Chapter 21 Chapter 21
Chapter 21 Chapter 21
Lily’s POV
The moment I stepped out of Sebastian’s office, my phone buzzed. My heart sank when I saw the caller ID—the hospital.
“Miss Lily, please come quickly,” the nurse’s voice trembled on the other end. “Your mother’s blood pressure spiked. We’ve stabilized her for now, but you need to come immediately.”
The phone nearly slipped from my hand. “I’ll be there,” I managed, before running out of the mansion.
By the time I reached the hospital, my chest was tight, and my heart felt like it would tear through my ribs. The sharp smell of disinfectant made my stomach churn as I hurried down the hallway. A nurse stopped me just outside my mother’s room.
“She’s stable now,” she said gently. “But it’s only temporary. We need to start her on stronger medication, run more tests, and possibly keep her here for at least two weeks. The full treatment will cost two million naira.”
The number echoed in my mind. Two million. My heart sank lower.
“What… what caused it?” I asked, my voice shaking. “Did she eat something wrong? Was she given the wrong medication? She’s not even the type to overthink things…”
The doctor beside her shook his head. “There’s nothing unusual in her tests or meds. But her caretaker said something. Two women visited her earlier today. Not long after they left, her blood pressure shot up. She wouldn’t talk about what happened.”
My stomach twisted. “Who were they?”
The nurse looked down at the visitor log. “Celine… and Victoria.”
Victoria. My heart stopped for a second. That woman never came with good intentions. Never.
“I almost refused to let them in,” the nurse added, her tone apologetic. “But they insisted they were sent by you. They even brought gifts.”
I clenched my fists, fury mixing with fear. Whatever Victoria had said or done, it had left my mother terrified.
I stepped into the room quietly, tears filling my eyes as I looked at her pale face. Machines beeped steadily beside her bed. She was breathing, but too weak to talk. My chest ached so badly it hurt to breathe.
I had no one to call, no family to lean on. No friend who could hand me that kind of money. It was just me, running on fear and desperation.
With tears streaming down my face, I rushed back to the mansion. By the time I made it to my quarters, I was breathless. Emma was there, folding some clothes, but she froze the moment she saw me.
“Lily? What happened?!” She ran to me.
“My mom,” I choked out between sobs. “She’s… she’s in the hospital. Her BP spiked. They said she needs treatment, Emma. Two million naira. Two million! I don’t have that kind of money…”
Emma’s hands flew to her mouth. “What caused it?”
“Two women visited her. Celine… and Victoria,” I whispered. The names tasted like poison. “After they left, her BP shot up. The doctor said it might’ve been something they said. Emma, I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.”
Emma’s face hardened. “Victoria…” she muttered. Then she grabbed my shoulders. “Lily, let’s go to Sebastian. He’s the only one who can help.”
I shook my head violently. “No. I can’t.”
“Why not? He’s our boss, but he’s not heartless.”
“You don’t understand,” I whispered. “Sebastian Kingsley is not the type to help. And even if he was, I can’t risk it. I don’t want to burden him. I can’t lose this job, Emma. Not now.”
Emma frowned. “Then what will you do?”
“I don’t know,” I sobbed, collapsing onto the bed. The weight of it all crushed me. Emma sat beside me, holding my hand, but there was no comfort strong enough to pull me out of this pit.
Moments later, we were called back to our duties. Emma helped me clean my face, but my eyes were still red. As we walked down the hallway, my legs felt heavy, and I barely noticed when someone called my name.
“Lily.”
I turned and saw Drey, Sebastian’s secretary. His sharp eyes softened as he studied my face.
“What’s wrong? Why do you look like this? Have you been crying?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, I’m fine.”
“She’s not fine,” Emma cut in. “Her mom’s in the hospital. She needs urgent treatment, but she doesn’t have the money.”
Drey’s brows furrowed. “Why didn’t you say anything? Lily, you should talk to Mr. Kingsley.”
“I can’t.”
Drey sighed, lowering his voice. “I’ve worked with Sebastian for years. He’s harsh, yes, but he’s not cruel. I’ve seen him help people… certain people. And I think you’re one of them. Go talk to him. I’ll help you if I have to.”
Emma nodded in agreement. “Please, Lily. Just try.”
After much persuasion, my resolve finally cracked. My heart pounded as I made my way to his office, each step heavier than the last.
When I entered, Sebastian was seated at his desk, his sharp gaze fixed on a document. The air in the room felt thick. I greeted him softly, but he didn’t respond. My hands trembled as heat rose inside me.
I swallowed hard, frozen in place, my eyes locked on his frown. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in the room was suffocating.
Sebastian hummed, a low sound that sent a chill down my spine.
“I… I came because I need your help,” I whispered, voice shaking. “I… I wanted to ask if–
I glanced at Drey, who stood nearby. He gave me a reassuring nod, gesturing for me to take a breath.
“My mom… she’s in the hospital,” I continued, tears welling in my eyes. “Her BP spiked. The doctors said she needs urgent treatment. I… I don’t know how to pay for it.”
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp enough to cut through me. His face remained calm, but his eyes… his eyes were terrifying. I felt like prey caught in a predator’s trap.
My breath quickened, hiccups threatening to escape as I tried to hold myself together.
I’d come here for help, but under his cold stare, I felt smaller than ever. I didn’t know if I’d leave this office with hope… or with nothing at all.
For a moment, I wondered if this fear, this helplessness, would break me completely. Maybe I’d end up in a hospital bed next to my mother, both of us crushed by the weight of this cruel world.
And yet, I stood there, clutching the last shred of courage I had left, waiting for him to speak.