Chapter 7 - SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND REASONS TO LEAVE
My mother found out about the marriage proposal from a nurse.
Apparently, the story had spread through the building.
A billionaire offering a cleaner six hundred thousand dollars to marry him before midnight.
By the time I arrived at the hospital, she was waiting.
“Lena.”
I froze.
“Yes, Mom?”
She folded her arms.
“Sit down.”
I sat.
She looked at me.
“Did a billionaire ask you to marry him?”
I sighed.
“Yes.”
Her eyes widened.
“And?”
“I said no.”
She stared.
“Six hundred thousand dollars?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
She looked toward the ceiling.
“Lord, give me patience.”
I laughed.
“Mom.”
She smiled faintly.
Then took my hand.
“Why did you say no?”
I looked down.
“Because I didn't want to become someone's solution.”
Her expression softened.
I continued.
“I wanted him to see me as a person.”
My mother squeezed my hand.
“Good.”
I smiled.
Then she added:
“But next time, ask whether he has a single brother.”
May you like
I burst out laughing.
For the first time in weeks, the hospital room felt warm.
