CUPID

"Phyna! Phyna!"

"Don't you have an interview today? "

Her mother tapped her awake.

" Oh shoot!"

Josephina jumped up from the bed, and ran straight into the bathroom to shower.

It's been a year since her father passed away. It was just her and her mother and they struggled to get by. She needed this job like her life depended on it. So, being late was not even an option.

" I'll see you when I get back mum, wish me luck."

Josephina hugged her mother, and made for the door. She was looking really beautiful in her black, high-waist skirt, paired with a peach colour blazer. She had also taken all the necessary documents she needed with her.

"Best of luck, sweetie. May you be favoured."

"From your lips to God's ear, mum. Love you. Bye!"

Josephina yelled, as she stepped out of the house. The interview was for seven am, and she had just twenty minutes to get there. She quickly rushed down to get a bus, as she was already running late.

Her focus was completely on catching the bus, and she didn't notice that a car had swerved into the wrong lane. The driver abruptly pressed on the brakes, and all she heard, were the loud screech of the tyres, and a blinding light...

****

"Oh Sh*t! Sh*t! D*mn it!! "

Nicholas yelled, holding his head in shock and frustration.

"Oh my God, Nick. What did you do?!"

Stanley yelled, horrified at what had just happened.

"I don't know, man. She just came out of nowhere. It wasn't my fault, okay?"

Nicholas said, as if he was trying to convince himself. He had lost hold of the steering within split seconds, and knocked a lady down from behind. She was lying face-flat to the ground and he couldn't see her face. Nicholas didn't get down from his car. He just sat there with his mouth hanging open, and his hands raking through his hair. After a while, he looked to the left and right.

Completely certain that no one saw him because it was still early, he zoomed off.

"What are you doing?! Have you lost your mind, Nick?!"

"Aren't you going to take her to the hospital?"

Stanley yelled, In total shock and disbelief.

"Look, i can't, okay? I can't be involved in this. It'll ruin my reputation."

Nicholas continued driving, without looking back.

"What do you even mean by that? I don't freaking believe you, Nick!"

"You just ran someone over. You don't need me to tell you that it's a serious crime!"

Stanley scolded.

"I didn't mean to, man. It was an accident. Someone else will surely find her and take her to the hospital. I know it."

He said, like he was trying to reassure and convince himself. Stanley resigned, shaking his head in astonishment at his friend's irresponsibility.

Josephina was lying unconscious on the floor, severely injured. She had blood seeping from her head, and running down her face. After some minutes, some few persons saw her. A kind stranger who arrived earlier at the scene, and was afraid she might not have much time, took her in his car and quickly drove her to the hospital.

****

"Hello..?"

Olivia picked on the second ring.

"Am i on to Mrs Olivia Peters?"

"Speaking. Who's calling, please?"

Olivia asked, creasing her brow at the sound of the strange voice.

."It's Gabriel, calling from the hospital. I'm sorry to inform you, that your daughter has been involved in an accident."

The caller said.

Immediately, Olivia froze and she began to have palpitations.

"I think you're mistaken. My daughter went for an interview."

She tried to reassure herself.

"And your daughter happens to be miss Josephina Peters, right??"

The caller said, as he went through Josephina's documents, and I.D.

The moment she heard the stranger mention her daughter's full name, she immediately knew that was it! Her heart sank. She literally felt her airflow being restricted, like she was being asphyxiated.

Olivia arrived at the hospital moments later, and requested to see her daughter. Upon entering the ward where Josephina was, she gasped, and covered her mouth in shock. Josephina was placed on oxygen, lying lifelessly on the bed, with bruises on her body. Her head was wrapped with a bandage, that had blood seeping through it. It was so surreal, and she was in complete denial.

Her tears began to flow uncontrollably. Olivia walked towards the bed and knelt beside Josephina. She looked so pale, and Olivia gently held her hand.

