The CEO's Bride

Her head snapped up, and her face crumpled as recognition dawned. " What... what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice heavy with confusion.Nicholas's voice was soft, his words laced with genuine concern.

"How is your sister doing? Are the doctors treating her at the moment?"

Miranda shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "She's suffering from hydrocephalus ,She's still in the ward, but they won't do the surgery until we pay them. And I just... I can't raise that much money."

Nicholas's brow furrowed as he considered her words. " Hydrocephalus... I'm sorry, I'm not sure what that means. Could you explain it to me?"

Miranda took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself as she explained. "It's a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, and if it's left untreated... well, it can be fatal. She's had it for a while, but we've been managing with medication. But now, it's not enough." Her voice wavered, and a single tear escaped her eye.

"That sounds terrifying," Nicholas said, his heart aching for her plight.

At this point, Jude chimed in, his eyes fixed intently on Miranda. "How much do they want for the deposit? Maybe we can help."

Miranda looked up, hope flickering in her eyes. "The deposit is $20,000,But... I don't expect you to—"

Jude held up a hand to stop her. "No need to say more. We'll help you raise the money."

Nicholas nodded, his heart full of determination. "Jude's right. We'll figure this out, Miranda."

Nicholas's eyes flashed with determination, and he leaned forward, addressing Miranda directly. "I'll help you, but there's one condition."

Miranda's face lit up, a smile blossoming on her lips. "Anything. I'll do anything. Just name it."

Nicholas took a deep breath, a hint of trepidation edging into his voice. "I want you to go out with me. Date me."

The light in Miranda's eyes dimmed, the smile slipping away like sand through her fingers. "Date you? But I don't understand."

"Listen, Miranda," Nicholas said, his voice low and persuasive. "This would only be for a month or two. Then, when we break up, you'd get your money, and I'd get my mother and board members off my back for a while."

Miranda shook her head, her eyes clouded with doubt. "I'm sorry,Mr Nicholas. I just... I can't. That's not something I feel comfortable with."

Nicholas sighed, reaching out to take her hand. "I understand that this is a lot to ask,but.."

As Nicholas's words trailed off, Jude placed a hand on his shoulder, a silent plea to let it go. Nicholas, understanding Jude's gesture, nodded in acquiescence.

Dipping his hand into his pocket, he retrieved his business card, extending it toward Miranda. "Here's my contact information," he said, his voice gentler now. "If you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to reach out. Anytime, day or night."

Miranda accepted the card, her fingers trembling slightly. She looked at the card for a moment before sliding it into her purse.

With the card in her possession, Miranda looked at Nicholas, her gaze uncertain. "Thank you for offering to help. But I'm not sure I can..." she trailed off, her words fading into silence.

Nicholas gave her a slight nod, understanding the weight of her decision. "I understand," he said quietly. "Just remember that I'm here if you need me. No strings attached."

Jude, sensing the tension in the air, spoke up. "We should probably let you get back to your sister. Is there anything else we can do to help?"

Miranda shook her head, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "No, thank you. You've done enough already. I appreciate it."

Jude stood up, offering her a reassuring smile. "Well, if you ever need anything, just let us know. And don't hesitate to call Nicholas if you need him, okay?"

Miranda nodded, glancing back and forth between the two men. "I will. Thank you both." She stood up, picking up her purse. "I should get back to Sophie."

As Miranda turned and left, Nicholas watched her go, his shoulders slumping in dejection. "Fuck, man," he muttered, his frustration palpable. "What am I supposed to do now?"

Jude leaned against the wall, crossing his arms in a show of confidence. "Don't worry, Nick. She'll come running back to you when she realizes she's out of options. You're her last hope, remember?"

Nicholas ran a hand through his hair, considering Jude's words. "You really think so?"

"Of course," Jude replied with a smile.

Miranda's troubled thoughts whirled like a storm, buffeted by the fierce winds of uncertainty. She sat close to Sophie, watching her sister's frail form with a blend of fear and affection. When the doctor arrived, his words struck like lightning: "Miss Miranda, have you managed to secure the deposit? We really must move quickly."

Miranda shook her head, her voice shaking. "I'm sorry, Doctor. I haven't been able to raise the money yet."

The doctor nodded understandingly, but the gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. "Miss Miranda, time is of the essence."

"I understand how difficult this must be for you," the doctor continued, his voice a mixture of empathy and firmness. "But every moment we delay increases the risk to Sophie's health. Please, try to raise the money as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor her condition, but we can't guarantee that we'll be able to wait much longer."

Miranda nodded, her heart sinking. "I'll try," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and resignation.

As the doctor left the room, Miranda's gaze fell back to Sophie.

In the quiet of the hospital room, the gentle beeping of Sophie's monitoring machines was the only sound, save for the faint rustle of Miranda's clothing as she shifted in her seat. With every heartbeat on the monitor, Miranda's anxiety grew, the weight of the situation pressing down on her like a heavy blanket.

A million thoughts crowded her mind, each vying for her attention. The stress of the situation, the fear for her sister's life, the pressure to find a solution... and the image of Nicholas, his offer lingering like an unfinished melody in her mind.