Forbidden Night With Him

Chapter 1

Mara's POV

"I'm so sorry, Miss Mara, but after conducting the tests on your father, I found out that he doesn't have much time... He will die if the money is not provided for his surgery." The doctor said to me earlier in the hospital.

"How much are we talking about here, doctor?" I asked in tears.

"We need five hundred thousand dollars to conduct a kidney stone operation. I'm afraid he has only twenty-four hours to live. If you have anything to do, or any suggestion, now is the time-or you will lose him."

The doctor's words struck me like thunder as they kept replaying in my head over and over... I couldn't even breathe; I could feel my knees trembling beneath me as I staggered down the hospital hallway... Streaks of dry tears were still in my eyes.

I fumbled the test result in my hand as I left the hospital's big gates, stepping into the cold night ... . I couldn't even watch where I was going because my vision was blurred from hot tears rushing down my cheeks.

All my life, my father has been my backbone and provided for me... even though sometimes he believes whatever thing my mom says... My mom hates my guts for no reason; she always mistreats and beats me like I wasn't her real daughter.

My name is Mara Gabriel. I'm twenty-two, and this is the wreck of a life I've been forced to live. And now, the only person who sincerely cares about me a little apart from my mom and only brother, who treated me like trash is my dad, is going to die if I don't provide enough money.

His sickness even made me stop school and sell milkshakes in the streets just to save up for his expensive medications... but it still wasn't enough.

As I stumbled into the street, the cold air just kept hitting me like a cruel reminder that life kept moving while mine crumbled ... my legs felt so heavy, and I couldn't help but ask myself questions.

Had the heavens cursed me from birth? Suffering had been my only companion and part of my story since childhood. The way my mother looked at me, like I was nothing but some kind of unwanted burden to her...like a scar no one should see.

I never believed it would turn into this... At first my father's kidney stone disease seemed manageable, and I thought we could outrun it... But as time went by, it grew into something else, and the moment he started having difficulty breathing, he stopped going to work, and my mother is not doing anything to help the situation.

My own future shrank with every passing day while I scraped coins together to put food on the table.

Only months ago, I thought that heaven had started answering my prayers when I got a scholarship at one of the biggest nursing universities in the city.... Although tuition fees were covered, I wasn't even able to pay for the textbooks and other supplies...I barely had enough money for transport fare, let alone the expensive requirements for my first semester.

But even with all of that, I still have hopes and dreams of finishing school, getting a new job, and bringing my family out of this endless hardship.

But now, it feels like all my dreams are crashing because I have just twenty-four hours to save my father's life... My mom has told me to better go look for money... Where can I get that amount of money? Five hundred thousand dollars!

Savings? Yes, I had one, but I got the most disappointing result when I tore it open and saw just twenty dollars inside... A pathetic twenty dollars against a wall of five hundred thousand.

Panic clawed at my chest. I couldn't just watch my father die.

I was still thinking of what to do when my mind clicked on someone... Mr. Swag. Rumors have it that he is a laboratory scientist who paid generous money to people for blood donations.

Being that he doesn't require excessive interviews to help, and my blood type is O positive...which means I could donate blood to anyone. That was why I had to go to the hospital to get my blood test results with the last twenty dollars I had for evidence at least.

I clutched the blood test papers in my hand and rushed straight to his clinic... When I got there, it was getting darker on the streets because I had no money on me to take a cab.

I saw a small light from his glass door and breathed out in relief, "Thank God...he's still open!" I said to myself... I made to enter, but I heard a loud noise coming from his clinic, and I froze midway.

It sounded more like a muffled sound and had these rhythmic noises like someone watching pornography.... My stomach turned. Still, I forced myself to push the door open.

Mr. Swag looked up sharply from behind his desk. Immediately I entered as his face was looking so pale and he was sweating profusely...he quickly turned off his computer screen with a quick tap.

I stood there as my eyes were fixed on him, and I swallowed hard...for some reason...I was nervous.He smiled deliberately at me as his eyes swept over my body in a way that made my skin crawl...it was more like a predator hungry for its prey.

"Hello, young lady," he said, voice silky and too smooth. "Why are you here at this hour?"

