Episode 3

(Aurora)

We entered the doctor's office, and his face seemed familiar to me.

Andrew: Do you remember me?

Aurora: Your face does seem familiar, but honestly, I don't recall.

Andrew: Three days ago, you bumped into me in the restroom.

Aurora: Oh, yes, now I remember.

Andrew smiled.

Aurora: Well, please tell me what symptoms you have.

Andrew: Perhaps fever.

Aurora: May I touch your forehead since I see you're fine? In the meantime, I'll take your temperature.

Andrew: Yes, go ahead.

Aurora approached him and placed her hand on his forehead.

Aurora: I believe you're in perfect condition.

Andrew stood up and cornered Aurora against the desk.

Andrew: You should touch me somewhere else so you would know the kind of fever I have.

Aurora: Please, sir, step aside or I will scream.

Andrew stepped back and sat on the chair, crossing his leg slightly.

Andrew: I want to make you a proposition.

Aurora: Honestly, I have many problems, please don't bring me more. It's better if you leave.

Andrew: I can help you, Aurora. You see...

Aurora: Wait, how do you know my name?

Andrew: I know everything about you. What I'm here to propose is a contract. I believe you're going through a tough situation, and I suppose you need money, so I'll give you what you need.

Aurora: Well, what kind of job are you willing to pay for what I need?

Andrew: It's not actually a job. It's a one-year marriage contract.

Aurora's mouth dropped open at the man's proposal, and she slapped him, causing Andrew to raise his hand to his face in annoyance.

Aurora: I'm not interested in your offer. I'm not the kind of woman you're used to dealing with. Now, leave.

Andrew stormed out, visibly angered, and went to see Ernestina.

(Aurora)

Who does he think he is? As handsome as he may be, he's so arrogant. It's a good offer, but I won't accept it. I'll find a way to help my mother with her surgery.

(Andrew)

When Aurora touched me with her soft hand, I felt electricity running through my whole body. But when I pressed her against the desk and felt her breath so close, I wanted to devour her right then and there. After she slapped me, I felt myself getting furious. She sure knows how to hit hard.

Then I went to see Ernestina. I can already tell she's doing better, but she'll stay one more day as per the doctor's advice.

Ernestina: You know, Andrew, a nurse has been taking care of me very well. It seems she's going through something difficult. I really like her; she's very kind.

Andrew: That's great. As for me, I met a nurse who looks like an angel, but she's ungrateful.

Ernestina: Why do you say that, son?

Andrew: Because I offered her my help, and instead of being grateful, she ended up slapping me.

Ernestina: That's why you have to be careful with who you interact, son.

Andrew: Well, I have to go to the office. I'll come tomorrow to take you home.

Ernestina: Thank you for coming to see me, son. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow.

Andrew: Don't thank me, Nana. You know you're like a second mother to me.

Ernestina: And you're like a son to me. Behave yourself.

Andrew: Yes, see you tomorrow.

Andrew kissed Ernestina and left for his office.

Aurora continued with her work when she was interrupted by the doctor.

Doctor: Aurora, do you have a moment? It's important.

Aurora: Yes, doctor, tell me.

Doctor: Aurora, I'm afraid you need to expedite your mother's surgery. If we don't do it as soon as possible, her nerves will continue to deteriorate. Please, Aurora, do everything you can to ensure it happens this week.

Aurora: Alright, doctor, I'll do my best.

Aurora went to check her mother's medical records, and she saw that the hospital bill was already quite high since it was a private hospital.

(Aurora)

I don't know what to do, my God.

Aurora went home. Her father stayed to take care of Aurora's mother, and she went to rest. She didn't tell her father anything to avoid worrying him further.

Aurora arrived home, took a bath, and divided the household chores with her sister to ensure everything was clean before going to bed. Then, Aurora went to her room...

(Aurora)

What if I accept that man's proposal?

No, no, no, what are you saying, Aurora? You have Jacob, and he doesn't deserve this... but my mother.

She and my father have done so much for me. After all, it would be just one year.

If that man returns to the hospital tomorrow, I'll talk to him. Although, after slapping him, I doubt he'll still be interested.

Why does he want to buy a wife?

Because even though it seems repulsive to me, he would be buying my services for a year. I assume he must have many women after him.

Aurora continued pondering until sleep overtook her.

In the morning, she woke up, took a bath, put on her uniform, and went to the hospital. Her father greeted her and went home to get ready for work.

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