Chapter 1

JOAN'S POV

Hopeless. Sadness. Confusion.

These are the three emotions I felt as I sat in the dimly lit hospital room.

My heart felt heavy with worry. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions and I have no idea what to do.

I watched my mother with sadness in my heart.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor filled the air. The beeping was a a constant reminder of my mother's fragile state.

Tubes and wires were attached to her body, keeping her alive while she lay motionless in the hospital bed. Her face was pale, and her breathing shallow.

I was job hunting when I got a call that my mother had been brought to the hospital by an ambulance. The doctors said she had suffered a heart attack and had slipped into a coma.

I gazed at my mom, feeling a lump form in my throat.

How did we end up here?

I thought back to the days when she was vibrant and full of life. She was always there to support me. Now, I was the one who needed to be strong for her.

Looking at my mom in this state brought tears to my eyes. When she was healthier, she was full of joy and was always vibrant. She was the type of woman who could light up a room with her smile alone.

I looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

I hate hospitals.

The white walls aren't helping. The colour 'white' has always seemed a little depressing to me.

I wish hospitals could be painted a different colour. Being here is sad enough. Maybe a colour like pink or blue could cheer someone up a bit.

As I looked at the ceiling I couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. I wasn't feeling like this because my mom was sick. I felt like this because I was genuinely helpless.

I was broke, barely scraping by with odd jobs here and there. My mom's health got worse with time and I had to drop out of school to get a job.

I had a stable job as a secretary in a good firm for about seven months but guess what? I got fired because my boss's hands started to wander a bit too far each time.

I thought I could tolerate it till he reached up under my skirt one day. He told me he would fire me if I didn't comply. So, I left.

I wasn't cut out for that kind of life.

When things got hard, I was tempted to go back and beg him, I won't lie, but my conscience advised me against it.

My mom got worse by the day. The medical bills were piling up, and I had no idea how I would afford the treatment my mom desperately needed.

Right now, I don't have a job and neither do I have money. I spent all my savings on my mother's treatment.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I pondered on the burden I carried.

What am I going to do?

I can't bear the thought of losing my mom.

It's so hard to find a job out there these days especially since I don't have a degree. I've tried everything, trust me.

It seems as if my best isn't good enough..

Just as my mind was consumed with worry, the door swung open.

A doctor walked in. The collar of his lab coat was stained with blood. It was almost unnoticeable but not to me. I noticed almost everything. You might think this is a useful trait but it stresses me out a lot especially when I get fixated on it.

He glanced at me briefly before his eyes settled on my mom's still form.

"Miss Joan," he said, his voice filled with sympathy. "I'm Dr. Williams. I wanted to talk to you about your mother's condition."

I nodded.

My gaze still focused on the blood on his coat.

Whose was it?

"Miss Joan?" he repeated. For some reason, I didn't pay attention to him.

I had a lot on my mind and I needed a distraction, even if it was just for a second.

Was the person who the blood belonged to dead?

I wonder how many dead people he sees in a day.

"Miss Joan?" Dr Williams said loudly, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I sat up straight and nodded.

"I'm sorry" I said, my voice barely a whisper. "Please, tell me, doctor. What can we do?"

"As you know, your mother's currently in a coma. We can try different treatments, but they come with a cost."

My heart sank even further.

As soon as he said this, my heart beat increased.

I knew deep down that I couldn't afford the treatment, but I had to hear the options.

"What are we looking at, doctor?" I asked him.

"The initial treatment will cost around $50,000, and that's just the beginning. There will be follow-up procedures, medications, and rehabilitation."

My hands trembled as I spoke "I... I don't have that kind of money. What am I supposed to do?"

Dr. Williams looked at me with a sympathetic expression "I understand this is a difficult situation for you. We can explore financial assistance programs and discuss payment plans. But I won't sugarcoat it; it won't be easy."

Tears streamed down my face. I couldn't help it.

Why did things have to be so hard?

"I'll do anything, doctor. Just please help my mom. She's all I have."

Dr. Williams nodded "I'll do my best. We'll find a way"

I sniffled, wiping away my tears "Thank you, doctor"

He gave me a weak smile before leaving the room.

I moved closer to my mom and held her hand.

Thoughts raced through my mind, searching for a solution. I couldn't let money be the reason my mom didn't receive the care she needed.

I have to do something. What can I do?

Suddenly, the door opened.

To my surprise, my best friend, Bea walked in. Her face was filled with concern.

Seeing her familiar face brought a small glimmer of happiness. She's always been there for me.

"HI sweetie" she said sympathetically "I'm so sorry"

She walked over to me and gave me a hug. I held her tightly.

When she pulled away, she looked at me mom with empathy.

I called Bea as soon as it happened. When I got the call from the hospital, I didn't know what to do.

Bea looked at me "How are you holding up?"

I managed a weak smile, grateful for her presence. "It's been tough, Bea. I don't know what to do. The medical bills are piling up, and I'm completely broke."

Bea's eyes sparkled with hope "I may have a solution to that"

I looked at her in confusion "What do you mean?"

"You remember Stephanie?"

Of course, I remember Stephanie. She was one of our school mates in college.

Her dad is a famous senator. She was your typical popular rich girl. She has luscious hair, a pretty face and a lot of money.

We weren't too close. We didn't get along because she always looked down on me. I didn't care. I knew she was out of my league.

"What about her?" I asked.

"I spoke to her and she got a job opening with her connections"

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of a job opportunity.

"What is it?" I questioned with excitement.

"You know the billionaire; Derrick Stonewood? His household is looking for a maid. His maids aren't just any maids. They're elite and they're well paid. I managed to tell her to get a slot for you. The interview is at his house in two days. Here"

She handed me an envelope. Inside was an invitation to an interview.

I was in awe. I've never seen an exclusive interview like this before that needed an invitation.

I knew who Derrick Stonewood was. Everyone knew who he was.

He was a popular billionaire and America's most eligible bachelor.

His family owned a long chain of companies including investments in oil and gas.

He had old money and generational wealth. Online, you can see girls practically begging just to get a glimpse of him.

He wasn't really the social media type. He was pretty low key.

As private as he was, everyone still knew who he was. His incredible good looks didn't make it easy for him to hide either.

Am I good enough to work for the Stonewood family?

"Are you sure I can get this?"

Uncertainty filled my mind. What if I wasn't good enough?

What if they didn't want me?

"Hey" she held my hand "Stephanie put in a good word for you. Apart from that, they're going to love you"

I looked at the floor.

I felt a mix of gratitude and doubt. I was out of options for job openings. At least, this is a good opportunity.

I have to try.

I looked at Bea "Thank you so much"

She smiled at me "Anything for you. Now, come on. We've got work to do"