I tugged at the hem of my skirt, trying so hard to be bold and cover up my shaky legs despite the quiver in my knees.

"I...I want to donate blood. I'm ready to donate to anyone ... . I just...need the money because my father is in the hospital, and if I don't pay for his surgery, he'll die." I said sharply without breathing; my voice cracked with each word.

He smiled at me, licking his lower lips, and I narrowed my eyes. What's wrong with him? I could see the corners of his lips curled into a mischievous smile like sunlight on a poisonous flower.

"Why don't you calm down, sweet girl, and tell me exactly what you need?" He said simply while touching his beard deliberately.

"I heard you pay higher rates for blood donations, and I'm O positive," I said carefully, twisting the paper in my hand. "Please, if there's a way..."

I said, stretching my hand to give him the paper, but before I could finish, he cut in sharply. "Yes, pumpkin! You're in the right place, cutie," he interrupted as he stood up from his seat and started taking a few steps towards me. "But tell me...are you desperate for cash?"

My lips trembled. "Yes. I am." Tears blurred my vision. "My dad needed this money urgently...please..." and insurance won't cover it. I need the money tonight."

He fixed his hand on one of his pockets as his smile widened... He stepped closer. "I see. Don't worry, I can help you. I'm a laboratory scientist, after all, and I will give you a huge amount of money if you agree to my terms."

When he said that, I felt so relieved. He's really generous, as said, but then he talked about terms, and even though I didn't understand what exactly he meant...I was still thankful.

Just immediately, I was about to say something else; he rushed to me and pulled out something from his pocket ... it was a small silver spray bottle. Before I could react, he swiftly sprayed the content on my face... The scent was sweet, but it felt like pepper and mint burning my eyes.

I yelled in pain as I struggled to open my eyes... What the hell did he spray on my face?

"What...what did you..." I cried out, staggering back. My vision splintered.

I couldn't even finish my statement due to the intense pain on my entire face. It occurred to me that I made a mistake in coming here...he wants to take advantage of me!

My instinct kicked in immediately. He wanted to grab me from behind while laughing loudly. I swung my handbag in his direction with all my strength; it hit him on the hand, causing him to stagger backwards.

He charged at me again, and I hit him the second time; he fell to the floor groaning in pain. At that moment, I rushed to the door, opened it, and ran off down the street, leaving behind the test results.

My heart pounded against my chest as my lips quivered as I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I could hear his footsteps behind me running faster as well...

."You can't run away from me, cutie pie!" his voice echoed down the empty street, mocking and cruel. "By the time I'm done with you, you'll be begging for me to help you with your father's surgery!"

The scent from the spray on my face filled my nose. It was sickly sweet and intoxicating, causing me to be dizzy, and my head spun ... . It felt like the streets were tilting, but I didn't stop ... . I continued running even though I could barely see where I was running.

The streetlights in my eyes were like stars. I was getting so tired when I yanked out my phone from my bag and dialed my mother's number with trembling fingers...maybe she can help.

"Mom! Please, help me! A man... He's chasing me... Please call the police!" My voice cracked with panic and tears. My mom laughed out over the phone, to my surprise.

Her reply sliced deeper than any knife. "What are you even saying? Don't be dramatic, you silly girl.... . Where is the five hundred thousand dollars for your father's surgery? It's almost too late. How you get the money is not my business. If he pays well, just sleep with him and bring the money."

"Mom...please!"

I tried to talk, but the line went dead...even though I wasn't that surprised because I had expected this from her. She never cares about me whether I'm dead or alive... She only cares about what I offer!

"Come back here!" I heard Mr. Swag's voice from far behind and sped up on my track.

I didn't even watch where I was going as I tried to cross the road when a car honked at me and stopped instantly before it got to me. I froze as the headlights shone brightly on my face... I looked up, and it was a shiny black car; its body was gleaming under the streetlights.

I was so desperate because Mr. Swag was getting closer, and I immediately went round the car in a way that he would think that I ran past it and knocked on the tinted window from the other side. "Please! Help me! Someone's chasing me!"