"Hon- n-ey please don't do this to me, I beg you! You're all i- i have".

"Your father is gone, and i can't afford to lose you too. So please honey, open your eyes. Please Josephina."

She wailed uncontrollably. After a while, She decided to go see the doctor, when she met the good samaritan, who had brought her daughter to the hospital. He introduced himself and in tears, She thanked him profusely.

"It was a hit-and-run driver. He left her for dead. I met her lying in the pool of her own blood. How evil and wicked!"

The man said to her. She was in complete shock, at how a human being could do something so evil. "Oh m- my G- God! "

"How could a human being be so heartless and cruel?"

"May that monster experience Karma in its full, glorious splendour!"

She said, in tears. She was crying all over again, like her heart would fall out from her chest. When the man saw how she reacted to the gory details of her daughter's accident, he immediately stopped talking, and consoled her. He had initially made part payment, before they commenced treatment on Josephina. The kind man encouraged her to stay strong for her daughter, and he left.

Now, Olivia was totally confused on how and where to begin. She had no money to pay for the hospital bills. No savings, whatsoever. Lost in deep thoughts, the doctor sent for her.

"I'm so sorry ma'am, but your daughter suffered a severe injury to the brain. Unfortunately, she's in a Coma."

Olivia went numb. The whole word just stopped, and the word 'Coma' kept ringing in her head. Coma! shaking her head, she kept screaming No! No! No! She broke down and cried her eyes out.

"Take it easy, ma'am. She's still partially alive. She only has minimal brain activity, and very reduced basic reflexes."

The doctor tried to console her.

"Doctor, please speak English."

She said, impatiently.

The doctor understood her plight, so he decided to break it down in simple context, and be completely honest with her.

"It's a fifty-fifty percent chances, ma'am. She would be kept alive through hydration and nutrition, delivered through a feeding tube." "Although, i advice she be taken to a better hospital. "

"One that specialises specifically in such areas, in order to guarantee her chances of survival. "

Nicholas got home feeling very antsy and apprehensive. He had never been a hit-and-run driver. His conscience kept pricking him, and he began to wonder what became of the lady he had ran over. He took a bottle of alcohol and with shaky hands, he gulped it down his throat. He really needed to get Laid. Maybe that would help.

He dialed Laura's number, and she picked up on the first ring.

"Hey handsome"

She sounded excited.

"You wanna do something fun?"

Nicholas asked, even though he knew what her answer would be.

"Well, of course. "

She replied almost immediately, like she had been waiting for his call.

Nicholas had met Laura at a club, during Stanley's birthday party. She had tried all her best for him to notice her that night, and when he finally looked her way, they ended up in the hotel. She was a wild one.

He had always been very protective and intentional about his personal space. So, rather than bring Laura over to his house, he would instead, take her to a hotel. He was careful like that. It was a fling, and they were just mostly having fun, so he didn't find her deserving or worthy of being at his house. He took a shower, dressed up, and headed out to the hotel, in one of his cars.

Laura arrived a few minutes later, wearing a red, body-con, off-the-shoulder dress, complimenting it with a red lipstick. Immediately she entered the room, she grabbed his neck, and pulled him in for a fierce kiss.

"Well, hello to you too."

Nicholas said sarcastically, in between kisses.

"Why waste any time?"

She reached for his d*ck, and started to massage it through his pants. He quickly grabbed her hand, and took charge.

"Take off your dress."

He ordered, and she immediately complied. When he saw that she had nothing underneath, he quickly grabbed her breasts, and started kneading them. He pushed her to the edge of the bed and she landed softly on the bed. He opened her legs wide, and began to finger her, till she became dripping wet. Her screams filled the room. He quickly wore a condom, and without much delay, he plunged into her.

*******

Nicholas was still unable to get the thought of the accident out of his mind, even after a wild night with Laura. For the first time, this was a problem that sex or money couldn't solve.

