Nina.

A famous quote says; “When you lose something don't think of it as a loss; accept it as a gift that gets you on the path you were meant to travel on.” Fucking motivational speakers!

How was I going to accept being laid off from a job I spent eighteen months searching for?!

I turned to take a final look at the company where I had worked diligently for three years. They laid me off on the accusation of forgery.

A few minutes ago, I was pleading with Mr. Harry, the CEO of Tanis Holdings. “We should investigate this.”

His reply was simple. “The evidence before me is enough proof that you did it!” He replied sternly, handing me a check.

Staring at the white paper, the figure written on it wasn't up to a quarter of my salary. When I complained all he said was I was lucky to even get something from him.

I needed to speak to someone, the first person who came to my mind was my mom but I hesitated. I didn't want to get her worried so I dialed my best friend's phone instead but it entered a voicemail.

“Melinda.. pick up,” I muttered the words slowly, I gave up after the second attempt.

I waved down a taxi and an aged man popped his head toward the passenger seat and opened the door swiftly.

“Luxembourg Bar!” I announced. We arrived in no time and I dropped some dollar notes in his pale hands before stepping out. “Thank you,” I said and he nodded before zooming off.

My heels clicked harshly against the tiles as I made my way into the bar. The air seemed to go thick with the beat of the music. People swayed to the rhythm, their bodies pressed together as they danced in revealing outfits in contrast to the red corporate fitted gown I was putting on.

The room was a mixture of colors, with flashing lights and neon decorations casting a vibrant glow on the stage.

I found my way through the throng, my eyes scanning the bar as I walked to order a drink. The bartender paid me attention, a charming smile spreading across his face as he caught my eye.

“It's a busy night! What can I get you to unwind?” He asked, his voice loud enough to cut through the music.

I paused, unsure of what to order. Melinda was good with the parties and liquor but not me.

He noticed my hesitation and smiled. “We just got in some new sought-after cocktails. Would you like to try some?”

“I could make use of that.”

My drink was ready in no time. As I stretched my hand to collect my drink, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. I was going to tick a goal on my checklist- get drunk!

I was about to take a sip when tragedy struck. In a rush to grab the glass, I accidentally hit a waiter, it happened too fast, and the tray of drinks he was holding splashed all over a suited man standing nearby. The sound of glasses breaking into several tiny pieces was enough to call the attention of the crowd.

Frozen, I jumped on my feet. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"

Lucian Ryders! The infamous Mafia Don!

His expression darkened, his eyes burning as he brushed off the liquid from his expensive-looking suit but he was already drenched, his white collar shirt now having a red non-uniform design."How dare you!” he thundered, his voice laced with annoyance.

His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through my soul. His black curly hair made its way to his face and he brushed it off slightly.

Suddenly, my ears caught whispers of conversation from onlookers.

“…heard he locked up a guy who bashed his car a week ago.”

“…imagine what he would do to this hungry-looking lady for embarrassing him.”

I gulped slowly, awaiting my fate.

He took a business card from his pocket and stretched his hand to me. "See me at my office tomorrow at 8 AM. I don't entertain late-coming.”

I took the card, feeling a shiver run down my spine as our fingers touched. I nodded briefly, my mind racing with fear.

Just then I heard my phone peep.

My heart broke into a thousand pieces at what I saw.

“Meet me at Saint John's Hospital, room 206. Your mom got involved in an accident!!”

Nina.

As I paced to and fro the hospital room, the loud beep of machines whirring around me was a stark contrast to the loud music and laughter I had escaped minutes ago.

I stared at all the pipes connected to her, and the realization that I could lose my mom became stronger. “Mom! Don't do this to me, please…” My sobs grew louder by the minute. Melinda tried to console me but I wouldn't just have it. I stared at my mom, she still looked pretty as always. They had wrapped a big bandage repeatedly all over her legs.

“The police haven’t been able to trace the person who hit her.” Melinda broke the silence. The tears in my eyes poured out more, how could someone be so cold-blooded to leave an aged woman almost dead on the street?

Just then a young man dressed in blue scrubs came in.

“I’m Dr. Carl, I suppose you are related to her,” he said, pointing to my mom.

“She’s my mom,” I replied softly.

“I would love to speak to you privately,” the doctor said.

“You can say whatever you need to here, she is family,” I fired, referring to Melinda.

He adjusted his glasses and walked a few steps closer to where Melinda and I were standing. “Your mom is in a critical state. If she ever gets to walk again, it would be a miracle.” He paused, scanning my wet face to be sure he could go on.

“She sustained internal injuries and we would need surgery for her, then another surgery to remove the metal that entered her legs. This accident was really brutal.” I tried to process all he had said but the only thing that kept running in my head was; what if I lose my mom and how was I going to pay for all this?! I just lost my job! I cleared my savings to pay for rent two weeks ago.

“How soon does she need this surgery?” I asked, wiping away the tears that didn't stop flowing.

