Chapter 2 It's Over

The hospital corridors buzzed with noise as Juliana rushed in, only to have a nurse step forward and press a slip of paper into her hand. "Miss Fowler, your mother is stable now. Here's the invoice. We'll need payment as soon as possible."

Her gaze landed on the five-figure medical expenses, and weariness settled in her bones.

Weekly dialysis and countless ICU stays had become her mother's new reality. There was no way her income could keep up, but giving up on her mother was never an option. Her mom, Laura Fowler, was her whole world.

Every last cent she had managed to save had already been poured into hospital bills and prescriptions.

Juliana massaged her forehead, and then paid what she owed, maxing out both credit cards.

A question nagged at her as the receipt printed. How would she manage next month's costs?

Orderlies wheeled Laura out from surgery, and Juliana pulled up a chair, keeping a silent vigil at her bedside.

When her mother's eyes fluttered open, Juliana forced a gentle smile. "You're awake, Mom. How are you feeling?"

"Don't worry about me, Julia." Laura reached for her daughter's hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hate making things so hard for you."

Juliana blinked back tears. "Please, Mom, you never have to apologize. Taking care of you is the least I can do."

"But all these hospital bills-"

"You don't need to stress over money, Mom. I'll find a way, I promise," Juliana cut in, eager to keep her mother from worrying any further.

Time slipped by as Juliana remained at Laura's side, refusing to leave for even a moment, until her phone started buzzing with calls from Johnny.

She stared at the screen, thumb hovering over the decline button, ignoring each ring.

Not long after, a message popped up-Johnny's tone cold and threatening. If she didn't come outside, he'd barge in himself.

All traces of her earlier calm faded away.

Laura caught the shadow that passed over Juliana's face. "Julia, did something happen?"

Forcing a steady voice, Juliana replied, "It's just my supervisor asking me to head back to work."

"You'd better go, sweetheart. Your job matters," Laura insisted gently.

With a nod, Juliana offered a few last words of reassurance, and then slipped out into the hallway. There, leaning against the wall, stood Johnny.

Her demeanor hardened the moment she saw him. "What do you want?"

Ignoring her cold tone, Johnny seized her wrist and pulled her along. "Rocco wants to see you. He's upset you weren't in his room last night."

She tore her hand free and struck him hard across the cheek. "You actually think I'll just go along with this? Johnny, what kind of person do you think I am?"

A storm brewed in Johnny's eyes. "You haven't settled your mom's bills yet, Juliana. Spend a night with Rocco and I'll get you a hundred thousand."

Her glare could have burned right through him. Trying a softer approach, Johnny said, "Listen, Rocco's not going to treat you badly. He promised."

Rage made her voice tremble. "Get that fantasy out of your head. I won't be part of your schemes. Whatever we had, it's over!"

Without waiting for his response, Juliana spun around, intent on leaving him behind.

Desperation flared in Johnny's face as he grabbed her arm again. "Julia, just this once. We could finally have a good life. You know what I had to do to get this shot at a promotion. You'll help me, won't you?"

His whole plan had fallen apart because he'd sent her to the wrong hotel room by mistake.

Now, he had to swallow his pride and beg her in public.

Juliana's tone went ice-cold. "Touch me again and I'm calling the police. I mean it."

Her threat made him let go at once, muttering curses under his breath.

With people nearby and hospital staff glancing their way, Johnny had no choice but to back off. "All right, I'm going. Just keep your voice down."

He slunk away down the hall, but Juliana couldn't shake off the sick feeling that clung to her.

Evening had settled in by the time Juliana decided to head out and flag down a taxi after spending hours with Laura.

A yellow cab rolled up to the curb, and she reached for the handle, only for someone to clamp a cloth over her mouth and nose.

She barely managed to stammer, "Johnny, what are you-" before her knees buckled and the world slipped away.

The realization stung-he had been tailing her this whole time.

"You wouldn't listen, so you left me with no other option," Johnny snapped, hauling her limp form into the back seat and telling the driver their destination.