The rear window slid down to reveal a man in a black shirt with broad shoulders, sharp cheekbones, and eyes like dark steel. Handsome didn't even begin to describe him, but I had no time to notice his looks particularly ... he's coming!

"Please," I begged him in tears. "He's coming... He wants to... Please, help!"

The stranger gave me a stern gaze and exchanged a look with his driver, giving him a curt nod. And just immediately, the door opened with a soft click, and I rushed in.

I crouched under the car seat behind, pressing myself against the stranger's legs as my heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I seized my breath, and as I heard footsteps coming closer to the car, I could see Mr. Swag through the tinted glass as he stopped in front.... His face twisted with frustration.

"Excuse me," he barked at the driver's window. "Did you see a girl pass here? About five feet tall, black curly hair, and round black eyes? She is wearing blue shorts." His gaze darted over the car, searching for me.

Oh God! Please let him not expose me. The stranger darted his eyes at me for a while, and then he turned to Mr. Swag and shook his head. He answered calmly, "No. Haven't seen anyone. Maybe she went the other way."

Mr. Swag hesitated, narrowing his eyes inside the car, but then he cursed some inaudible words under his breath and rushed off into the night.

The man waited for a while until his footsteps faded, then he turned in my direction and said with a low and steady voice, "You can come out now...he has left. What happened? Why was that man chasing you?"

Slowly, I lifted my head, and that was when I noticed the sweet smell of leather and cool cologne inside the car... He smelled like cedar. So intoxicating!

I blinked twice and sat up on the seat as my eyes met his. He had golden brown eyes, which were flashing under the car light.

My eyes went down to his lips; they looked so soft and succulent, but then I controlled myself and said, "I..." I'm sorry for barging into your car like this. I..." My words faltered as a sudden wave of dizziness slammed into me. My head felt so heavy instantly, and my thoughts were suddenly sluggish.

All of a sudden, I felt so hot and heated up... Sweat prickled across my forehead, and my palms became sweaty... My vision was so blurry as I fought so hard to focus on the stranger's concerned face, but his face was so blurred in my eyes, like a watercolor.

What's happening to me? I held my head tightly with both hands, struggling to catch my breath.

"Are you all right?" he asked, leaning closer. His dark brows knit in worry...as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Please...could you...turn on the AC?" My breath came in short, shaky bursts.

The driver switched it on, but the air conditioner felt so useless...it felt like nothing was on, and the heat rushing around my body couldn't stop.

My crop top clung to my damp skin, revealing the curvy shape of my breast... The man's neat scent and the warmth of his body made my heart beat faster than usual... I felt like kissing him immediately.

I don't know what's happening to me, but I tried to focus, remembering that I can't try anything stupid, being that my father is still struggling for his life in the hospital, but the drugs in that spray are pulsing my veins and making everything drowned and hazy.

My fingers trembled as they fumbled the top buttons of my top; I was so desperate to pull everything off, breathing heavily.

The man's eyes widened, sharp and startled. "What are you doing?" he asked, voice rougher now.

"I...I don't know but please help me...something is wrong with me" I whispered; my own voice was strange to my ears.

"He sprayed something on me...." I tried to talk but then he drew closer holding my shoulder and said "You've been drugged. Whatever that man sprayed on you....it's messing with your system. You're not thinking clearly and I don't want to take advantage of you."

"No," I insisted, grabbing his wrist, my lips trembling. "It's not just the drug.... I want this and I want you." My eyes locked on his, wide and pleading. "Please...don't leave me like this."

Without thinking twice, I pulled him closer to myself like I was being drawn by a force I couldn't fight; my heart pounded faster, as well as his.

The shock in his eyes explains his surprise, but his lips parted like he also wanted this.

"Please, can you touch me? Can you have sex with me, please?." I said, His jaw tightened, and his gaze locked on mine... I made to talk again, but then I couldn't talk.

And then he said, "Are you sure about that? You don't even know me." But I didn't care at that point.

I actually wanted someone, and I think I can't stop myself right now. This drug is a powerful aphrodisiac, which was sprayed on me.

Am I feeling these because of the crimson rush inside of me or because I really wanted him? He's so handsome...