“Every minute we delay is dangerous. You can meet the accountant to collect the current bill. I'm afraid we can't continue holding her up unless you clear the bill.”

I turned to Melinda. “But she just got here in less than an hour,” I yelled.

Melinda cracked her throat softly, holding my right hand. “We will handle it, but please do your best to save her life.” The doctor nodded with a soft smile.

“We will give our all, and try to get the money on time. There is little we can do right now.” He concluded before leaving us. It felt like I was suffocating as different horrible thoughts ran through my mind.

*****

Melinda had stayed with me throughout the night. I barely slept. All I wanted to do was see my mom smile again but she didn’t even move an inch.

“How are you feeling?” My best friend held my right hand, rubbing the back of my palm gently.

“Blank,” I muttered.

“She will be fine, I have cleared the current bill and…”

“But… you didn’t have to do that.” I protested.

“Shhhh!!” She placed her index finger on my lips. “You are not just my best friend, you are my sister. Do you remember how you missed your exam because of me? You had to re-sit the next year.” I nodded softly.

“Whatever it takes to make Mom fine again, we will do it. Okay?” She assured me, lifting me for a hug.

I buried myself in Melinda’s arms while she patted my back gently. I needed that hug.

“I think you need to eat now.” She released me from the hug and walked to take my purse.

She brought out some cash and a card dropped to the floor.

Melinda bent down to pick up the card, on bended knees, and her eyes popped out. “Lucian Ryders?!” At the mention of his name, my heart seemed to stop beating for a while. I ran to get my phone from my purse.

“What are you doing with that dangerous man?” Melinda asked but I couldn’t pay attention to her right now. I had forgotten I had an appointment with the Mafia Don.

“I need to run, I’ll explain later.” I dashed out before she could say more.

As I stepped out of the hospital, I noticed awkward stares and murmuring from people as I walked. Flashlights from cameras from different angles followed me. I stopped a taxi and slipped into the car hurriedly before two journalists who were running in my direction could get to me. What did I do?

Lucian.

8:26 AM.

Swinging from left to right in my luxurious leather chair, I glared at my watch for the umpteenth time. The lady from the other night was late. I don't tolerate tardiness, and yet, here I was, waiting for her. I wondered if she would show up, not after the embarrassment she caused me the other night. I already had Maximus; my right-hand man run some background checks on her. I was sure she would take my offer.

My phone buzzed and I knew better than to check. It was my grandmother. Her incessant nagging about settling down after my messy divorce had driven me to desperate measures.

“You stood her up,” I remembered her scolding me on the phone the previous day after I didn’t show up for the blind date she set up for me.

“Grandma, I already told you. I’ll find my lady myself. My type and in my time.”

“But Emilia needs a mother figure in her life.” She had complained. She always used the fact that my little daughter needed a mother. She was right but I don’t mess with just any lady.

I needed an escape, and that accident with the strange lady from the other night had presented an unexpected opportunity in my favor.

She was one of the most beautiful women I’ve met in a long while. The way her body swayed gently when she walked carried an aura I loved my lady to have. I found her perfect for this task. Just that, now she was beginning to piss me off.

Maximus already told me her mother was hospitalized the other night. I was going to build on this, I knew she needed money badly.

Switching on the TV in my office, I decided to keep myself busy till she got here. The first image I saw on the TV was a gorgeous picture of the same lady I was waiting for.

Nina Barners has been accused of siphoning funds to Jake Correl who doubles as her boyfriend and crime partner, the…

I switched the TV off.

Nina Barners. What the hell! Was this the woman I wanted to get involved with?

I was still deep in thought when a knock sounded on my door.

“Come in.”

Nina rushed in, almost out of breath. "I'm so sorry I'm late," she apologized. She didn’t look so happy.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're 30 minutes late, Nina. Not exactly the best start for someone who has offended me already."

She winced, her cheeks flushing. "I know. I had an emergency at the hospital."

I waved her over, gesturing to the chair opposite my desk. "Sit. We need to talk."

She hesitated, her eyes scanning the room briefly before finally sitting, her hands clasped together in her lap.

“Did you do it?” I asked.

"Do what?” She questioned.

I leaned back in my chair. “I guess you’ve not seen the news,” I replied. I took my iPad and showed her an article about her trending on one of the blogs. Her jaw dropped, tears forming at the back of her eyes.

“So this was why…” her voice trailed off.

"I have a proposal for you, Nina. One that could benefit us both."

Her eyes narrowed, a hint of wariness creeping into her worried expression. "What kind of proposal?"

I smiled, a calculated glint in my eye. "A contract marriage. Pretend to be my girlfriend, and I'll make sure your mother's medical bills are taken care of and also take care of this mess.” I proposed, waving my iPad slightly above my shoulder.

Nina's face turned pale, suspicion written clearly on her face. "And why would you do that?"

I shrugged. "Let's just say we need each others’ help.”

Her gaze dropped, her voice low. "But I have a boyfriend..."