LOGIN"Miss, what were you trying to do?" The man that pulled her back asked.
She quickly got off him, realizing he was a roofing contractor. "I'm sorry," She quickly mumbled. "This is private property. Don't come trying to commit sucide here next time," the man scolded. Aurora nodded as she quickly ran off. What was she thinking, trying to kill herself. She didn't even bother saying goodbye to George. What if a miracle happened and George didn't die ? All those thoughts ran through her mind when suddenly she remembered someone who could help. Her mother's sister, Rose. Aunt Rose was cold-hearted and didn't give a damn about her and George. But, she still wanted to try her luck. Firstly, she has to see George now that he is still breathing before anything else. She got a taxi that quickly drove her to the hospital. Immediately, she was done paying her cab fare. She took to her foot running into the hospital. She didn't stop till she got in front of George's ward. He looked really pale as he lay unconscious on the hospital's bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pushed the door open and slowly made her way to the side of the bed. "George," she whispered, taking hold of his hand. "I'm sorry I can't currently help you," she cried. "Please hold on a little longer, I'm going to Aunt Rose's place, I'm sure she's going to help. Please stay strong," Laura said before reluctantly letting go of his hand. The door pushed open and the doctor walked in. "You can see he's not doing well yourself," Doctor Connor said. "Please, Doc, can you at least just go ahead with the transplant, I promise to bring the money soon, please," Aurora pleaded. "I'm sorry, Mrs Anderson, but that's not how we work here. Get the money quickly, or I'm afraid you'll lose George," Doctor Connor replied. Aurora sighed as she glanced at George, then back at Doctor Connor. "I'll go get the money," she said. And with that, she ran out of the ward with one place in mind. THE SMITH'S MANSION The mansion stood tall and grand, its white walls shining like a pearl in the sunlight. The roof was a deep, rich brown, with tiles that sparkled like diamonds. A wide, sweeping driveway led up to the mansion's front doors, which were made of solid oak and adorned with shiny brass handles. Inside, the mansion was just as impressive, with high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and walls lined with expensive artwork. The floors were made of polished marble, and the rooms were filled with plush, comfortable furniture. The mansion's backyard was just as beautiful, with a sparkling swimming pool, a tennis court, and a lush, green garden filled with colorful flowers and towering trees. Rose was amongst the powerful and influential people in NY (New York). Her husband owned the fourth largest production companies, but even with the wealth and power they lacked one thing, and that was children. Aurora arrived at the gates, but the securities were not letting her in. "Please, I need to see Aunt Rose, please," she pleaded with one of the security guards. "Mrs Smith isn't expecting a guest today. Therefore, I can't allow you in," the guard replied. "Aunt Rose !" Aurora shouted, banging on the gate. "Miss you're being noisy, we'll call the cops on you if you don't leave," the security guard threatened. Aurora paid deaf ears to his threat as she kept on banging on the gates. "Aunt Rose, please come out!" She shouted. The security guard had enough as he grabbed her and was about pulling her away when an elegant voice interrupted. "What's going on here," Rose asked from behind. Aurora quickly turned to see Rose, looking more gorgeous than ever. She exuded elegance and sophistication, with a refined beauty that commanded attention. Her blonde hair was styled in an impeccable updo, adorned with intricate details that framed her face. The hairstyle was reminiscent of classic British aristocracy, evoking a sense of timeless refinement. Her slender fingers were clad in sleek, white gloves that added to her air of sophistication. Around her neck, a luminous pearl necklace glimmered, complemented by matching pearl earrings that sparkled with understated luxury. Her features were finely chiseled, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and a determined jawline that spoke to her formidable business acumen. Her eyes were bright and piercing, shining with intelligence and poise. "Ma'am, she demanded to see you, but, since you weren't expecting any guest, I didn't let her in," the security guard replied. Rose eyes narrowed as she zoomed in on Laura's face. It didn't take her long to realize who Laura was. "Let her in," she said before walking away. The security guard stared at Rose then at Laura before releasing his grip. Laura instantly took to her heels following Rose. Rose stopped walking when they got to the luxurious living room and turned to face Laura. "What do you want?" She asked, her voice cold and detached. "Please, Aunty, George..." "No," Rose held up a finger. "It's madam, point of correction," Rose said, taking a seat. Laura's clenched her fist, trying her best not to snap. "Madam, George health has gotten critical, and the hospital is asking for the sum of $7,000. They need it for a transplant. Please can you help me with the money. Consider us as your own just this once, please," Laura a said, falling on her knees. "Hmm..." Rose hummed, with her evil smirk playing on her lips. "You'll have to earn the money," she said. "Anything, please." Laura said, her voice laced with desperation. Rose was about to speak when Mr Smith came out with Scott Williams. Laura's gaze darted to them, and as soon as she made eye contact with Scott, she felt a chill run down her spine. Scott was extremely handsome. He had a strong face with sharp features that made him look very attractive. His piercing blue eyes were cold and serious. His thick brown hair was styled perfectly, showing off his sharp jawline. He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders that filled out his expensive-looking suit. He looked like a man who was used to getting what he wanted, and his confident air was intimidating. His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she could swear she sensed a sinister intent under those piercing gazes. She quickly looked away, returning her gaze to Rose. "And that's my wife Rose," Mr Smith introduced. Rose immediately ignored Laura as she stood up and approached Mr Smith and Scott. Laura couldn't hear what they were saying as they started walking away. She felt so devastated and hoped Rose wouldn't give her a complicated task. She stared at them, unable to read their lips as they discussed. All of a sudden, Scott said something, and they all turned to her. The look Rose gave her made her nervous. Mr Smith continued walking away with Scott while Rose returned to where Laura was. "The money," she started but paused. "Are you willing to do anything for it ?" She asked. "I told you before, I'll do anything," Laura replied. "Marry Mr. Williams," Rose blurted out. "Who ?" Laura raised a brow. "The young man I was talking to earlier," Rose clarified. "What?!" Her eyes widened.I took a deep breath. "No, but it's a start," Laura said. "And it would keep her close enoughthat we could monitor her behavior and make sure she's not doing anything dangerous ordestructive."Scott was quiet for a long moment, and Laura could see him thinking through the logistics."What kind of job are you suggesting?""Something in administration maybe," Laura suggested. "Filing or data entry or somethingthat doesn't require a lot of specialized skills but would teach her responsibility and give hera routine.""And what happens when she inevitably messes up or quits or gets fired for bad behavior?"Scott asked."Then at least we tried," Laura said. "And we can say we gave her every opportunity tosucceed."Scott rubbed his temples like he was getting a headache. "This is a terrible idea.""But you're considering it," Laura said hopefully, because she knew if Scott was explainingwhy it was a bad idea instead of just saying no, then there was a chance he might agree."
