~ELENA'S POV~

Max was sitting with his back resting against the chair and his elbow resting on the chair handle. He stared at me like he was eagerly waiting for a response. Then my phone rang and I picked up, it was Dr. Mark.

"Mrs Fox, your attention is needed urgently at the hospital; your mother had a cardiac arrest," the doctor divulged.

My heart thumped so fast like it was going to escape my chest all of a sudden, my brows widened, "What!?" I exclaimed, "I'll be there shortly."

Max immediately asked out of curiosity, "Elena, what is the problem?"

"I have to get to the hospital right away," I announced, "the doctor just called and said my Mom just had a cardiac arrest."

"Okay, let me take you in my car, that way we get there faster," he said, then took out his phone and called Steve, his assistant, to get the car ready.

"Okay," I agreed without hesitation. I quickly rushed out of bed and put on my clothes. I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the hotel room with Max following behind me.

Steve drove us in Max's car to the hospital. I ran into the doctor in the hallway at the ICU, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and I stopped the doctor to find out how my mother was doing.

"Doctor Mark, how is my mother doing?" I was panting repeatedly while I awaited the doctor's response.

"Mrs Fox, your mother had a cardiac arrest, which was caused by a swelling in her brain as a result of electrolyte imbalance. We were able to stabilize her for now, but she needs surgery as soon as possible, or she might die. We need to move her to the Dickson Medical Center cause we do not have the facility to conduct such surgery here," the doctor revealed. "I have been waiting for your feedback on the funds for her medication refill."

I felt a sudden coldness through my core. I gasped, "What!? I thought Alex took care of the bills yesterday," I grimaced.

I remember vividly that Alex and I had an agreement to pay my mother's medical bills immediately after I signed the divorce papers. So what is going on? Did he go back on our agreement? Does Alex want my mother to die? This is unfair. I felt my heart constricting, and I ran my hands over my hair.

"Not that I'm aware of, Mrs Fox–" I cut the doctor off, correcting him from calling me by the name 'Mrs Fox' since I'm no longer with Alex.

"Please address me as Miss Elena. Alex and I are no longer together." I divulged.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs fox– I mean Miss Elena," the doctor corrected.

"I'll make sure the bills are sorted out today, Doctor Mark," I announced. "Can I see my mother now?"

"Yes, you can, Miss Elena," he replied.

I rushed into her ICU room, and I saw my mother lying lifelessly; she was connected to a cardiac monitor.

"Mom, please stay with me, no matter what. I can't lose you now," I begged as I held her hands. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

Max stood by the door, staring at me crying by my mother's side. He stood there for a while and then walked close to me and pulled me into his arms. I didn't realize how I ended up sobbing in his arms with my face against his chest.

With my mother's current state, my hatred for Alex amplified. After being humiliated and stripped of my rights to my designs, I planned to just let it go. My moving on and becoming successful in the future was my vengeance, but after what had just happened, I knew I had to settle the score.

I pulled away from Max, and a mix of anger and sadness filled my chest. I sat back in my chair and glanced at my sleeping mother for some time. After taking a deep breath, I glanced at Max and declared, "About your proposition, I agree."

"What?" He inquired

"I agree to marry you," I replied without hesitation

Alex has turned his back on our agreement and has not paid my mother's medical bills even after I signed the divorce papers. Now her situation is worsening and needs urgent attention, and I can't do all that if I don't have the money.

In my five years of being married to Alex, I have earned a lot of money while leading our company's design team. However, I have also spent lavishly on my mother.

My mother, Leni Frost, was a single mother who made so many sacrifices to raise me. When I began making decent money, I bought her a house, cars, jewelry and other luxury stuff. I also have my investments. Asset-wise, I could cover the hospital bills myself, but I lacked liquid funds. So, making Alex pay the bills was the quickest solution.

