Chapter 5

Natalie woke up the next morning, her body aching and her mind reeling with the memories of the previous night. She felt a wave of disgust wash over her, ashamed of what she had done. She had sold her body to Rafael, surrendering to his desires in exchange for a chance to save her mother. And the fact that she had enjoyed it, made it worst.

She couldn't bear the thought of telling her mother about it. How could she explain that she had prostituted herself to a stranger? The shame and guilt were suffocating her.

Natalie got out of bed, her movements mechanical. She went through the motions of getting ready for the day, her mind numb. She couldn't meet her own eyes in the mirror, afraid of what she might see.

She made her way to the hospital, her heart heavy with secrets. She couldn't share her burden with anyone, not even her mother. She put on a mask of strength, hiding her true feelings behind a facade of hope and determination.

As she sat by her mother's bedside, holding her hand and talking about trivial things, Natalie felt like she was living a lie. She was trapped in a web of deceit, and she didn't know how to escape.

The weight of her secrets threatened to crush her, but she knew she had to keep them hidden. For her mother's sake, she had to keep pretending that everything was okay. But deep down, Natalie knew that she was dying inside, suffocated by the shame and guilt that she couldn't shake off.

She made a vow to herself as she sat in the hospital room, her eyes fixed on her mother's frail form. "I'll never do it again," she whispered, the words barely audible over the beeping of the machines. "I'll never sell myself again."

She felt a surge of determination course through her veins, a resolve that hardened into a promise.

Natalie's grip on her mother's hand tightened, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm so sorry, Mom," she whispered. "I'm so sorry I failed you."

The machines beeped on, a steady rhythm that seemed to echo Natalie's newfound resolve. She sat there, her heart heavy with regret, but her spirit renewed with a sense of purpose. She would rise from the ashes of her shame, stronger and more determined than ever before.

She stood, leaving to go make payment. As she walked into the hospital's payment office, the envelope containing the money Rafael had given her clutched in her hand, she put on a bright face. She approached the reception desk, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

"Hi, I'm here to make a payment for my mother's treatment," she said, her voice steady.

The receptionist smiled and took the envelope from her.

"How’re you this morning Natalie, hope your mother is getting better?."

Natalie smiled, at least she knew the answer to one question. "She’ll get better, soon”

The receptionist nodded and began to count the money. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized the large amount. "Wow, this is quite a significant payment. Where did you get this Natalie?" she gave her a suspiciously look.

The receptionist, Holly, knew she didn’t have such amount of money, she’d been her several times to beg her, promising to make payment soon that her mother’s treatment should be stopped.

Natalie's heart skipped a beat. She had anticipated this question, but she wasn't prepared to lie. "It's...uh...a loan from a friend," she stammered.

Holly raised an eyebrow. "A very generous friend, I must say."

Natalie forced a smile. "Yes, I'm lucky to have them in my life."

Holly nodded, seemingly accepting her explanation. "Well, thank you for the payment, Natalie. This will go a long way in covering your mother's treatment."

Natalie breathed a sigh of relief as Holly handed her a receipt. She took it, her hands shaking slightly.

As Natalie turned to leave, Holly called out to her. "Natalie, wait!"

She turned back, her heart racing. "Yes?"

Holly looked at her with a curious expression. "I'm not trying to pry, but...are you okay? You seem a bit...shaken."

Natalie forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine, just a bit stressed about my mom's health, that's all."

Holly nodded sympathetically. "I understand. But if you ever need to talk or need any help, don't hesitate to reach out. We're not just healthcare professionals, we're also human beings who care. Plus, I’m here for you"

Natalie felt a lump form in her throat, touched by Holly's kindness. "Thank you...thank you so much."

She quickly left the office, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She knew she couldn't keep hiding the truth forever, but for now, she just needed to focus on getting her mother the treatment she needed.

As she stepped out of the office, She noticed a familiar face across the hall, she’d seen him before, with Rafael, her heart sank knots tied in the pit of her stomach, he couldn’t possibly be here for her. Could he?

In that instant, his eyes spotted her, and he began walking towards her with a purposeful stride. Natalie’s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to escape, but her legs felt heavy and uncoordinated, she was trapped.

"Natalie," he said as he approached her, his voice low and smooth. " Rafael wants to see you. Now"

Natalie’s heart skipped a beat, she was daft, so stupid to think that Rafael would keep to his promise.

"What does he want?" She asked firmly

"You’ll find out when we get there"

"I’m not going anywhere with you" she said

The man smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement, he must also think she’s a fool. Rafael was the type of man that ate his cake and had it back.

"Oh I think you will," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "You’re coming with me, one way or another"