Thinking about it now, If a word of the accident got out, it would tarnish his image, Stain his personality, and ruin his reputation as the CEO of LEAMS Global. He didn't want any of that. Especially not now, when his father was breathing down his neck about marriage. Just then, his phone immediately started ringing. Speak of the devil!

"Hey dad!"

Nicholas greeted.

"How're you doing, son?"

His father asked.

"So-so."

Nicholas sluggishly responded.

"I need to talk to you, Nicholas. It's important. You either come down here, or i come meet you. Your choice."

His father said, with an undertone of threat.

"Dad, are we seriously doing this again? Please don't tell me it's about this marriage thing?"

He asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"I'll be expecting you tomorrow, son. Bye."

His father ended the call. Unbelieveable! Nicholas was frustrated. He was only twenty-eight, but his father was already breathing down his neck, about marriage. He had never felt the need to be loyal or stick to one woman.

He hated commitments, because it felt like restriction to him. He felt it was only for the weak and stupid, who wanted to be tied down to one woman. Whenever he felt horny, he'ld choose whoever he wanted to let off steam with. The most important thing was that, he took the neccessary precautions, and stayed clean.

His mind suddenly deviated from the phone call with his dad, and his thoughts were suddenly filled with that of his victim. What if she didn't survive it? What if no one was able to help her that morning? Would he be able to live with that on his conscience? Those were the constant thoughts he'ld been having for the past few days. He admit he was a jerk, and a lot of other things, but definitely not a murderer.

Could this really be what guilt felt like? Nicholas decided to have one of his bodyguards, trace down the lady, to know if she survived. He would find a way to help her, even if it meant doing it subtlely. Nicholas arrived at the company, and met Stanley waiting in his office.

Nicholas and Stanley had been friends since they were teenagers. They were both handsome men- even though Nicholas got the most attention. Nicholas was a devlishly handsome man, so he was used to having girls drool over him on a daily basis.

Apart from being an extremely handsome man, Nicholas was also a fully committed CEO, and this helped prepare him for the role, years before he became a billionaire. He knew the job well. He wanted trusted and competent excecutives to implement his dream, and communicate his vision to the relevant department. Which was exactly why he made Stanley his best friend, the Chief Operating Officer of his company.

Stanley was responsible for the day to day operations of the organisation, and execution of plans created and validated by Nicholas. They were very close. He told Stanley about his plans to find the woman he had ran over. Stanley who was surprised about his sudden change of heart, gave him his full support.

After a long conversation, and going through some documents that needed signing, Nicholas decided it was time to go see his father. He got into his Bentley, and drove off. He didn't want Mark to drive him. He wanted to be alone to clear his head. He drove for an hour and half, to get to the Thompson residence.

It was a very large and residential property, with classy designs and high quality materials. The Thompsons were all about expense and class. The mansion was ideal for families who liked the tranquility and silence. And Off course, for the filthy rich ones too. He got into the huge, beautiful mansion, and was welcomed with total silence.

Nicholas was sure his mother didn't know he was around so, he went in search of her first. Before he could walk to one of the rooms where he assumed she might be, he was paused in his track by her ever sharp voice.

"Honey! Oh my God, thank God you're here!"

She shouted, sounding out of breath. Her eyes were already misty as the tears threatened to fall.

"Mum, what's wrong?"

Nicholas asked, concern etched on his face as he ran towards her.

"Your father is having a heart attack. fast, help me, let's take him to the hospital!"

She motioned for him to follow her to the room and he ran in with her to where his dad was. Mr Thompson was clutching his chest in pain and Nicholas without wasting any time, carried him out of the house.

In no time, his dad was brought to the hospital and was undergoing treatment. He was finally stabilised now, but was sleeping. Nicholas and his mum sat quietly, watching him. imagining the disaster if they hadn't brought him a little sooner.

The family doctor came in with a solemn look and stood in front of Nicholas and his mother. Nicholas didn't like the look one bit, and so it pushed him to inquire what the issue was.