Max stood for seconds, speechless with his lips parted, staring at me before he finally answered, "I promise you won't regret this"

"I will sort the medical bills right away and have Steve make immediate arrangements to transfer your mother to Dickson Medical Center for the surgery," he assured. "From now on, your mother's recovery is my number one priority."

Max picked up his phone and made some calls. So I reached out to the doctor, demanding that we transfer my mother for the surgery as suggested.

"Doctor Mark, I want to move my mom to the Dickson Medical Center now," I said unwaveringly. "We can't afford to waste more time, I don't want to lose my Mom."

"Your mother is not in a condition to move facilities, but I'm sure Dickson Medical Center has a high-end ambulance that can transport patients on cardiac monitors. Though you'll need to sign a waiver," the doctor prescribed.

"Please, doctor," I asserted, "we need to leave as soon as possible."

In the next two hours, everything was ready. My mom was moved to the Dickson Medical Center using the hospital's most advanced medical transport. Seeing how efficient the staff was, I was a bit relieved that my Mom would be well taken care of.

At Dickson Medical Center, they began preparations for my mother's surgery, and then I got a text from Steve, Max's assistant.

Steve: [The boss wants to see you in his office before we begin the surgery on your mother.]

I was at the hospital lobby when I saw the text, and I answered: [Okay, Steve, I'm on my way now.]

Moments later, I arrived at Max's office, and he was sitting with Steve standing by his side. He offered me a paper containing the contract terms, and I went through it thoroughly. Not like it matters, basically it changes nothing. Besides, I don't have a choice considering my mother's condition.

"Sign the contract papers and we'll begin your mother's surgery," he said, offering me a pen.

I glanced at him, then back at the papers. I took a deep breath. "Okay." I signed the contract.

~ELENA'S POV~

"Elena, you need to eat. How can you care for your mother if you don't eat?" Max said as he pushed a bowl of soup and noodles in my direction, "You've been at your mother's bedside for the past two days. You need some time off to rest and eat well. You are so thin."

I grimaced. I looked at my arms and couldn't deny Max's statement. I had lost weight in the past few days. I accepted the meal and dug in.

Max insisted that I take a break from watching my mother, even just for a few hours. I haven't left my mother's bedside since she was transferred to Dickson Medical Center two days ago. Thus, we were at a Chinese restaurant that was about to close, but Max's family was well known with a higher reputation in the city, and the owners were more than willing to accommodate him.

I felt better while eating. The soup and noodles warmed my stomach. I have not had a good meal for the past few days, and it's showing on me in the way I was eating, and at the same time, giving sensational sounds.

"My grandfather will be returning from his trip in three weeks, and he'll be hosting a family reunion dinner at his place. I am going to introduce you as my girlfriend, so your divorce needs to be finalized before then," Max announced. He raised his chin, flaunting his perfectly proportioned face.

"And how do you intend to do that? Because, obviously I don't think it can be processed that quickly," I mentioned

"Concerning that, you have nothing to worry about. I can get the Supreme Court to hasten the process," Max assured.

I don't doubt Max can pull off such a stunt. The Dicksons have connections in the government. They are one of the oldest and richest families in Washington; they were practically like gods in the city.

"You said you've been pressured by your grandfather to get married, why?" I asked

Max stared into my eyes. He responded, "To continue the Dickson's legacy, to extend the family, to gain stability and to have grandchildren. It runs in the family," Max paused a bit and avouched, "and it's part of Grandpa's condition before he can give me his shares –that I must get married. I need his shares for a specific reason."

I grimaced. I ate some more and stared at Max as he sipped on his soup. After a few seconds, I broke the silence with a question: "Why do you need your grandfather's shares?"

Max paused midway from eating his food. He glanced at me and answered, "To secure it and at the same time give me leverage."

He leaned back and added, "It is no secret that my family has been in disunity since my father remarried."

"My stepbrother was voted as the CEO of Dickson's Enterprises, whereas I was made to only manage the corporation's healthcare entity," Max divulged. He clenched his fist before explaining, "I intend on taking back what is rightfully mine."

