"When I finally discovered that it was you, I was ecstatic," Theodore revealed, brimming with excitement. "I married my angel, the woman I’d loved before I even knew her."
However, Bella sulked, feigning upset. "You cheated on your angel," she said, a hint of theatrical grievance in her tone. With a swift motion, she slipped her hands free from his grasp. "You misunderstood her and gave up on her."
Theodore frowned, bewildered by her sudden shift. "But you are my angel," he insisted, gesturing vaguely. "I am being honest with you—telling you everything without keeping a secret. Shouldn’t you appreciate it?"
Bella said nothing. He was right, she couldn’t deny that. Theodore could have spun a web of convenient lies, a story that painted him in a heroic light, and she wouldn’t have questioned it. Yet, he’d chosen brutal honesty, laying everything bare. Still, her face remained a mask of solemnity, a test to gauge the depths of his devotion, the lengths he’d go to win her over.
Her silence, however, was a torment. Theodore shifted, growing restless. "Bella." He grabbed her shoulders, his eyes searching hers. "Let’s not dwell on it, shall we? This is a cause for celebration, not sulking. Come on, smile!"
But Bella held firm, waiting to see what his next move would be. The anticipation hung heavy between them.
Theodore’s brow furrowed as he looked deeply into her eyes, searching for any sign of softening. When none came, he let out a frustrated sigh. Desperation laced his voice as he spoke, "Alright, I’ll make it up to you. Tell me, what should I do to get your forgiveness?" he asked. "I’ll do anything you say."
That was it. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Bella’s lips twitched slightly, but she kept her stern demeanor. She ran her mind, wondering what she should demand.
Theodore’s restlessness grew, and he racked his brain for ideas. "How about a vacation? Anywhere you want to go. Or maybe I can get you something special—a gift, a surprise?"
Still, Bella remained silent. Theodore’s anxiety hit a peak. "Please, Bella," he pleaded, taking her hand in his. "I can’t stand the thought of you being upset with me. I’ll do anything to make you happy."
Bella’s resolve wavered as she looked down at him, his earnestness touching her heart. She was about to say something when Theodore suggested, "How about we hold a grand wedding?" His lips stretched from ear to ear, anticipation brimming in his eyes.
Bella considered this. The wedding sounded not bad. The image of a lavish ceremony, the envy in the eyes of others, was undeniably tempting. Yet, a sliver of apprehension snaked through her.
She knew the meaning of being Theodore’s wife. She would become a center of attention overnight, which she didn’t want to be. She envisioned the relentless social obligations, and the pressure to leverage her newfound status.
No
Bella wouldn’t want to use this status to climb up in her career. She wanted to establish herself on her own merit before they announced their marriage.
As the silence stretched, Theodore grew even more restless. "Aren’t you happy with the idea?" he prodded, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.
Bella opened her mouth to respond but was cut short by the shrill ring of her phone. A jolt of dread shot through her as she recognized the hospital number flashing on the screen. Her hand trembled slightly as she swiped to answer.
"Hello?"
"Miss Dawn, your mother’s condition has deteriorated further, and she was rushed into the ICU," a female voice, laced with urgency, filled her ear. "Can you come down here?"
"I’m on my way." Bella jumped to her feet, unshed tears clinging to the corners of her eyes.
Theodore, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, reached for her arm. "What happened?" he asked worriedly.
"My mother," Bella choked out. "She is... she is critical. I need to get to the hospital."
"I’ll take you there."
They hurried out of the hotel. Bella’s mind was racing, her heart pounding with fear and worry as they made their way to the car.
Theodore opened the door for her, his movements quick and efficient. Bella slid into the passenger seat, her hands shaking. Theodore settled into the driver’s seat and started the engine, glancing at her with a mix of concern and determination.
"Hold on, we’ll be there soon," he reassured her, his voice steady.
Bella nodded, trying to steady her breath. The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. Each passing second seemed to stretch endlessly.
As they arrived at the hospital, Theodore parked swiftly and helped Bella out of the car. She clung to his arm, her legs feeling weak beneath her. They rushed through the hospital entrance, the bright lights and sterile smell intensifying her anxiety.
Bella’s heart sank further as they reached the ICU. A nurse directed them to her mother’s room. Theodore stayed close, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of her turmoil.
As they approached the room, Bella could see her mother through the glass window, surrounded by medical equipment. The sight brought tears to her eyes, but she forced herself to stay strong.
Theodore squeezed her hand gently. "I’m here for you, Bella," he whispered. "We’ll get through this together."
Bella nodded, drawing strength from his words.
"Let’s go talk to the doctor first," he suggested.
Bella followed him to the doctor’s chamber in a daze.
"I’ve explained before, Miss Dawn," the doctor said, his voice grave. "Her liver is failing. Only a transplant can save her, but the matching organ is yet to be found." He shook his head, a sigh of dismay escaping his lips. "She can’t hold it any longer."
Bella’s heart plummeted. The possibility of losing her mother was a terrifying prospect. Sobs wracked her body, tears streaming down her face in an unstoppable torrent.
Theodore wrapped his arm around her shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "How much time does she have?" he asked, feeling heavy.
The doctor’s answer was a hammer blow. "A month, at most. But finding a compatible donor in that timeframe is challenging."
"A month!" Bella shrieked with despair. "You’re saying she can’t survive past a month? This is such a big hospital. There has to be something you can do!" Her voice shot up, echoing inside the chamber.
"Shh, Bella," he murmured, gently stroking her arm. "Easy, easy."
"I understand your frustration, Miss Dawn," the doctor said softly, "but our hands are tied without a suitable donor."
"Doctor, do whatever needs to be done to keep her alive," Theodore chimed in. "I’ll find a donor."
Bella’s head snapped towards him, a flicker of hope igniting in her tear-filled eyes. "Will you?" she croaked, a faint tremor in her voice.
Theodore’s gaze softened as it met Bella’s tear-filled eyes. The raw vulnerability in them tore at his heart. He didn’t know she was struggling with her ailing mother. It was at this moment he understood why she needed money so desperately. Bella had been fighting all alone to save her mother.
Regret gnawed at him. He should have been there to support her. Now that he knew everything, he would erase all her suffering.
"Of course, Bella, I told you I would take care of you and your problems. I take responsibility for your mother’s treatment. She’ll recover, you just need to stay positive."
His words, laced with unwavering confidence, were a balm to her soul. A flicker of hope, fragile yet persistent, ignited in Bella’s eyes. A small smile played on her lips, expecting the best. With Theodore’s influence, she believed the donor would be found soon.
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