"I don't care, you're not taking advantage of anything, can you...have sex with me!? I asked, breathing heavily.

Chapter 2

Alexandra POV

"You need to come back home now, Alex... and get a wife so I can at least have my grandchildren and an heir!" Mom shouted at me over the phone. Well, that was 2 weeks ago when I got an urgent call from her, and I'm not surprised about that. I'm used to it, in fact!

Well... I'm a top surgeon, and I own one of the biggest hospitals in the city. When I got that call, of course I knew why they wanted me to come back home, but I had no choice. I got home and was welcomed by the usual topic of the day... Marriage this, marriage that.

But the truth is, I know that I'm old enough for that... At least I'm 26, but the issue is, I am not ready to get married, at least...not yet and not after all I have been through with women.

My mother is very relentless and couldn't just stop with the questions throughout my stay with them... I barely stayed up for one week before she started fixing blind dates for me as if my life depended on it!

Each day that passes, she organizes introductions, sends me tons of sexy pictures of rich and influential women, and even calls me during work hours just to nag about my love life.

***

I just got home from work that night and was so tired.I took a cold shower and stepped into the sitting room to watch TV shows when she came out from her room again with the same topic.

I couldn't help but rub my temples and the bridges of my hair as she raised her voice; her eyes were filled with determination and frustration.

"Alexander! You're a doctor... What's wrong with you, and why is it so difficult to find a wife? Beautiful and rich women are all over you, but you can't pick one for yourself!" She said it, but I didn't even flinch or respond.

"Are you trying to tell me you are gay? Why don't you just say it? I need a grandchild!" Her words cut through the air like a sharp blade. My jaw clenched, and my chest felt so heavy.

"Mom, I'm not ready to get married. I'm not ready to date anybody. Please stop fixing blind dates for me.... . I told you before, "If I want to settle down, I know what is best for me," I said firmly, but her voice only grew louder; she raised her voice until it echoed through the walls.

I could see the fury in her eyes and the trembling of her lips, and at that point I knew that she wasn't going to stop.

Frustrated, I grabbed my car key and walked out of the house without a word... I hate exchange of words, so I called my personal assistant, Ruger, who was also my driver. He drove me out of the house even though he kept on checking on me from the car window, noticing the anger burning in my expression.

We drove into the cool night with my Rolls Royce heading downtown... I just needed nothing else than to breathe, to escape the suffocating pressure at home. I looked out of the window as the cold breeze seeped into my skin... The city lights blurred past the window as I exhaled deeply. Such a relief!

Just then, the car cell phone rang out, and Ruger picked it up. I don't even care who it was, but I knew it was still from home.

It wasn't until 20 minutes after the first call that the phone rang out again. "Boss, your mom is calling," Ruger said after a while, glancing at the phone. I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes for a brief second.

"Don't pick it. I don't have time to talk, not after what happened at home," I replied.

He hesitated, then lowered his voice. "I wanted to tell you something... Your mom actually fixed another blind date for you... It was with Miss Harrison this time; she is said to be the only daughter and heir of the Harrison Group of Companies after my investigations."

I opened my eyes and gave him a sharp look. "What!? Please don't bring it up. I'm not interested. I am not going on another blind date again. How the hell can I go on fifteen blind dates in two weeks, Ruger? Fifteen! I'm tired. I need a break."

Ruger bit his lip, his brows furrowing slightly. "Sorry, boss, I didn't mean to upset you, but I just thought that... She's beautiful, and maybe your parents..."

"No. It's not going to happen. Not after everything I've seen. All those rich girls are the same. All they do is take where they did not sow. They're gold diggers. There is no difference," I cut him off, my voice low and laced with venom. He went silent immediately and continued driving.

Soon, the car slowed down abruptly in a quiet street, and that was when I found out that a young lady was standing in front of our car. We almost crushed her!

Before I could even look at her closely, she rushed to the car and knocked at my window in panic... Her eyes were teary and glistening under the streetlight.

I wanted to drive off because I hate such pretense and wasn't in the mood for scenes, but my instinct kicked in, and I wound down the window of the car... For a second, she was breathing heavily like she was being chased by someone or something.

