Chapter 3

"And what would I need to do in return?" I asked, feeling apprehensive as if it were a trap. His smirk broadened, and my stomach churned. "Of course, there is a condition."

I watched him as he straightened up, and my fear deepened at what he was about to say. "Be my mistress," his words slipped out, leaving me stunned and speechless with my mouth hanging open. "I've got it all figured out, Winny. I already have a penthouse ready for you, so you'll never have to rely on that family that treats you like garbage, and you'll have everything you desire at your fingertips."

"You've really lost it, haven't you?" I whispered, the words escaping my lips softly.

I attempted to sit up, but the pain forced me back down. "How could you even suggest that to me?" I felt abandoned, used and helpless; I wanted to cry, but I refused to give him that satisfaction.

Mark moved closer and knelt beside me, taking my hands in his. "Winny, we've always had this connection. For five years, we've been the best versions of ourselves, even if this ridiculous pack tradition tries to tear us apart. This is a chance for us," he said, his hands gently stroking mine, and I could feel my wolf whimpering inside. "All you have to do is say yes." I yanked my hand away from his. "No, what happened to choosing me? I can never be your mistress."

His eyes darkened at my response. "I will be the Alpha soon. You need to get used to sharing, or don't you want a chance to be free? Aren't you tired of being their puppet?

"My family isn't your concern; I'll take care of them. If that's all you have to say, you can go," I said, my voice steady. His eyebrows shot up in surprise as he stood up. "And what about your medical bills? Don't forget there's a complication," he laid out all my issues, hoping I'd change my mind.

"Just leave," I replied more assertively, and he turned to walk to the door but paused to look back. "You'll change your mind, and I'll be here waiting. But until then, don't forget about your bills and complications."

"I'll manage," I replied firmly, "I don't need you, Mark." He laughed while fiddling with his car keys. "The hospital bill is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and with your complications, including internal bleeding, you're on borrowed time, baby. You don't have a choice, and time is slipping away," he said with a victorious grin as he left, slamming the door behind him.

Once he was gone, I broke down in tears, my breath coming in short gasps as the tears streamed down my face. Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars, bleeding, and a family that doesn't care. I felt trapped between a rock and a hard place. Just then, the door swung open, and a woman peeked in, looking around as if she didn't want to be seen before slamming the door shut. She was holding a bag. She straightened up and smiled at me. "Excuse me, who are you?" I tried to sit up, my instincts kicking in, but the sharp pain from my surgery held me back, and I winced. The woman rushed over to me, and I could see real concern in her eyes, but I wasn't ready to trust her. "Relax, don't hurt yourself, I'm here to help you." Her touch and voice were soothing.

I complied but kept my eyes on her, still cautious. "You probably don't remember me," she said with a smile, but I could tell she was in a hurry before someone caught her. "I'm here to help you." She dropped her bag, and my eyes widened at the sight of various medical supplies.

She began to unwrap some cotton wool as she met my gaze, which was demanding answers. "Okay, fine," she said, "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Grace. You helped me three years ago when I asked you for lunch money one afternoon, and you gave me more than enough, remember?" Her smile faded when she realized I didn't recall her, and her story seemed off. "Okay, Grace, what are you doing here?" I asked, sensing that her story wasn't quite convincing.

"So, you gave me way more than enough cash for lunch that day. Honestly, I wasn't even looking for lunch money; I just needed some funds to finish paying for my nursing school admission, which was my main goal, and to escape my uncle's family who had turned my life into a nightmare." I listened to her intently. "That's interesting," was all I could manage to say.

"I was one of the nurses who operated on you. I noticed the doctors weren't keen on finishing your treatment, but don't worry, I'll be the one taking care of you, just on the down-low," she whispered, glancing at the door.

"Wait, are you saying you stole supplies to help me?" My voice rose a bit, and she quickly shushed me, signaling for me to lower my voice. "Technically, yes, but I can't just stand by and let anything bad happen to you. You have a good heart, and I knew all those accusations against you were false." I felt a wave of emotion as she continued to work on me.

"How is she doing?" I asked, wanting to know about my sister. "Lady Beck is doing well; her fiancé took care of everything, and she's in one of the VIP wards." I felt a mix of happiness and sadness; I was glad she was okay, but upset that I had been used. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you," she smiled as she dressed my stitches and administered treatment. "Thank you," I said, watching her pack up, smiled to see that she used a lunchbox to avoid getting caught. "In a few days, you'll stop bleeding, and your wolf will help you heal properly."

"I'll bring you some food, alright? Just keep calm so we don't get caught," she whispered, throwing her bag over her shoulder. "As for the bills… we'll sort that out when you're feeling better."

She started to walk away, but I reached out and took her hand.

Before I knew it, I pulled her into a hug.

I didn't say anything—just held her tight as quiet sobs shook my chest.

She didn't say a word either.

When we finally let go, she gave me a small, sad smile and walked towards the door.

But just as she reached for the handle, she turned back.

"Oh—one more thing," she said softly. "Lady Beck… she was diagnosed with kidney failure three weeks ago. You were never the reason."

She paused, her eyes warm and her voice steady.

"Let go of the guilt."

Then she smiled gently and slipped out the door like a ghost.

And I just sat there, frozen—because the weight of her words hit harder than anything else had.

My breath caught in my throat.