Chapter 4 Look Of Determination

“Isabella...” Vanessa trailed off in a low tone after realizing it was her daughter who was bending close to her. “It's me, mother. Where is the rest of the family? Why are you weeping?” Having any of her family members in tears was Isabella's weakness. She despised it with the whole of her heart. Thus, she couldn't help but wonder why her mother was crying all alone with the house silent as a graveyard. “Tyla was rushed to the hospital by Maurice because she had fainted. Day by day, her health issues keep deteriorating. Maurice said that she needed to be admitted but the amount the doctor is asking is quite outrageous.” Vanessa lamented, feeling sober and downcast. Isabella arose, sat on the sofa beside her and asked, “What is the amount?” “At least two thousand dollars as part payment to begin the treatment.” Vanessa replied shamefully. That amount left Isabella half paralyzed. It was beyond her imagination. To begin with, where would she find such an astronomical amount of money to pay half of the hospital bills? Her new workplace was merely paying fifty dollars monthly. Moreso, there was definitely no way she would collect a loan because they had nothing to be used as a collateral. Everything was messed up. “What do we do, Isabella? What I earn cannot pay a quarter of the bills. She is terribly sick. Oh Tyla!” The woman cried bitterly. For the next few minutes, only Vanessa's sobs could be heard. Isabella, whose mind was bombarded with different thoughts, paid little attention to her surroundings. Sure enough, it was based on Mason's offer, which had first been rejected. According to him, he was ready to half of the money, which was about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to seal the deal. That amount alone could solve all their galactic debts and financial problem and also make them live a normal life. The contract was an enticing one, however, she knew her former boss as the grumpiest person in the world. “I will do it.” She suddenly said aloud. Vanessa paused her weeping and swerved to her in perplexity. What was she talking about? “You will do what, Isabella?” With a look of determination, she looked at Vanessa and repeated, “I will do it, mother. I will get married to him to get us out of this financial bankruptcy and pay for Tyla's hospital bills. This is our last hope.”She muttered with teary eyes. She would sacrifice her happiness for others. This was how kind-hearted the young lady was. But her speeches only confused her mother more. The last time she checked, there was no man in her life. “Who will you marry?” “Mason Thorton.” About two days of repeatedly reassuring herself that she was making the right decision, she informed Mason Thorton of her change of mind. She was consoled that the marriage would only last for two years and, after that, they would divorce and part ways. This dwelt on her mind as she signed the contract papers at the same eatery three days later. Isabella was wise enough to read through each line of the document before picking up the black pen. One of the rules was that both parties were allowed to live freely and even date someone else without disturbance or interrogation from the other partner. And since she was about to venture into a fake marriage, she assumed it wouldn't be a big deal to her. “What made you change your mind? You blatantly rejected the offer few days ago or was that a pretense?” Mason Thorton quizzed after she had signed the papers. She closed the pen and replied with a shrug, “For personal reasons.” Mason laughed hysterically and hissed loudly. He could tell what 'the personal reasons’ meant was lack of financial funds. Few days ago, he had secretly spied on her only to come up with the fact she had gained employment in a restaurant that wasn't even up to the level of Nexus Enterprises, and the pay was unthinkable. Also, her sister had been admitted to a hospital after being diagnosed with leukemia. The moment he heard these narrations from his private investigator, he knew she would come running for help. He assembled the papers and handed them to one of his men standing nearby. “Based on our previous discussion, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars will be transferred into your Banks account automatically. Remember this is for two years only. I'll tell you what to do next.” He announced and walked away, leaving the speechless woman in the bereft hall. But Isabella cared less. All she needed was the money and that was it. Eight minutes later, she was yet to reach her residence when she received a beep on her phone. Upon checking, she realized that a whooping sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars had just been deposited into her bank's account. She was stunned. Indeed, Mason Thorton meant business. While she dwelt on this, another message popped onto her screen. This was sent from Mason Thorton himself. It read, “A dress will be delivered to your residence by tomorrow morning. Put in on and look your best. We will be visiting the Chairman and his family. Your acting skills will be much appreciated.” The phone almost slipped from her hand upon seeing the Chairman's name. She was about to meet Williams Thorton, the Chairman of Nexus Enterprises and also one of the most powerful businessmen in the country. Great fear gripped her. What would she do? What if her acting wasn't convincing enough? Williams Thorton, known as a wise man, was always suspicious of everything around him, including his sons. Surely, he would find out her lies. Different thoughts filled her mind till the driver's sharp words snapped her back to reality. “You need to get hold of yourself, miss. You've been muttering inaudible words. It's time to get down.” At 9:15a.m. the following morning, two black SUV cars halted at the front door of Isabella Banks's residence.