"Please help me... Someone is after me," she cried, her voice breaking.

My instinct kept on screaming at me to ignore her and that I don't mingle with strangers, especially women... But then, there was something about her face that looked so familiar.

My mind flashed back to years ago, when I was just ten. I got kidnapped and was dumped on the street for dead, but a girl saved me then, and she has this striking resemblance with her almond eyes.

Could this be her? I couldn't help but wonder about that... My heart skipped a bit, and my eyes locked into hers. Without thinking twice, I unlocked the door, and she rushed in.

Immediately after she entered, her scent filled the car... It was so soft and desperate too. But I was so shocked when she stared directly into my eyes and dragged me closer to herself to the extent that I could feel her warm and harsh breath against my neck.

Before I could ask anything, she touched my arm as her fingers trembled, and she drew her face closer to mine... Her lips parted slightly as her eyes were filled with lust and craving. "Can you have sex with me?" she whispered.

My mouth fell open. "No. I can't.... Young lady, What are you doing here in the middle of the street? I can't have anything to do with you. You're a total stranger," I said, my voice sharp, though my pulse betrayed me, thundering in my ears... I could feel the heat of her touch all over me as I tried to control myself.

But she didn't stop...she moved closer to me, climbing my lap with boldness; she acted so possessed, like she was under an influence. Her legs wrapped around my hips tightly, and her breath was so warm against my neck.She was breathing so heavily as she started unbuttoning my shirt immediately.

She yanked off her shirt, revealing the soft curve of her breasts... Only the sign made my throat go dry.I swear, I could feel her wetness rocking on my already hard dick.

"This isn't right," I muttered, breathing heavily, but she only pressed harder, her fingers trailing down to my belt.

Her eyes were glazed as her pupils dilated as if she were under some intoxicating spell... I couldn't hold back anymore at this point.My mind screamed for me to stop, but my body betrayed me, responding to every desperate touch she gave me.

"Ruger... wait for us outside," I said hoarsely. Ruger hesitated as his brows lifted in surprise, but he obeyed, stepping out of the car and closing the door behind him.

Now it was just the two of us; it felt like a heat rush all over my body filled with goosebumps... She kissed me passionately and vigorously as I grabbed her waist closer to me and kissed her back.

My hands went straight to her back, slowly undoing her bra as it fell off. My eyes were filled with greediness at the sight of her succulent breast. Oh lord!

My breath hitched as my hands found her soft and warm breasts; her nipples were already hard as I rolled my fingers on them.

She moaned softly, her head tilting back as if surrendering to the moment.

"Oh my God... I want you. Please... I want you," she whispered, her voice quivering. Her hands slid lower and finished undoing my belt; her hands found my dick as she stroked me through my trousers. The car felt like it was burning around us; the air felt so heavy with unspoken desire. My lips found her breast as I sucked her nipples, biting on them softly.

She went on her knees and sucked my shaft, and soon enough, I found myself digging on her wet cunt like my life depended on it. God! She's beautiful.

I lost track of time...and thirty minutes later, we were lying breathlessly in the car, tangled in each other's arms. Her damp body rested on my chest as she slept slowly... I kept on admiring her pretty face until slowly, exhaustion took over, and I drifted into a restless sleep.

Mara's POV

My eyes opened slowly from the loud beeping coming from my phone; I felt a sharp headache and haziness... as if the night had been a dream. My body was still filled with the pleasure I received, and that was when I realized that I was still inside his car.

The memories of what happened crashed into me, and I couldn't help but think about his touch, his eyes, and the way he held me as if I belonged to him. My heart skipped a beat faster than usual.... I didn't regret it at all.

I glanced at him; he was still sleeping calmly, and I couldn't help but smile.That was when it occurred to me that I was supposed to be here on a mission to save my dying father, but I ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger!

Guilt twisted in my chest. What have I done? I hurriedly reached for my shirt and started buttoning it up.I need to leave before he wakes up. But the phone kept ringing in my bag. I took it out, and my eyes widened in shock...it was my mother!