"I didn't," Lily said, but Laura didn't believe her. "I was just shopping and happened to seeyou."Marcus stepped closer to Laura and put his hand on his phone like he was ready to call forbackup if needed, and Lily noticed, and her smile got harder."Don't worry, I'm not going to attack her or anything," Lily said to Marcus. "I'm just saying hito my sister.""Hi, Lily," Laura said, and she was aware that people were starting to stare at them. "I'm kindof busy right now, so maybe we can talk later?""Sure," Lily said easily. "I'll call you."But she didn't leave right away, instead, she followed Laura through the store for a fewminutes until Marcus firmly told her she needed to give them space, and then Lily finally leftbut not before giving Laura a look that made her feel guilty for having security push heraway.When Laura got back to the mansion that evening, Scott was waiting in the living room, andfrom the expression on his face she knew Marcus had already told him
Laura felt like she’d been slapped. “That’s not fair.”“Fair or not, it’s true,” Scott said. “You signed a contract giving me control of your life for sixmonths, how you spend money, who you see, where you go.”“You’re seriously using the contract card now?” Laura asked, tears starting. “After everything we’ve been through?”“You’re the one who broke our agreement,” Scott said. “Not me.”“I was helping my sister,” Laura said. “I didn’t think I needed permission.”“You don’t,” Scott said. “But you do need to be honest and you haven’t been.”“Because you wouldn’t listen,” Laura argued.“No. Because you knew I’d say it was a bad idea,” Scott replied. “So you hoped I wouldn’tfind out.”Laura couldn’t deny it, it was true. She just stood there, unsure what to say.“What else have you lied about?” Scott asked. “What else are you hiding?”“Nothing,” Laura said quickly. “Just Lily stuff, I swear.”“How can I trust you?” Scott asked. “When you’ve shown you’d lie about things you
Lily looked at Laura like she was crazy. “That would take years and cost thousands ofdollars.”“So what?” Laura said. “If that’s what you want to do, then we should make it happen.”“Why would you do that for me?” Lily asked suspiciously.“Because you’re my sister,” Laura repeated. “And because everyone deserves a chance tochase their dreams.”Lily looked away, Laura saw tears forming. “I don’t know how to let people help me.”“Then let me teach you,” Laura said gently. “We can take it slow. One step at a time.”They talked for another hour about what Lily would need to get into community college andwhat kind of apartment she could afford if Laura helped with the rent. At the end, Lilyseemed less hostile and more hopeful.“I’m scared,” Lily admitted as they got ready to leave. “I’m scared I’ll mess this up or you’llchange your mind about helping me.”“I’m not going to change my mind,” Laura promised. “But you have to promise me somethingtoo.”“What?” Lily asked war
"By making sure she can’t hurt you," Scott said. "By removing the threat.""She’s not a threat," Laura said. "She’s a scared, hurt person who doesn’t know how to askfor what she needs.""She threatened to tell George about our contract," Scott reminded her. "She tried to use theperson you love most against you. That’s not caring.""She’s desperate," Laura said. "Can’t you see that? She’s been alone her whole life anddoesn’t know how to trust or have healthy relationships.""That’s not your job to fix," Scott said. "You didn’t cause this, Laura. You don’t have to solveit.""But I want to help her," Laura said, tears coming. "Why can’t you understand that?""I get that you feel guilty," Scott said. "But guilt isn’t a good reason to let someone use you.""I’m not being used," Laura said. "I’m choosing to help because it’s right.""The right thing is protecting yourself," Scott said. "That means setting limits with people whohurt you.""By making her go away?" Laura asked b
Scott pulled out his phone and made a call, and Laura heard him tell someone to come backinside. A few seconds later, Marcus and James came back into the apartment.“We’re leaving,” Scott said to Laura. “We’ll discuss this and get back to you with ourdecision.”“Twenty-four hours,” Lily reminded them. “After that, I go to George.”“We’ll be in touch,” Scott said coldly.He looked at Lily one more time with a warning in his eyes,then turned and walked out of theapartment. Marcus and James followed behind him.Laura started crying because everything had gone so wrong, and she didn’t know how to fixit.Laura turned back to Lily, who stared at the closed door, shocked."Why did you do that?" Lily asked quietly. "Why did you stand up for me against him?""Because you’re my sister," Laura said simply. "And I meant what I said, I want to help you.""Even after I threatened you?" Lily asked."Even after that," Laura confirmed. "I’m not saying what you did was okay because it







