Chapter 2

Lilith

The last thing I heard was the screeching of tyres as he tried to manoeuvre the car.

Terrified, I fell on the floor, freezing for a moment before wincing in pain.

Thankfully, he swerved before I got knocked over.

My eyes flung open, and my breath hitched in shock the moment a pair of hands dropped against my chest to feel my heartbeat before pressing against my wrist to check my pulse.

“She's alive!” One of the men announced, heaving a sigh of relief.

The moment his fingers brushed against my skin for the second time, I felt the hair behind my neck stand erect as my breath seized.

Burst of tingles sprouted all over my body, making me shudder.

My brows furrowed in confusion as I pulled away from him at once after sensing strange sparks that ignited a fire in me.

What just happened?

Why did his touch ignite a strange feeling in me? All my life, several men had brushed their fingers against my skin, and we've had body contact, but this strange man was different.

“Do you have a death wish or something?!” Another man screamed as he shut the door of the car, walking towards me.

His presence jerked me off my long train of thought, making fear creep into me.

“I'm sorry,” I muttered as my heart sank into the pit of my stomach.

That was a dumb idea.

What was I thinking putting them in trouble?

“You should be. I saw you. What was all that crazy stunt you played? Do you want to get killed?”

I recoiled to myself, pulling away from the first man as I felt bad.

“Yes!” I screamed. Their breaths hitched as my words caught them off balance. “Maybe I wanted to kill myself, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight.”

Picking myself from the floor, I dusted the sand off my body, but I jerked the moment my skin made contact with the first man's skin.

I could sense he felt the sensation, the stern look he gave me, and the way he backed away, rubbing his finger over the area.

“Raphael, enough, don't scare the girl more than she is,” the first man said, observing me. “Did the car hit you? Tell us so we can get you to the hospital. It's partly my fault for keeping my eyes off the road while driving.”

My heart melted at his soft words and affectionate hazel eyes that eased my pain.

I couldn't help noticing the sweet scent of chocolate and honey that clung to him, making me feel a strange bond and urging me to yearn for him.

Get a hold of yourself, Lilith!

“I'm fine; you swerved before you hit me; the shock made me fall, nothing more,” I replied, forcing a nervous smile before proceeding to go home.

I had caused enough trouble.

“Sorry for yelling at you, I was just furious. He will give you his card in case you develop any internal bleeding as a result of the fall,” the second man insisted before exchanging a look with the first man.

He disappeared into his car, appearing with a small card that bore information.

“Here, have it. If you feel anything strange, give me a call and get yourself to the nearest hospital. I will pay the bills and every other thing needed,” he stated, placing the card in my hands.

I muffled a curse as the weird feeling washed over me again.

They turned their backs, about to leave when a thought dropped into my head.

“Wait!” I called, making them halt in their tracks before turning to me.

“If you want to help me, you could give me a job. That is the only thing my life depends on right now. I don't mind anything you offer me, I am up to the task, and I am a fast learner. Just give me a chance, I'm begging you,” I pleaded desperately, clasping my hands together.

Silence hung in the air as they were lost in thoughts before exchanging looks.

“Fine. But don't keep your hopes high. It's 50-50,” he warned while I mouthed a thank you.

They disappeared into the car, reviving the engine before driving past me while I pondered on his words, dragging my weak feet home.

50-50?

*****

I jerked up as raindrops pattered against my forehead.

My roof was leaking again.

I yawned tiredly, rolling to the other side of the bed. As I turned, my gaze met the two empty beds beside mine. Tears welled up in my eyes as I pictured my mum and my sisters sleeping peacefully on their beds.

I wish someone would wake me up from this nightmare of a life.

I missed my old life where I was the daughter of a wealthy millionaire.

I was about to get lost in my thoughts when the loud ringing of my phone pierced my ears.

My heart sank into a bottomless abyss when I read the text message.

'You are fired!'

It was now official.

My manager finally got into my boss's head, poisoning his mind towards me.

As if it wasn't enough, he withheld my salary and incentives.

The job I pleaded for was not even certain.

How would I pay for chemotherapy this week?!

I had barely dropped my phone when it rang again.

My face dropped in sadness as I let out a worried sigh.

My heart skipped 2 beats as the doctor's name flashed across the screen.

He rarely called except to pass on important information.

Something bad was about to happen. I could feel it in my gut.

"Hello..." My voice shook in fear as I gulped down the lump in my throat.

"Miss Parker, why are you not here yet?"

"I..." I stammered, unable to think of an excuse and anxiety ate me up.

"Is everything..." I tried to ask, but he interrupted.

"Get to the hospital now. Your mother is having some complications right now, and we noticed one of her kidneys is failing. Also, you haven't sent a deposit for the chemotherapy of your mother and sister. You are wasting time," he complained. I could feel his frustrations.

"I am trying, doctor, I..." I broke down in tears.

"You need to be in the hospital within 30 minutes, or I'm afraid your mother won't make it," he dropped the bombshell.