Come to think of it. Four years ago, Max's stepbrother was chosen to lead Dickson Enterprises instead of him. It was the talk of the town for a long time. I mean, everyone knows Max to be the only biological grandchild of the Dicksons' family, so why was an adoptive son chosen instead of him? Something must be wrong somewhere, either way.

"I'm– I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that," I sympathized

"It's alright, and thank you for sympathizing with me," Max said. "You have nothing to worry about, I have plans in motion to make sure my family's legacy is secured, and you will help me make that happen."

"You mean all this will possibly happen once I get married to you?" I questioned, still puzzled and confused. I couldn't connect the dots. How can my marriage to Max solve his problems? "Max, you are fully aware that I'm a divorcee, I'm worried your family may not accept me."

"I know my father won't be in support of this, and that's because he had always wanted me to marry Nicky Dame. We broke up a long time ago, so she is out of the picture now. To be honest with you, it doesn't matter what my father thinks of our relationship. But I know my grandpa won't oppose my choices," Max assured

"And Elena, a little piece of advice from me. Never underestimate yourself, no matter the condition you find yourself in." For the first time since meeting Max again, he laughed softly. I couldn't help but notice how the small laugh line on his face made him look enthralling.

Max glanced deeply at me, making me feel uncomfortable. "You're worth so much more than you think. I can assure you that in a year, you'll be one of the best jewelry designers in the country, and your company will be top of the charts," Max expressed.

"Wait– you are reckoning on the success of my future designs?" I inquired.

"Yeah, this is one of the qualities that makes you special and outstanding. I may not know much about you, but I know that your company's top-selling jewelry is your designs." Max informed, "Just trust me, Elena. As long as we work together, I believe everything will be fine. We get to achieve our goals."

"Can I trust you on this?" I asked

"Yes, of course, Elena, you can trust me," Max assured

"Okay, if you say so," I said.

"Good," Max declared, "eat."

We resumed eating in silence until our bowls were empty. Afterwards, Max announced, "Now that you're technically my girlfriend, I will make sure you're looked after. I will ask Steve to check in on you at intervals. And also, I'll make sure to visit your mother whenever I can. You need to eat thrice daily and make sure you have enough rest*

"To ensure that, I'd love you to move in with me," Max added.

My eyes widened with my lips parted. I coughed and reacted, "Wait– what? Don't you think it's way too early for that? I think my mother's place is fine–"

"Come on, Elena, you must have people around you to help you get through these crucial moments in your life. I can attest to it, cause I've been through it," Max pronounced

I mused on Max's words. What could Max be referring to when he said 'I can attest to it, cause I've been through it'? The conflict in his family? Or could it be when his mother passed away?

I didn't want to dwell much longer on that thought, so I waved it off and expressed, "If that be the case, I will stay at Olivia's place."

"Elena, this is non-negotiable, you're moving in with me this weekend," Max declared. "Besides, we need to get to know each other and make our relationship believable to everyone, especially my grandfather. Because he is the main reason I'm taking this step," Max added

I raised a brow and asked, "Okay, let's say I agree to move in with you, how do you propose we make this relationship believable?"

"We take it one step at a time, from courtship to engagement to marriage," Max clarified

"Are you saying, this won't be a secret marriage thing? I've seen stuff like this in movies, even read it in novels," I said

A faint smirk appeared on Max's face, and he asked, "What will be the essence of the whole process if I keep you a secret? I don't think you get it, do you? Remember, I need you to gain my grandpa's favour and shares."

"Now that you have signed the agreement papers, I'm certain we can advance further from this point," Max said while buttoning his suit.

"Okay, but..." I bit my lips and gasped. I shifted my gaze sideways, then I finally expressed what was bothering my mind, "I know this was not included in the agreement papers, but are we supposed to make babies in the process?"