Chapter 3

~THALIA~

The moment I stepped out of the ward, the ache in my leg made itself known again. I hissed softly, gripping the wall for support before straightening. I couldn't afford to look weak, not now.

Since my aunty was admitted to the same hospital, I forced myself to walk across to the other wing. The hallway felt longer than it should have been, every step sending a dull throb up my head.

By the time I reached her ward, my palms were damp with sweat.

She saw me immediately.

Her face drained of color as she pushed herself up against her pillows. "Thalia!" she gasped, her voice sharp with panic. "What happened to your head?"

Before I could answer, her eyes dropped to my leg. She froze. "Why are you limping?" Her voice cracked halfway through the sentence.

I tried to smile, but it felt stiff on my lips. "I had an accident with my bike while working this afternoon," I said lightly, as though it were nothing. "I've been admitted here since noon."

Her expression shattered.

Tears welled in her eyes instantly, spilling over before she could stop them. She reached for me, her hands trembling. "I'm sorry," she whispered brokenly. "This is my fault. It's because of my illness that you're doing such dangerous work."

"No." I shook my head quickly and stepped closer, ignoring the pain as I took her hands in mine. They felt thinner than I remembered. So fragile. "Please don't say that," I said firmly.

"You've done more than enough for me. You raised me when you didn't have to. You fed me, clothed me, and protected me. This is nothing compared to that."

She searched my face, her tear-filled eyes studying me like she was afraid I would disappear if she blinked.

"You're going to get better," I added softly, squeezing her hands. "I've found a way to get the money for your treatment."

Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

I inhaled slowly. "I'm going to sign an agreement with Alpha Cassian. Three years. In exchange for the money."

Her hands stiffened in mine.

"Alpha Cassian Frostclaw?" she breathed, shaking her head weakly. "No, Thalia. Please don't do that because of me. I don't want to be the reason you suffer. You know how cruel an Alpha can be."

I crouched slightly beside her bed so we were eye level. "Don't worry, Aunty," I said gently. "He won't hurt me."

She let out a small, humorless laugh through her tears. "How can you be so sure? How did you even meet him?"

"He was the one who hit me today," I admitted. I tried to swindle him for compensation at first, but he didn't fall for it.So… I begged."

Her eyes widened. "Thalia—"

"I've made up my mind," I cut in softly but firmly. "Even if he does hurt me, it's only for three years. Three years is nothing compared to losing you."

Silence stretched between us.

She stared at me for a long moment, then slowly looked away, her grip loosening.

I knew that look. She understood.

And she knew there was nothing she could say to stop me.

And neither of us uttered another word.

•×•×•×•×•×•×•

Monday came swiftly and I called Alpha Cassian.

He picked up instantly as if he had been expecting my call. He asked me to send my location so he could send a driver to pick me up.

Shortly after, the stylish black car pulled up, and I hopped in. The journey was calm, the engine's hum nearly serene, and I held my hands closely in my lap, attempting to compose my mind.

Upon reaching the destination, I was left speechless. The mansion in front of me was gigantic, featuring lofty ceilings, gleaming marble, and gardens so carefully arranged that they appeared otherworldly.

I had never envisioned entering a place like this, even briefly, as a guest or a maid. Its sheer elegance made my heart race even faster. The interior boasted a spacious and open sitting area, adorned with an elegance that was magnificent and subtle.

An array of drinks was presented to me, but I courteously declined, retrieving my own bottle of water from my bag. I'm not the type that easily eats or drinks anything outside.

Then Alpha Cassian walked in, his effortless presence dominating the space, imbuing the room with a tranquil authority. His Beta trailed behind, holding a document which he handed to me.

My fingers shook a bit as I grasped the folder and unfolded it.

It was a contract marriage agreement.

I didn't bother to read through it. I could withstand anything for three years.

I signed my full legal name with a steady hand and I observed as he signed too.

The agreement was completed.

He told me to move into the beautiful mansion and I asked for permission to bring my Aunty which he accepted.

Then, the money was instantly deposited into my account shortly after, validating that what I had both dreaded and wished for had become true.

I felt relief and anxiety clashing within me.