Chapter 3 03

Amy Anderson Singh

The Next Day...

I woke up with my heart pounding. I'd spent almost the entire night awake, worried about what would happen to my mother. Every sound, every notification on my phone was a shock; I felt like someone from the hospital would call at any moment to tell me my mother had passed away. The night had been a true nightmare.

I sat up in bed, brushed my hair back behind my ear, took a deep breath, and picked up my phone, a bit apprehensive. When I looked at the screen, I felt relieved; to my happiness, the notification wasn't from the hospital but from the person who had promised to help me.

Reading the message with the address I needed to go to felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my chest, and I could finally breathe. I placed my hand on my chest, a small smile appearing. "We still have a chance, Mom," I whispered to myself, hoping somehow the words would reach her.

Anxious, I went to the bathroom to get ready. A part of me was still confused about everything, hesitant, but I had no other options, no more time. It was all or nothing.

Since that doctor had made the offer the previous day, I'd been wondering what it could be, why someone would want to pay for my mother's treatment in exchange for some "job." I imagined it might be organ trafficking, prostitution, or even drug dealing, but in the end, I came to the same conclusion: it didn't matter; her life was on the line. At that point, I couldn't back out-everything would be in vain otherwise.

I took a deep breath and looked at my reflection in the mirror, determined. No matter what it was, I was going to accept; I'd do anything to find a cure for my mother.

I did my hygiene routine, fixed my long hair, and put on the best dress I had in my wardrobe. I slipped on a low heel and applied a light gloss to my lips. I grabbed a bag and put my phone and wallet inside.

Trying not to get more anxious, I locked the house and went outside. I looked around to check the movement and saw a taxi just up ahead, grateful that the vehicle was there. I signaled to the driver, greeted him, and got in.

"Please take me to this address," I told him the location, and he nodded, buckling his seatbelt and starting the vehicle. I did the same, buckled up, and took a deep breath, looking at the already bustling streets.

As the car moved, I tried to relax my mind, hoping everything would turn out well. Minutes later, the car pulled up at the designated location, and when I looked out the window, I saw it was one of those old mansions-so grand and beautiful it looked like a castle.

I paid the driver and thanked him. When I looked back at the mansion, I felt a part of me growing restless, and another part, fearful. When I stepped out of the car, it was like a chill ran down my spine.

"I can't give up..." I reassured myself and made my way to the glamorous entrance.

To my surprise, everything was very well decorated, with rose vases, embroidered curtains, and even a red carpet. "A party?" I whispered, stepping inside until I found myself facing a woman in uniform and tall men who looked like security guards.

"Miss Amy?" She said my name with such confidence that I was certain I was in the right place.

"Yes, that's me." I confirmed, and immediately, she guided me upstairs. There were several staff members, all looking at me strangely, even scared.

Was I being hired as some kind of high-end escort? The thought crossed my mind, reinforced when they asked me to take a bath and put on a kind of white dress that looked like princess attire.

Several women escorted me to the bathroom, and not knowing what else to do, I just obeyed and took a quick shower. When I finished, I dried off quickly, and back in the room, the woman in uniform handed me a beautiful dress and helped me put it on.

At that moment, I didn't know what to do-should I ask something? In my mind, I kept thinking it was just a job I had to do... But when I saw myself in that dress, which looked more like a wedding dress, embroidered and delicate, my mouth fell open in surprise.

A few women entered and walked toward me, placing a bouquet of roses in my hands while one of them styled my hair in a glamorous updo and placed a tiara on top. My eyes widened, and something came to mind...

A wedding? This is definitely a wedding dress. I thought, a little stunned.

I almost lost my breath at the thought. A wedding? With a stranger? But before I could think of turning back and quitting, I remembered my mother and the reason I was there.

"Please, follow me, ma'am," one of the guards said.

I simply looked at him and began following, silent. In my head, I wondered if this was some rehearsal or something. I didn't want to believe this was an actual wedding. No... it can't be.

Looking down as I descended the stairs, I noticed a few people. Walking slowly, I observed these strangers, some older men in suits with scars on their faces, which made my mouth drop open in fright.

I tried to keep my head down, but I couldn't avoid the feeling of eyes on me. When I raised my face, I saw certain women giving me piercing looks.

"Calm down, Amy, just relax," I whispered, gripping the bouquet tighter, trying not to look around. I took a deep breath, following the guard, as soft music from musicians played-clearly, a party, no doubt about that.

What I couldn't stop thinking about was that when I stepped into that hall, I felt something strange, a hostile energy as if it wanted to repel me. I shook my head, thinking, 'No... this must just be in my head.'

Yet, as I walked down the aisle formed by the crowd, I felt that something very odd was happening. As I looked at their faces, I wondered, "Who are these people?"

I watched as the guard stepped aside, and a man approached me, his firm hand gripping my arm. I simply widened my eyes, looking at him as he stared at me seriously.

He was honestly the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. Some strands of hair fell across his face, making him look even more mysterious, with a penetrating gaze that intimidated me.

Looking at him, I realized he was the man I'd be "working" for from that day forward. He didn't say anything, just started pulling me by the arm toward the altar.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to resist. Was this the kind of job I was looking for? Was I marrying this man? Is that what was happening?

"What's going on?" my voice came out weak as I tried to pull my arm away, but it was in vain.

The man then turned and gripped my arm tighter, his eyes almost piercing mine.

"Do you really want to save your mother, Amy?" I heard his deep voice as he leaned closer, studying me.

At that moment, all I could feel was my heart pounding. I tried to catch my breath and opened my mouth to respond.

"Yes, of course," I replied, and he raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing as he spoke.

"Then you'll do everything I tell you, including signing the marriage contract." When he said that, a half-smile appeared.

And, though I didn't want to admit it, this stranger stirred something in me that I couldn't understand...

In that moment, I was at a loss. I just lowered my head as he pulled me further, until I realized we were now at the altar, in front of everyone.