A life saved

Ryder's hands trembled as he grasped the cheque Vivian had handed him in the car. The events of the evening still replayed in his mind, but the weight of the cheque overshadowed his concerns. His mother's life depended on it.

The hospital halls seemed to stretch on forever as Ryder rushed towards the billing department. Fluorescent lights whirred above, casting an unforgiving glare on the faded floors. The air was thick with the scent of disinfectant and machine sounds.

At the billing desk, Ryder handed over the cheque, his heart racing with anticipation. The clerk's eyes widened as she processed the payment.

"Thank you, Mr. Ryder. Your mother's surgery is now fully covered," she said, her voice kind.

Ryder's relief was palpable. He took a deep breath, composing himself before heading to Dr. Lee's office.

_Doctor Lee's Office_

The doctor's face lit up as Dr. Lee smiled. "Ryder, I'm glad you're here. We were worried we'd have to delay the surgery."

"I got the money, Doctor," Ryder said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Dr. Lee's eyes sparkled. "Excellent. Let's begin preparations immediately. Had you been even an hour late, I fear we would have lost your mother. The cancer had progressed significantly."

Ryder's heart skipped a beat. "Thank you, Doctor. Please, start the treatment as soon as possible."

Dr. Lee nodded. "We'll begin preparations immediately. I'll personally oversee the surgery. Your mother will receive the best care possible."

Ryder's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, Doctor. Thank you for saving my mother's life."

Dr. Lee's expression softened. "You're welcome, Ryder. We'll do everything to ensure her recovery."

As Ryder left the doctor's office, a sense of hope washed over him. His mother would live. The weight of Vivian's contract still lingered, but in this moment, it was a price he was willing to pay.

_His Mother's Ward_

After the surgery, Ryder made his way to his mother's ward, his heart filled with anticipation. The hospital room was filled with the warm scent of antiseptic and the faint aroma of flowers from the bouquet on the bedside table.

His mother lay in bed, surrounded by machine sounds and a soft whir of life-support machines. The room was positioned near the window, bathing her frail figure in sunlight.

The sunlight illuminated the fatigue etched on her skin. Her faded hair now lay weak, surrounding her pale complexion.

As Ryder approached, his mother's eyes opened, locking onto his. A weak smile spread across her face.

"Ryder," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ryder's eyes welled up with tears as he took in the sight of his mother. He gently sat beside her, taking her tender hands in his.

"Mum," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "You're going to be okay. The surgery was a success."

His mother's eyes sparkled with happiness, her gaze wandering over his face.

"I was so scared, Ryder," she whispered. "I thought I wouldn't make it."

Ryder's grip on her hands tightened. "You're strong, Mum. You'll get through this. I promise."

His mother's eyes searched his, filled with concern. "Ryder, how did you...how did you get the money for the surgery?"

Ryder's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Don't worry about that, Mum. Just focus on getting better. Everything will be alright."

His mother's gaze lingered on his, seeking answers, but Ryder's reassuring smile eased her concerns.

"I love you, Ryder," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

"I love you too, Mum," Ryder replied, his voice choked with emotion.

As they sat together, hands entwined, Ryder felt a sense of peace wash over him. His mother would live, and that was all that mattered.

Ryder eventually bid his mother farewell, promising to return soon. He left the hospital, his heart still reeling from the emotional encounter.

_At Vivian's luxurious gate_

As he approached Vivian's mansion, his thoughts turned to the complexities of his situation. He trudged towards the luxurious gate, his heart heavy with the weight of his obligations.

A black sedan emerged from the driveway. Sophia, Vivian's daughter, sat behind the wheel, her green gaze locking onto Ryder.

She pressed a button, and the passenger window glided downward, revealing her poised figure. "Ryder," she called out, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Ryder approached the car, sensing trouble. "Sophia, what's wrong?"

Sophia's gaze narrowed. "You didn't even wait for me to leave before trying to enter. Do you think you own this place?"

Before Ryder could respond, Sophia's hand shot out, delivering a resounding slap across his face.

"Next time, wait for me to leave before trying to enter," Sophia warned, her voice icy. "You're not some privileged guest. You're an employee, remember?"

Ryder's cheek stung, his eyes widening in shock. "That's no reason to slap me, Sophia." He said with an angry and defensive voice.

Sophia's expression remained unforgiving. "You'd do well to remember your place. My mother pays you, and that means you'll respect our family's rules."

Ryder's anger simmered, but Sophia's words cut deep. He recalled Vivian's contract and the obligations that came with it.

"I'll keep that in mind," Ryder said, his voice measured.

Sophia's gaze lingered on his, her eyes flashing with warning. "See that you do."

With that, Sophia raised the window and sped away, leaving Ryder to ponder the complexities of his situation.