Chapter 4 The Last Resort.

ANNABEL'S POV

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The car raced through the night, weaving through traffic with a speed that made my heart pound even faster. I clung to Audrey, praying that the hospital was close, that we would make it in time.

"Please, please," I murmured over and over, my voice a desperate plea to the universe. "I can't lose her too. I can't."

Finally, the car screeched to a halt in front of the emergency entrance. The driver leapt out, running to the doors to get help.

Moments later, I felt the stretcher beneath my sister's body as a team of medical professionals rushed Audrey into the hospital.

"Miss, you'll need to stay here," one of the nurses said, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "We need to treat your sister."

I watched helplessly as the doors swung shut, my heart pounding in my chest. I stood there, motionless, waiting for news that seemed to take an eternity to arrive.

Finally, a doctor in blue scrubs approached me, his expression grave.

"Miss Evans," the doctor said, his voice low and even. "I'm Dr. Patel. Your sister's condition is serious."

My heart skipped a beat, fear and desperation threatening to overwhelm me. "What...what's wrong with her?" I choked out, my voice shaking.

Dr. Patel hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "She's in severe heart failure," he said. "We're doing everything we can, but it's not looking good."

I felt the world spinning around me, darkness closing in at the edges of my vision.

"Please...doctor, what can we do?"

"There is something we can try," Dr. Patel said, his voice growing more urgent. "A new experimental treatment. It's very risky, but it might be her only chance. But it's expensive."

I felt my world collapsing around me. "How expensive?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"It'll cost several thousand dollars," Dr. Patel replied, his expression sympathetic. "I know it's a lot, but we don't have many other options."

I sank into the nearest chair, my eyes fixed on the floor. "I don't have that kind of money," I said, my voice cracking. "I can't afford it."

Dr. Patel shifted uncomfortably. "There's no other way." he said, and walked away.

I paced the waiting room, my mind racing. How was I going to pay for the experimental treatment? I had no money, no one to turn to.

"I need to think," I muttered to myself, my hands shaking. "I need to find a way."

I tried calling my friends, begging and pleading for help, but no one had the resources to lend me the amount I needed.

"I'm out of options," I whispered, my heart breaking. "What can I do?"

My heart ached with desperation as I pleaded for help from every source I could think of.

I called charities, begged for loans from banks, and even tried crowdfunding. But every door seemed to close in my face, leaving me feeling more helpless than ever.

"I can't do this," I cried into my hands, my body shaking with sobs. "I'm not strong enough."

But as I wept, I heard Audrey's voice, as clear as if she were standing right beside me.

"Yes, you are," the little voice whispered.

My head snapped up, my eyes searching the room for any sign of Audrey. But there was nothing but the sterile hospital environment, the hum of machines filling the air.

And yet, I could still hear the voice, gentle and insistent.

"You're the bravest person I know, big sis," the voice said, as clear as a bell.

"You've always taken care of me, even when it was hard. And I know you can do this too."

I straightened my back, a newfound determination in my eyes. "You're right, Audrey,"

I whispered to the empty room. "I won't let you down. I won't let anything stop me from saving you."

My mind whirred with possibilities, thinking of every person I'd met, every place I'd been. Maybe there was someone who could help, someone I'd overlooked before.

And then, like a lightning bolt, an idea struck me.

"Mrs. Clarke" I murmured, my voice shaky with nerves.

"Maybe...just maybe...she'll listen."

I wiped my tears, a spark of hope igniting in my heart.

I ran out of the hospital, called a cab and headed to meet my ex boss hoping she would help me.

I was desperate to save my sister's life and this was the only option.

I stepped out of the cab, my heart racing as I stared at the building. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I approached the familiar building.

"Mrs. Clarke," I said to the receptionist, my voice determined.

"I need to speak with her. It's urgent."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, eyeing me skeptically. "I'm sorry, but Mrs. Clarke is a very busy woman.

I'll need you to schedule an appointment if-"

I stepped closer to the desk, my gaze locking with the receptionist's. "I understand," I said, my voice firm.

"But this is a matter of life and death. Audrey, my sister, is in the hospital. She needs an expensive experimental treatment, and I can't afford it."

The receptionist hesitated, but I pressed on. "I know Mrs. Clarke is a generous woman. She has the means to help me, and I'm begging you to let me talk to her."

The receptionist's eyes softened, her gaze darting back and forth.

"All right," the receptionist said, her voice low. "I'll see if Mrs. Clarke is available to speak with you."

I nodded, gratitude flooding my heart as the receptionist disappeared into the maze of offices beyond the waiting area.

Minutes ticked by, each second like an eternity, but finally, the receptionist emerged, a slight smile on her face.

"Mrs. Clarke will see you now," she said, leading me to the elevator.

I followed, my heart beating fast as the elevator ascended, my mind filled with hope and fear.

The elevator dinged as it reached Mrs. Clarke's floor, and I found myself in a spacious office, sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Annabel," Mrs. Clarke said, her voice cool and professional.

"What can I do for you?"

I swallowed hard, knowing that this might be my only chance.

"Mrs. Clarke," I began, my voice catching in my throat. "I know we didn't part on the best of terms, but I'm here because I need your help."