Chapter 3 DESPERATE SURRENDER

Sophie pulled the phone from her pocket, her hands trembling. It was the hospital. Her heart dropped. Dread surged through her. Had something happened to her mom while she wasn't there? She quickly answered the call.

"Hello, Miss Turner, it's Doctor Zoe," came the voice on the other end.

Dr Zoe was the neurologist in charge of her mother's case. She had been treating her long before things had gotten this bad.

"Oh, Doctor Zoe... I'm so sorry I wasn't there. Is everything alright? I'm actually on my way to the hospital now-" Sophie blurted out, her words tumbling over each other in panic.

"Calm down, Miss Turner. I'm calling to let you know we need to operate on your mom as soon as possible. The swelling in her brain is getting worse and could be fatal if we delay."

"Oh... that," Sophie said quietly, her voice nearly breaking.

She had been trying desperately to raise the funds the hospital required but hadn't even scraped together a quarter of the amount. Despite taking extra shifts and exhausting every possible option, she was still nowhere close. There was only one option left, one she had just stormed away from minutes ago. Luca Moretti's offer.

Could she go back now, after everything she had said?

Would the offer still be on the table?

Would Luca even want anything to do with her?

Sophie stood frozen at the bottom of the staircase, heart racing. Then without a second thought, she turned back and dashed toward Luca's office. She was ready to sell her soul to the devil, no matter the cost if it meant saving her mother.

She burst through the office doors without knocking. Marco tried to stop her, but she pushed past him.

"Sorry, boss, I tried to stop her-"

Luca lifted a hand, silencing him with a subtle gesture. "Leave us," he ordered quietly, his eyes never leaving Sophie.

"Miss Turner, I don't remember inviting you back in. You can't just barge into my office like this. What brings you here this time? Have you returned to fight me this time?" Luca said, seated in his swinging chair, his fingers twirling a fountain pen, gaze intense and unreadable.

"Is the offer still available? I would like to sign now," Sophie said breathlessly, still catching her breath from the frantic run.

All she cared about now was her mother. She was ready to give herself to Luca, body and all. He would be her first, and though that terrified her, she would say or do anything to ensure her mother received the care she needed.

Luca remained silent for a moment. Then, with a cool tone, he replied, "The terms have changed. You go where I want, when I want. You-"

"No problem. I will accept anything," she interrupted desperately, not letting him finish. "Just help me save my mom."

Luca stood and walked around his desk, picking up the file. "Have a seat," he said, handing it to her.

Without hesitation, Sophie grabbed the contract and signed it without reading a single word. Not minding if the original terms changed or not. "Here. I have signed," she said, thrusting the file back into his hands.

"Please send the money now. The hospital needs to perform the surgery immediately, or she could die."

"Calm down, Miss Turner. Your mother will be fine. Now let's talk about your stay here," Luca said, leaning in close, his face just inches from hers.

"Mr Luca, please, we can do that later. Save my mom first," she said anxiously, pulling slightly away.

She thought Luca would make a move right there.

"The plans are already in motion," he replied, his voice calm.

Sophie blinked, confused. "What do you mean? I just signed the contract. You haven't even made a call."

"Just believe me when I say I made the plans already," Luca said, his tone unreadable. "I knew you would come back."

It wasn't entirely true, but he couldn't let her see how desperate he had been. The truth was, the moment she had walked out of his office, he had already called in a renowned neurosurgeon to take on her mother's case. He hoped that when she found out, it would move her enough to see he wasn't just a monster.

Still, he didn't want her to know how much he cared. It would make him look weak.

Sophie narrowed her eyes. She didn't fully believe him, but she had no time or choice to question it.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Her phone buzzed again, and she answered immediately. "Doctor Zoe, please give me some time. I will get the money. I-"

"Miss Turner, relax," the doctor interrupted gently. "I don't know what you did, but someone has already covered the cost. A top neurosurgeon has been sent to treat her. Your mom will be prepped for surgery tomorrow."

Sophie was speechless. Her mouth parted slightly, but no words came out. She turned her head slowly and looked up at Luca, who was still standing over her.

"Miss Turner? Sophie?" The doctor called out again.

"I'm here, doc. Thank you," she said softly, then hung up.

She stared blankly at Luca, her mind whirling. Was this really happening? Could the ruthless, dangerous mafia boss actually be... human?

Am I dreaming? He's really handsome... But how come I didn't notice before? Oh, Sophie, get a grip.

"Miss Turner", Luca said, touching her shoulder gently, bringing her out of her daze.

"Sorry", she mumbled.

"What are you thinking?" he asked, his voice softer now. "You have had a long day. I will call the maid to take you to your room."

"Ehh...!" she responded faintly.

Then it hit her.

She had just sold herself to the devil.

Her freedom was gone. She would now live in a place filled with unknown rules, guarded doors, and a man she didn't trust or love. But it was all for her mother.

She had just booked herself a room in a luxurious hell or paradise, if she chose to surrender willingly.