Before I could pick up the call, it went off, and a message lit up the screen, making my blood run cold instantly:

"You stupid girl! Where are you? Are you trying to kill your father? Didn't you bring the money from that stranger? I don't care what you do. All I want is for you to get that money right now. Time is going!"

My breath caught as tears blurred my vision; I turned off the phone with my trembling fingers. And I couldn't help but mutter to myself, "Oh no! I need to go now...I really need money..." But before I could finish that, he sat up, and his eyes locked onto mine in dark and rage.

I was confused by his expression, and before I could even say anything more, he grabbed his briefcase by the side and started unlocking it coldly.

"Whoa, really? So you're one of them, huh? I should've known. You're just like the others... gold diggers. That's why you came into my car, isn't it? To get money?" His voice was filled with bitterness, each word like a knife.

My heart dropped at his statement, "What? No, I don't understand..."

Before I could finish, he cut me off and grabbed a pen and a check from his briefcase furiously and started scribbling on the check; he shoved it vigorously in my hand.

"Here. One million dollars. Take it and get out of my car. Don't ever come near me again. You're paid off. Remember this: after what happened tonight, we're done. Don't stop me anywhere. Don't speak to me again."

My lips parted, but no words came. I was shocked and froze in place as I stared at the check in my trembling hands.

One million dollars?Did he think I was speaking to him or something? But then, I'm just random girl and should expect that.

My chest tightened painfully, and I wanted to explain...to scream that he was wrong, but his eyes were so cold and accusing.I had no choice as I carried my bag and stepped out of the car; my legs felt weak, and my mind was spinning.

The night air hit me like a slap, but I tried to be fine; it was all Mr. Swag's fault...he sprayed an aphrodisiac on me, and it made me lose control. As I flagged down a taxi on the cold night, I reassured myself that it's just a one-night stand and I had the money to save my father and to start going to school again.

But his words still echoed in my head... gold digger!? Was that how he truly saw me?

I went straight to the hospital the next day and paid for my father's surgery... To me it seems like he was an angel sent from heaven because life turned around for me after that night. We even rented a nearby apartment, and the worst part? My mother never even asked where the money came from.

I didn't expect her to.

But I couldn't stop thinking about him... I wake up every single day dreaming about his face-it haunted me. The way his hands had explored my body and the way his eyes locked onto mine before everything shattered.I tried to bury it, to forget him, but the memories replayed over and over.

One month later.

One hot afternoon, after returning from lectures, I felt so dizzy and nauseous, and the truth is... I've been having these feelings and symptoms for the past 4 weeks.

My stomach churned, and I couldn't help but feel nervous about it... I went to a pharmacy not too far from me, bought a pregnancy test, and rushed home.

I kept on praying not to be what I'm thinking as my fingers trembled; I tore the packet open.

Minutes later, I stared at the result, and my breath caught in my throat.... Two dark pink lines. My knees went weak immediately as I sat down slowly on the bed, my palm pressing against my belly.

My eyes widened in disbelief as I slid the small pregnancy test deep inside the drawer in my room. My fingers tremble against the wood.

"I'm pregnant... for a stranger," I whispered.

Chapter 3

Mara's POV

Being pregnant and still going to school is one of the most difficult things I would never recommend to any woman in my life. It is very exhausting, and sometimes it feels like you're carrying two lives while trying to survive in one at the same time.

Pregnancy comes with lots of things, especially dealing with morning sickness without warning, nausea, which made my stomach twist until I couldn't breathe, and worst of all...vomiting and spitting.

I slept during class hours even without meaning to because my eyes were so heavy to open... But no matter how stressful it got, I endured it. I have to do that for the sake of my child.

I thought of aborting the baby because I don't even know the father too well, and it's just a one-night stand, but then on second thought... . This is something I swore not to do-ending a life I didn't create. I never wanted to soil my hand with the blood of an innocent child.

Waking up each morning and hearing the little heartbeat, I felt so fulfilled and happy.... . My child deserves to live even if the world calls the baby a bastard, even if the father will never claim him or her... I will train my baby alone. I will do anything to keep my baby safe.

