Bella looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Ok fine, Lucas. Can you give me money for the sake of that night?"
He froze, watching the tears streak down her cheeks. His chest tightened. Didn't she come to ask for money? Is it really for something important? Did I misunderstand her?
"How much is it?" he asked.
"Two—"
Lucas cut her off. "Two million it is then."
Her eyes widened. He was willing to hand over two million dollars just because of one night they shared. The perks of being a billionaire.
"It's not two million… it's two hundred thousand dollars," she corrected.
He blinked in surprise. "Two hundred thousand dollars only?"
"Yes, only this much. Why do you expect me to ask for millions?"
Her mocking tone carried a not-your-regular-slut kind of look. Lucas found it strangely amusing—every other woman he'd slept with complained when offered just two million, yet here she was, confidently refusing it.
"Are you backing off from your words?" she challenged.
"No, that's not the case. Here, take this."
He pulled a sleek black card from his suit pocket and handed it to her. Her reaction nearly made him laugh—mouth slightly open, eyes wide like saucers.
"But I don't need this much money, Mr. Lucas."
"First, don't call me Mr. Lucas—only Lucas is fine. Second, what's the problem with a little more money? Can't you accept it like a good girl?"
"Or a gold digger? Lucas, I'm taking this money as a loan, which I will repay. If the amount is this much, how can I pay you back? It will take years."
"Then you don't need to pay it back. Just keep it and spend however you want."
"That's not right. I can't spend money that's clearly not mine."
"Ok then… how about you give me back the money when you're ready to repay it? You can return all of it, right?"
"Right. Then I'll just keep it safe and return it to you sooner. Now, I guess I have to leave—I'm running late for something. Bye."
Bella left the building with a lightness in her steps, hailing a taxi.
On the other side, Lucas leaned back in his chair, troubled. 'It's obvious she came for something important… but what? Does she have some illness? Did something happen to Rachel? Or maybe her orphanage?' He shook his head. 'Why am I worried about anything that concerns her? She didn't want to tell me the reason… whatever. The meeting's about to start.'
Bella reached the hospital and spoke to the doctors, completing the necessary procedures for the surgery. She then went home to gather essentials for herself and Rachel, and to settle the medical bills. She cooked a simple meal for both of them before returning to the hospital.
By the time she arrived, Rachel was awake, confusion clouding her young face.
"How are you, princess? Is it hurting anywhere?" Bella asked gently.
"Mumma, why am I here? Am I hurt?"
Bella's heart ached at the sight of her teary eyes. "Nothing happened, love. You just have a little Mr. Devil inside your body. But don't worry—it's still small, so the doctors can take it out."
"Will I die then?"
"No, baby. I told you, the doctors can take it out. You just need to stay calm and do what they say. They'll give you the best treatment."
"Mumma… I'm sorry. I'm a bad child. I'm wasting your money."
Her words cut deep. Bella hugged her softly, mindful of her fragile body. She knew Rachel was a good child—childish and cute, yet sometimes speaking with a maturity that broke her heart.
"Baby, I've already cleared the dues. You just need to focus on fighting the little Mr. Devil with the doctors' help, okay?"
"Okay, Mumma."
Bella kissed her cheeks, earning a soft giggle. "Alright, enough crying. I made porridge for you—come eat it while it's still hot."
They ate together, and Bella spent the night holding Rachel's small hand.
The next morning, she woke to find Rachel still sleeping peacefully. Her tiny hands felt cold from the wires attached to the machines. Bella whispered to herself, "Why, God… why give this little child so many problems? She's never hurt anyone. I wish I could take all her pain away."
Rachel stirred awake as the doctor entered for the morning checkup.
"Her condition is stable," he said. "The surgery is scheduled for this afternoon. Please stay with her during that time."
"Okay, doctor. Thank you."
After he left, Rachel told her she was hungry. Bella decided to grab something from the canteen.
She stepped into the corridor, her thoughts heavy. Suddenly, a deep masculine voice called out from behind. She turned—and froze.
It was him.
Lucas.
He strode toward her, each step quick and deliberate. The tall figure towered over her, clad in a black tailored suit that hinted at the muscles beneath. Her thoughts faltered as his voice cut through the air.