"Doctor, what is wrong with him? and please, don't give me that story about old age because I'm not buying it."

He warned in a menacing tone. The doctor was forced to open up and let Nicholas in, on his father's current situation.

"I'm sorry, but your father has a heart condition. His health has deteriorated. He would need to undergo a bypass heart surgery as soon as possible."

Nicholas' eyes bulged in shock upon hearing the news. He quickly turned to look at his mother who to his greatest surprise, didn't seem too shocked by the news. Clearly, everyone was aware and knew about it except him. Was that the reason why his father had been pressuring him into getting married? he was scared that if he didn't do it soon enough, he might not be here to witness it? shit! Nicholas was completely taken aback by the news.

"And if he doesn't?"

Nicholas asked the dreadful question that he might already know the answer to. the doctor's hesitation in answering the question confirmed his fears that, if his father didn't undergo the surgery, then he might not ever see him again. The thought made him shiver. He watched his father laying on the bed. He looked so frail, and it just opened his eyes to see that no matter how strong or tough one was, sickness would definitely serve you a piece of humble pie.

Mr. Thompson eyes finally flickered open to see his son, Nicholas, and his wife, who gently stop up and went to hug him. sherubbed his arm soothingly and sat beside him on the bed.

"How're you feeling, dad?"

Nicholas asked in a sober tone. Mr. Thompson could only nod his head in response.

"Why didn't you tell me you were sick, dad?" Nicholas asked, clearly hurt. "

I didn't want to worry you, son."

He finally spoke in a weak tone. Nicholas scoffed in irritation. how could his father telling him that he was sick a bad thing? Nicholas didn't like the fact that he was kept in the dark about it, but he decided to just let things be considering his father's condition.

"As soon as we get a donor, we'll do the surgery. In the mean time, he needs to rest and do away with anything that would bother him in any way. We can't risk another heart attack before the surgery."

the doctor instructed, facing Nicholas and his mother.

"Please ensure you keep him happy always. Under no circumstances should he be put through any form of stress. I cannot emphasise this enough."

the doctor reiterated sternly, before leaving the room.

"I won't do the surgery."

mr Thompson said defiantly, to Nicholas utmost surprise. His mother gasped in shock as well.

"What do you mean, dad?"

Nicholas questioned.

"Of what use is it, when you don't want to stop your promiscuous lifestyle and get married ?"

He lamented, and it finally dawned on Nicholas.

"Honestly, your promiscuity is my major issue. it's what has been causing me stress and anxiety."

" I'm tired of your frivolous and reckless lifestyle, son."

he complained bitterly.

"No man has ever gotten an award for sleeping with the highest number of women. You need to stop that lifestyle and prioritize marriage and having a child that would carry on your legacy. Please, son."

His father spoke, pain evident in his voice, as his wife continues to caress his arms in support. Nicholas felt terrible about his father's admission. He hate that he was responsible for putting his father through all of this by his reckless way of living.

He might complain of his father pestering him every now and then, but he never wanted to lose him. He loved his parents, and for the first time, he could actually understand where his parents were coming from, as regards marriage. To be fair, he was his parents' only child, so he wouldn't blame the old man for wanting him to get married married and for his grand kids to come a little sooner.

"I've heard you, Dad. I'll think about it."

Nicholas said, in a remorseful tone. He was completely overcome with guilt now.

"Two months, Nicholas. You either get married in two months, or I'm not undergoing the bypass heart surgery. period."

His father said sternly, his tone final, before looking away and turning his back on Nicholas. Nicholas's eyes bulged in shock at his father's threat. He never wanted to lose his father, especially not when he contributed to putting him in the condition in the first place.

The pressure was on. As it stands now, Nicholas needed to get married by all means, whether it meant getting a contractual wife, so that his father could undergo the surgery.

A decent and homely wife in two months. Was that going to be possible?