There is no day that passes without his face flashing on my mind... I could vividly remember how he dismissed me, the hatred and anger on his face when he said it like it was nothing.

The way he told me to get out like I was just a random prostitute begging for money and that he settled with me already...everything still felt like yesterday. At least it was well explained to me; I was not needed.

To tell my parents? No, I wasn't ready to do that, at least not yet... even though I know it would be difficult to hide it when the baby bump gets bigger because we live in the same apartment, I just need time to figure out what to tell them exactly.

If Mom finds out about this especially, she will literally skin me alive! For the fact that she already doesn't like me, I can only imagine how she would transfer that hatred to my child, and that is the least thing I wanted for my baby...this child can't suffer the way I do.

***

Well, today is my first day at the hospital for an internship. It was only a few weeks ago when our principal announced that in the nursing department, it turned out to be part of the interns going to work in the biggest hospital in the city for real clinical practice.

This is more like a dream come true because I have always wanted to go to New Era Hospital and gain some experiences. My school is a big and prestigious school, and somehow, through the grace of a scholarship, I made it here.

I turned off the alarm and rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower...I'm even running late for the orientation because last night was hectic from lots of house chores.

My head felt so heavy, and I was dizzy, but I carried myself through it... I dressed up carefully in my neat nursing scrub, combed and packed my hair into a ponytail, and wrapped it round into a tight bun, yeah...nursing style!

I applied a little makeup on my face, just enough to hide the tiredness. I stared at my reflection in the mirror one more time and managed to fix a smile on my face.

"You're still beautiful, and you can do this." I reassured myself. To be honest, I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time, knowing fully well that the day was going to be stressful with long shifts, heavy ward rounds, and constant pressure to do everything perfectly.

My tummy isn't showing yet, but I can feel the secret growing every time I move. I place a gentle hand on my flat belly. "We'll get through this," I whisper.

Just as I was about to step out, my phone buzzed, and I picked it up immediately...it was Lila. "Hey girl, where are you? I'm already at the hospital, and the doctor will arrive soon." She said, and my heart dropped.

"I'm on my way!" I said quickly, and the line went dead.... I don't want problems on my first day. I opened the door and rushed downstairs. I was about to leave when I found my younger brother Philip standing and blocking the veranda. He's grinning at the camera of a shiny new iPhone 16, snapping pictures like he owns the world.

My eyes widened in shock because there's no way he could afford a phone like that.But I couldn't care less; I made it to pass, but he blocked my way.

"Where are you going to, sis? The plates are dirty in the kitchen. Who will wash them?" He sneered at me and continued snapping pictures. Yeah, the arrogance in his voice makes my blood boil.

Philip has always been like this-spoiled, reckless, and rude-but I didn't have time for all of that today. Mom always supports him, no matter how wrong he is.

"Philip," I bark, rushing toward him, anger burning up my spine. "Get out of my way! I'm running late, and besides, where did you get that phone? Is that a new phone? How can you even afford it? You can't afford that phone because we both know it's too expensive!"

He barely glances at me, his mouth twisting into a smirk. "Oh really? You're monitoring me now?" His voice drips with sarcasm.

"What do you mean by 'afford'? I'm an adult, just like you. You can't just come out here and start snooping around, asking questions like you own me. Before you came, I was doing something important. Why don't you just get out of my space by going to the kitchen to wash those plates?"

He said and then turned, "Also ... I'm hungry and need to eat this morning too."

My stomach twisted with his words... I wanted to give him a slap, but then I walked closer to him, refusing to back down. "If you're hungry and think you're an adult, then go and make yourself food!"

He didn't even flinch as he continued with his phone. I was so pissed off as my heart hammered against my ribs. "What are you trying to tell me? You don't even have a job. Don't tell me this came from my savings again! Philip, did you steal from my savings?" My voice rises with fury.

"That money was for Dad's medication. Do you even understand how many night shifts I worked to afford it? How many sleepless hours did I spend while you slept peacefully? How could you do this!?" I should, as tears were threatening to spill out... but held it.

Philip rolls his eyes, still snapping selfies. "Yeah, it's a new phone. So what? And yes, I used the money from your savings... I needed new tech...like, the newest and latest phone. How can I not get one when I'm going to be an engineer?" He laughs bitterly.

