Chapter 2 Agreeing

Clara didn't sleep that night. She sat in the dim hospital room, watching the rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant reminder of Caleb's stillness. Her brother lay unconscious, his fragile body hooked up to tubes and wires, trapped in a coma he might never wake up from. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the weight of helplessness.

Her fingers tightened around Caleb's hand, her mind racing through the offer Nathan Cole had made. It had been two hours since she left his office, but his words still echoed in her mind, louder than the sounds of the hospital: "I'll pay every cent of your brother's bills. You'll live under my roof. Work for me. And in return, I own you."

Clara bit her lip, trying to push the thought away. But the truth remained-she was running out of options. She had been juggling her brother's medical bills, her part-time job, and the mounting debt from the hospital, but the weight was crushing her. Nathan's offer was a lifeline. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't tempted.

The night dragged on, every minute stretching into infinity. The weight of her decision pressed on her chest like an iron band. She couldn't let Caleb down. She would do anything to get him the care he needed. But could she really live with the terms Nathan Cole was asking for?

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was a message from Amelia, her best friend.

Amelia: "How's Caleb? Any updates?"

Clara stared at the screen for a moment, typing a quick response before setting her phone down. "Still in a coma. Things are looking grim."

Her fingers hovered over the keys again, then she deleted her message. Amelia had enough worries of her own. Clara didn't want to drag her into this. Not yet.

She glanced at the time. 3:00 a.m. She had to decide.

With a sigh, she finally stood up from the chair by Caleb's bed. The weight of the decision was suffocating, but she had no choice. She couldn't keep scrambling for small jobs and hoping for a miracle. Nathan had made her an offer, one that might just be her ticket out of this mess.

But there was a catch. She'd have to give up something she wasn't sure she could live without-her freedom.

She glanced at Caleb one last time before grabbing her coat and heading out of the hospital room. Her decision was made.

---

By the time she stepped off the elevator at Cole Enterprises the next morning, Clara was already regretting the earlier hours of her decision. Her hands were clammy, her heart pounding as she made her way into the sleek, marble-laden building. The receptionist barely acknowledged her presence, which, in this moment, was exactly what Clara wanted.

She wasn't sure if she was ready for this. To work for Nathan Cole-CEO, billionaire, and cold as ice-but there was no turning back now.

The elevator ride to the top floor felt like an eternity. As the doors opened, Clara stepped out into the high-rise, her heels clicking on the polished floors.

She spotted Nathan immediately. He was standing by the windows, his silhouette outlined by the morning sun, staring out at the city like he owned every inch of it.

Her stomach did a nervous flip. She had no idea what to expect, but she wasn't ready to be under his scrutinizing gaze just yet.

He didn't look at her as she approached.

"You're here to accept," Nathan said, his voice low and steady.

Clara paused, a lump forming in her throat. He already knew.

"I am," she said, lifting her chin in a silent show of defiance. "But with one condition."

Nathan turned slowly, raising an eyebrow. "You're negotiating?"

"My brother," Clara began, swallowing hard, "gets the best care. No corners cut. I won't sign anything unless I know every cent of his bills are covered directly. No loopholes. No hidden clauses."

Nathan studied her, his eyes narrowing as though he were deciding whether or not to respect her audacity. Finally, he gave a sharp nod. "Fine. Anything else?"

Clara hesitated for a moment, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want Sundays off. I need time to visit Caleb."

The corner of his mouth twitched, almost like a smile, but it was gone too quickly for her to be sure. "You're asking for time off after signing a contract where you're required to be available 24/7? I'm surprised you're even asking."

"I'm not a robot," Clara said, meeting his gaze. "I have a life outside of here, and I need Sundays to be a part of it."

There was a long pause as Nathan regarded her with a mixture of amusement and something darker. Finally, he gave a slow nod. "Fine. Sundays, but don't make it a habit."

Relief washed over Clara, though she still wasn't sure if she had just made the right decision.

Nathan gestured to the desk. A thick, leather-bound folder was waiting for her. "Here's the contract. Read it, then sign."

Clara scanned the document quickly, finding everything as he had promised. A few clauses stood out to her, but none that she couldn't live with. It was the price of salvation for Caleb, after all.

She signed the contract with a steady hand, and Nathan collected the papers.

"You start tonight," he said flatly. "Move in."

Clara blinked. "Tonight?"

"Yes. I don't like waiting."

---

By 7:00 p.m., Clara found herself standing outside a penthouse that was as foreign to her as a different world. It was cold and sleek, everything designed for opulence, not comfort. The doorman led her to the door, and Nathan was there waiting.

"Welcome," he said, his voice void of any warmth. "Your new home."

Clara stepped inside, barely looking at the extravagant furniture and glass walls. The only thing she could focus on was the overwhelming sense of dread that clung to her chest.

"I'll show you to your room," Nathan continued, leading her down a long hallway. His steps were deliberate, calculated, and Clara couldn't help but feel small next to him.

"Here's your room. You'll find everything you need inside," he said, turning on his heel and heading back toward the door.

Clara stood frozen for a moment before pushing the door open. The room was as cold as the rest of the place-everything was immaculate, but it didn't feel like home. She set her bag on the bed and glanced around, wondering just how deep she had just gotten herself into.

The contract was signed. The deal was made.

And now, there was no turning back.

---