Nora's standpoint.
I dragged my feet back to the hospital after dropping my things at my apartment. Though I didn't know how I would face my mom, I knew I had to be there with her.
This was her worst fear and if she knows, she will probably blame herself.
I stepped into the ward and found her sleeping next to my dad, a smile crept up my lips, seeing how happy they looked together.
Memories of how they laughed, argued and loved each other flooded my mind, bringing tears to my eyes as I stood glued in the spot.
“Miss. Andrew?” A voice called and when I turned, it was the doctor. “Do you mind if I come in?” He forced a smile, but I could see through it.
Something was wrong… Hell no! Something has been wrong, it's probably worse now.
“Is there anything wrong?” I asked curiously with a straight look that etched my face.
He let out a deep sigh, “I think it's better if I talk to your mom,” He concluded.
My eyes glanced at my mom who was sleeping perfectly sound for the first time in weeks, I guess it's because she got to sleep next to him. He had been in a coma and on oxygen until two days ago.
"Let's talk outside,”I gestured, not wanting to disturb her sleep.
We stepped out of the ward and I turned to him after taking some steps away from the ward.
“What is it, Mr. Smith?” I asked with worry etched in my voice, his worried look fueling my fear.
“His condition is worsening, we need to act fast.” He uttered after hesitation for a few seconds.
My brows twitched with confusion. “But he just came out of a coma two days ago, and I think he's doing well already.”
“That's the issue, Miss. Andrew. He just came out of coma and there are some drugs that ought to be administered to him, but your mom told me to hold off because of the bill.” A line appeared in his brow as he spoke, my heart racing with each word he said.
“How much is the bill, and can't you start the treatment while I source for money?” My voice came as a desperate plea.
“I'm sorry, Nora. The hospital needs money to run, and I've really tried my best. As it stands, unless the outstanding bills are sorted, we can't start the treatment. I hope you find the money soon.” He placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently before walking away.
He was right. As our family doctor, he had tried to cover up the bills, it's time I found some money.
I dashed out of the hospital with one thought in my mind; my inheritance money.
I raced to Mr. Pete, our family lawyer's office in no time, panting heavily as I stepped into his office.
His brows pinched when he saw me, but I paid him no attention.
He rose to his feet, moving closer to me as he spoke. “I was about to call you, Nora. Your boyfriend came over yesterday to finalize the procedure. I hope the funds helped.” A relieved look etched on his face, mine a confused look.
I stood tall, after I caught my breath, looking at me with my brows raised. “What do you mean by that? I never sent my boyfriend here.”
He paused, looking at me for a moment as though I were a joker. “He told me you were swamped at the hospital and needed the money for your dad.” He uttered briskly, almost sharing the pace of my racing heart.
“No… Everything… You gave him everything?” I questioned in a low voice, dumbstruck, and he nodded.
“How could you give him my money?” I yelled at him, almost losing my mind for a second.
“He came with your seal!” He retorted, his voice also raised.
I froze, my lips parted in a round shape and for a moment, I wanted to believe Mr. Pete, but I shook my head.
“No… That's not possible. Leonard would never do this to me.” I whispered with my gaze on the floor, still shaking the thought off my mind.
Mr. Pete grabbed a document and handed it to me, “This is the document, Nora. I'm genuinely sorry, I thought he was here on your behalf.”
Hot tears ran down my cheeks as my trembling hands held on to the document, tears blurring my vision.
He must have wanted to surprise me with this, perhaps he's even at the hospital with the money. I thought as I ran out of the law firm, holding the document like my life depended on it.
Of course, it does!
If my dad dies, my mom will never be happy again, and that would make me the worst daughter ever.
I hailed down a taxi, “3184 Thompson,” I swiftly uttered as I settled into it.
The drive, though it was a ten-minute drive away from the law firm, felt like an eternity as I kept calling Leonard's phone.
“…drop a message after the beep.” The same automated voice directed me to voicemail each time.
The car pulled to a halt and after paying the driver, I raced towards his apartment. My heart was pounding faster with each step I took on the stairs.
I got to his apartment and walked in, but the scene I was met with was something I never expected. My eyes landed on the red-hot heel Vivianne had worn this morning at work.
I shook my head, as if to shake the thought off but it lurked in my mind, knowing what she's capable of now. Scattered clothes laid on the floor as I stepped into the living room, my eyes glanced frantically from one to another, identifying Vivianne' and Leonard's.
Without a rethink, I barged into the bedroom and there they were; the two people who tore my life apart in just a day, naked under the duvet and cuddled against each other.
Disbelief surged through my lips, but Vivianne rolled her eyes, flinging her hair backwards as though I didn't exist. My gaze met with Leon's.
“What… How could you do this to me, Leon?” My voice was barely above a whisper, and my hand slipped from the knob I held.
He got out of bed, holding a pillow to cover himself, and took some steps closer to me. His lips spread with a grin that made an alarm bell ring in my head.
I wanted to skin him alive, but that's until I get my money.
“Are you really surprised? You're boring, you don't expect me to be with you, do you?” He chuckled, his voice echoing in my head.
My lips trembled as my heart clawed in pain in betrayal, but now isn't the time.
“Where is my money? The inheritance money you took from Mr. Pete?” My voice calmed a bit, more steady than before.
“I owe you nothing.” He spat and closed the distance between us. “Your father made me lose that bet, it's only right he paid it back.” He poked my head with his middle finger as he spoke.
I slapped him, taking a step closer to him and looking up at him with my gritting teeth shaking.
“You have just 24 hours to transfer the amount to my account…” I paused, my eyes wide with rage, but I made my way to the door, his voice stopping me.
“Or what?” He mocked.
With my head slightly tilted, I responded, “Or you will beg at my feet!”
___
I sat in the hospital waiting room, as though waiting for a miracle there, my eyes swollen with unshed tears. I rose to my feet and made my way to the ward, but as I rounded a corner, someone bumped into me, splashing hot coffee on me.
“Watch it, asshole!”