"Please, shift from the window. You're blocking the light." He added, and I almost lost it.

My breath catches in outrage. Without thinking twice, I rushed to him and snatched the phone from his hand. "Give it to me! I'm returning this right now!"

"Mom! Mom!" Philip screams dramatically. I expected that.

I heard the bedroom door slam open and mom stormed out, her face twisted with fury and rage. "What is going on here? Mara! You again?!" Her voice cracked like a whip against my skin.

Philip faked tears immediately and pointed an accusing finger at me... My eyes widened in disbelief. "Mom, tell your daughter to give me back my phone. She's trying to destroy my career again!"

Before I could even say anything to defend myself, Mom pushed me to the cushion and snatched the phone from my hand. She turned furiously and gave me a thunderous slap on my cheeks. My head jerked to the side from the force as tears blurred my vision.

"How dare you!?" she yells. "He's your younger brother! Why is it so difficult for you to support him? Can you, for once in your life, stop being so selfish?!" Her voice cracks like thunder.

But then she stopped and hesitated narrowing her eyes before she said. "You're not even my real..." She stops abruptly, her mouth snapping shut.

I freeze trying to figure out what she is trying to say in confusion "Not your real what?" I asked, My chest tightened painfully, filled with a thousand questions.

Mom quickly looks away, thrusting the phone back into Philip's waiting hands. "Philip, honey, here. Use it however you like. Don't let her touch it again. I'll deal with her."

Tears rolled down my eyes uncontrollably immediately after I heard her say that. She didn't even ask where he got the money.

"Mom, you didn't even ask what happened! That money..." My voice cracks. "That money was for Dad's medication!"

But Philip only laughed out cruelly at me like a mockery, and Mom joined him to laugh at me.

"Your father?" she sneers. "There will be enough money for him later. Your brother's future matters more right now. Even though your father is my husband, I care about him, but Philip is young. He has more future than your father ever will."

I stare at her, my chest rising and falling with fury. My heart feels like it's tearing in half.

Philip went to sit on the cushion smugly and pressed the phone as if nothing happened.

Just then, Dad stepped out of the bedroom, his face looking so pale as he walked slowly to us. "What is all this noise?" he asks sharply. His gaze settles on Philip.

"Why are you giving your sister such a hard time? Can't you see she's doing everything she can for this family? When will you become the son I always hoped for?"

Philip shrinks back for a moment but says nothing.

Dad turned to me and said as he placed his hand on my shoulder softly. "My dear," he says gently, "I'm so sorry for being a burden to you. You shouldn't have to suffer like this at your age."

I couldn't control myself from crying as I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "No, Father," I whisper through sobs.

"You are never a burden to me. I promise I will work as hard as I can to make sure you get better. I swear I'll take care of you."

Before Dad can respond, Mom's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "Enough of this nonsense!" she snaps.

"If they give you a small allowance, you start acting like you're the savior of the world. Mara, get into that kitchen and clean it. Make sure you cook breakfast before stepping out of this house...stupid girl."

I pull back, wiping my wet cheeks. "No, Mom," I say softly but firmly. "I have to leave for my internship; remember I told you guys. I have work to do at the hospital and an orientation. I'm already late."

When I said that, she scoffed and clapped both her hands in irritation. "Oh, please shut up! You're not going anywhere, you hear me? You irresponsible brat, until you finish what you have to do in this house ... no internship for you. Philip, lock the front door!"

Tears wouldn't even let me talk, and I knew that talking or refusing was useless. My dad acts like he was being controlled by her and won't even say anything.I swallowed the words and rushed into the kitchen in tears.

My hands trembled as I grabbed the dirty dishes... I checked the time over and over.

I paused as my hands pressed against my belly. "My child, Mom, is suffering already, and I don't want you to suffer like this with me. I promise I will find a way and work harder to protect you." I cried profusely.

"Mommy loves you so much." This is the main reason why I kept my pregnancy a secret from them.

The way they treat me like a slave and a stranger sometimes makes me wonder if they are actually my real family.....