Chapter 8 Breaking the news

Olivia had been so elated since her daughter woke up, that she almost forgot that there was a marriage contract on the line, and that she needed to stick to her own part of the agreement. She didn't know where to begin, or how to tell Josephina about everything. She didn't realise how hard it would be to tell Josephina about it. But there was no time, and she needed to prepare her daughter before the CEO came for her.

She watched as Josephina held the cup of tea to her mouth and sipped in bits, while blowing on it. Her glow was gradually returning and she looked well. It still felt like a dream that her daughter was finally awake.

She sat on the bed close to her daughter, watching her. Josephina hasn't said much for the past four days. Which was understandable, because she was still weak, and needed to save her strength.

The doctors have been doing a good job of tending to her so far, and Olivia couldn't be more grateful. She noticed how Josephina's hand still shook a bit, but she was determined to drink the tea herself without any assistance. When she was done, her mother collected the cup and kept it on the table close to her bed.

"So how do you feel now, honey?" Olivia asked, anxious to hear how her daughter was doing.

"I-i feel better, mum. A lot better than yesterday, actually. "

She explained.

"Oh! Thank God. I'm glad. You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, sweetie. You should lie down and relax now."

Olivia said, as she helped her lie on the bed and adjusted her pillow, so as to make her more comfortable. She couldn't contain her Joy, and she was beginning to tear up again.

"Okay mum, thanks. And don't worry, I'll be fine."

Josephina tried to reassure her mum.

"Okay."

"Urmm... honey, there's actually something I need to tell you."

Olivia tentatively began.

Josephina looked in confusion at her mother's fidgety demeanour.

"I don't know if now's the right time, but I'm afraid there might be no right time. So, it's only right if I prepare you."

She said, moving closer towards her. She sat on the edge of the bed, and held her hands lightly.

"Take a look at this place. Do you know where we are?"

She asked, and Josephina shook her head in the negative.

"This is Crystal hospital, dear."

Josephina gasped in surprise.

"H-how..??"

She managed to ask.

"It was thanks to a rich CEO, who helped us. His name is Nicholas Thompson. He had you moved here, and covered the whole bill."

"He's the reason you are enjoying the whole special treatment. He's actually the reason you're alive today, dear."

She narrated, as her voice broke.

Josephina went silent, watching her mother. She also noticed the ward, the first day she opened her eyes. It didn't look like a hospital, but a hotel.

If she hadn't seen the doctors and nurses attending to her, she would have thought she was in a five star luxury hotel. And now, hearing she's at Crystal hospital further shocked her.

She had heard of it, seen it on Tv, but had never pictured being in it. She knew it was only for the rich. It was the hospital celebrities used.

"Then I'm very grateful to whoever that man is. I shudder to think what would have happened, if he hadn't come to my rescue."

"Me too, dear. We're forever indebted to him, Josephina."

"And that is why you must marry him."

She finally dropped the bombshell.

"What!"

"What are you talking about,mum??"

"What do you mean, I must marry him?"

Josephina asked with a furrowed brow and a questioning look. She was confused.

"Please calm down, dear. I don't want you to get worked up. You're still so fragile, and not too strong yet. Please."

She pleaded. If she had her way, she wouldn't mention anything to her, yet. But there was no time.

"I made an agreement with the CEO that if he could ensure your survival, you would marry him, in return."

"What! Mum..?! Please tell me you're joking? "

Josephina was stupefied.

"I really wish i was. But now that you're awake, you have to sign the contract stating that you agree to marry him."

"I'm so sorry, honey. But I had no choice."

"I was so desperate to see you wake up. We had no money, no savings. And i exhausted all the loans i took from the bank. I'm sorry, Josephina."

She was crying seriously now.

She put her head on her daughter's hand, and continued crying.

Josephina who was still in shock, had her mouth agape, incapable of further speech.

"How could you do this to me, mum?"

She finally said after a while.

"You practically sold me to a complete stranger, without caring if he was a monster. You didn't even think about that."

She said, angry at her mother.

Josephina's comment broke her mother, and she cried the more. She kept muttering 'I'm sorry' to an angry Josephina, who now had her face turned towards the opposite direction.

*******

Stanley was in his office when he got a call from Olivia that Josephina was finally awake. He was shocked. Nicholas wouldn't have to wait too long to get a wife now. He decided to go see Nicholas to inform him about it. He met him spining in his swivel chair, and deeply lost in thought.

"She's awake. Her mother just called."

He said, as he entered the office.

"Yeah, the Doctor called me too."

Nicholas said, not surprised at the news.

"So you knew? Well, aren't you going to see her?"

Stanley was surprised at his lack of enthusiasm.

"I have things to do."

He said, suddenly grabbing his laptop.

"Things to do? When have I not ever held down the Fort for you?"

"I thought you would be happy that she didn't take forever in coma. At least your fake marriage would happen sooner than expected."

"But it's your laid-back and unserious attitude, for me!"

Stanley was suddenly pissed at his non-chalance.

"Dude, get out of my face!."

Nicholas dismissed him.

"Whatever! man. I just thought to inform you."

Stanley said, and angrily walked out.

Nicholas and Stanley didn't have a boss and employee relationship. They acted like brothers, friends, and sometimes, even enemies. Some days, they were good friends, other days, they were each other's biggest offenders.

Stanley was the only one who could speak to Nicholas the way he did, and get away with it.