Damion Volk, holding a teddy bear. The sight of him, calm and composed, sparked a mix of gratitude and anger within me.

"Clara! You're here, you're here!" Kya's joy was infectious, but my eyes were locked on Damion.

"Yes, I am."

"I can see you're up and doing well," he said, his voice smooth, his smile seemingly genuine. But I couldn't trust it, couldn't trust him.

"Can we talk in private, away from Kya?" I asked, barely containing the storm of emotions swirling within me.

"Sure." He leaned down to Kya, handing her the teddy bear. "Here you go, Kya. Next time, I'll buy you something more beautiful."

"Thank you, Uncle Damion," she replied, her eyes shining with affection.

Uncle Damion? I've never seen Kya get attached to anyone like this. And to think it was their first meeting. How did he manage to gain her attention so quickly?

"Kya, I want you to stay here while I talk to Uncle Damion, okay?"

"Okay," she replied, still smiling.

I led the way out, my mind racing with questions and suspicions. Once outside Kya's room, I turned to face him, my expression hardening.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" he asked, his tone casual, almost amused.

"What on earth are you doing here? How did you even know which hospital she was admitted to?" My voice was sharp, each word edged with suspicion.

"I have my ways of knowing things, Miss Caddle," he replied, his smile never wavering.

"You know what? I don't want to know how you came here or what you're doing here, but I want you out of our lives," I said, my voice shaking with suppressed anger.

"You are one ungrateful lady. I helped you out after you collapsed yesterday, and here I am still reaching out to help you prevent your worst nightmare from happening, but all I get is this." His tone was a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"I never asked for your help. I want you out of our lives. I don't want to see you near Kya," I warned, though I knew my words held little power.

"So, you're willing to watch your sister die?" he asked, his smile fading, replaced by a serious expression.

I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotions hidden within them. Was it anger? Frustration? Something else entirely?

"Just stay away from us," I repeated, though the conviction in my voice was beginning to waver.

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Are you sure about that?" He pulled out his phone, dialing a number.

"Hello, how may I help you, Mr. Volk?" a voice answered on the other end.

"Oh, Dr. Linda, I hope you got my message?"

"Yes, I did. I'm actually going through her information, and I think we can find a perfect heart transplant for her within a week. You can bring her in so we can examine her while preparing for the surgery."

"Alright, I'll get back to you," he said, ending the call. Our eyes met again, and I felt a mixture of emotions-gratitude, fear, and confusion.

I knew I should be grateful for this opportunity, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Mr. Volk than met the eye. However, accepting his offer would save Kya's life. This might be my only chance to give her the second chance she deserved.

A second chance to love her the way she was meant to be loved.

"Clara!" A familiar voice broke the tense silence. Startled, I instinctively moved closer to Mr. Volk, seeking shelter behind him, even as my mind screamed at me to be wary of this man who seemed to know too much and yet offered everything I needed.