The Hospital and the Hidden Truth.

 Morning light penetrated through the thick curtains of the villa when Anna woke up with a heavy heart. The events of last night ran through her mind, she barely slept last night, her thoughts made her confused and fearful about her situation with Andrew.

 But today, she wanted to discuss about her mother's treatment with Andrew.

 Anna brushed her long straight hair, looking at herself in the mirror. She looks like a famous actress that will be adored or admired by the public in the future. The only thing that mattered was her mother's health condition . Her mother was the only reason she is trapped in this lifeless and cold marriage.

 She wore a simple and elegant outfit and made her way downstairs towards Andrew's room. Her heart beat fast with every step she took. She need to ask him about the money, whether her mother's surgery has been arranged. Her mother's life was standing at an edge, and every second counts.

 As she approached Andrew's bedroom, she waited for a moment. The thought of her meeting him made her more worried. "This is for mom, she reminded herself. I'm doing this for her" she told herself.

 She raised her hand and knocked slowly on the door, after a few minutes of silence, she heard his voice from inside.

 "Come in", he said.

 Pushing the door open, Anna stepped into the room. Andrew was already dressed for work, standing by the large window . His back was to her, he didn't turn to face her, and for a moment she wondered if he noticed het presence in the room.

 She gathered her courage, cleared her throat softly and said, "Andrew I need to ask you something ".

 Without turning to meet her gaze, he responded . "What is it" 

 "It's about my mother...the surgery. Has everything been arranged.....the bills.... i _She asked in a calm tone.

 He didnt allow her to finish her words, Andrew cut her short, "It's done, I have already paid for it ".

 Anna was surprised, " You....you paid for it?" she responded. 

 Andrew finally turned to meet her gaze. His face was unreadable, as it always was.

 "Yes, I told you I will take care of it . The surgery has been arranged , and the bills has been settled".

 Anna was so relieved and happy. "But how? How did you manage to do it quickly, I didn't even told you the hospital name or any information " she said with confusion.

 Andrew's face curled up into a mocking smile "it wasn't difficult, the hospital is mine ".

 Anna's heart skipped a beat. "Yours.... The hospital is yours".

 Andrew nodded, his eyes never leaving her." I own it, I have owned it for years".

 Annabella was speechless and lost. All this time, she was worried about her mother's surgery, thinking she has to beg Andrew for help". But in reality, he has total control from the beginning . He hasn't just paid the bills, but also owned the hospital that held her mother's fate.

 "You....you didn't tell me", she whispered , her voice nearly heard.

 Andrew said like it was not an important thing to him, " Why would i, it wasn't important ".

 He had known long ago, he has the power to save her mother's life, yet he forced her into a contract marriage , knowing she had no other choice. The truth made her sick and disgusted.

 "You could have told me", she said with a angry voice. "You could have saved her, without....Without making me do this".

 Andrew's expression changed, "I did what i had to do, Annabella . You agreed to the terms and conditions, don't forget". In life, you don't do things for free without getting something in return".

 She had agreed "yes". But only because she was desperate back then,she had no option. And now in front of Andrew, she felt like a pawn in his game.

 "I didn't have a choice", she whispered .

 "There's always a choice, and you made yours", he said in a cold tone.

 Anna stared at him, she wanted to scream, to shout at him for deceiving her, for using her desperation against her. There was no point in arguing with him. He was right- she has made her choice . And now, she has to live with it.

 "I will check on my mother later at the hospital today, she turned to leave the room.

 Before she reached the doors handle, Andrew's voice stopped her, "Annabella ".

 "Don't forget the terms and Conditions of our agreement" , he said , his voice low and threatening . "You are still my wife, for now".

 She nodded slowly and , then walked out of the room. She had entered this marriage to save her mother at all cost? Her body, freedom and dignity? And now that her mother's surgery was taken care of, what did that leave her with? A contract marriage with a man who doesn't love her, but sees her as nothing. 

 "I'm trapped", she thought as she laid on her bed. "I'm trapped in this marriage ,and I don't know how to get out".

 "Why can't I stop thinking about him? She wondered, why does he has the hold over me?.