Chapter seven

Chapter 7

Two days later:

Tia walked briskly through the hospital corridor, clutching a small paper bag of Freddy's favorite snacks. She knew he wouldn’t eat much, but just seeing him smile gave her strength to keep going.

When she stepped into Freddy's hospital room, she froze. An elderly woman in a wheelchair was seated near Freddy's bed, chatting with him warmly. Her silver hair was neatly pinned back, and she exuded an air of authority despite her frail frame. Freddy’s face lit up when he saw Tia.

"Tia! This is Nana," Freddy said excitedly, gesturing to the woman. "She’s been keeping me company while you were at work."

Tia blinked, taken aback. "Oh, I didn’t know Freddy had visitors." She set the paper bag down and approached cautiously.

Nana turned, her sharp eyes scanning Tia from head to toe. "You must be Tia," she said with a smile. "Freddy’s spoken a lot about you. He says you’re his superhero."

Tia blushed slightly, brushing it off with a chuckle. "I just try to take care of him, that’s all." She turned to Freddy, adjusting his blanket. "How are you feeling today, kiddo?"

"Better," Freddy said, nodding toward Nana. "She told me some funny stories about her grandson. He’s a little like me—doesn’t like being told what to do."

Nana laughed softly. "That’s Adam for you. Stubborn as a mule. But he has a good heart, deep down." She leaned forward slightly, studying Tia. "And you? You seem like someone with a good heart too."

Tia gave her a polite smile, unsure where this was going. "I just do what I can."

For a moment, the room fell silent, save for the beeping of the monitors. Then Nana spoke again, her tone shifting to something more serious.

"You know, Freddy told me about your struggles. You’re working two jobs, trying to make ends meet, and still managing to take care of him. That’s admirable."

Tia stiffened, glancing at Freddy, who suddenly looked sheepish. "It’s not easy, but he’s my brother. I’d do anything for him."

Nana nodded thoughtfully. "That’s exactly what I thought." She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. "Tia, I want to make you an offer."

Tia frowned, confused. "An offer?"

"Yes," Nana said. "I can pay for Freddy’s treatment. All of it. And I’ll ensure you have financial security moving forward. But..." She tilted her head, her piercing gaze locking onto Tia. "In return, I’d like you to marry my grandson, Adam."

The air in the room seemed to shift, heavy with shock. Tia stared at Nana, utterly stunned. "You... you want me to marry your grandson?"

Nana smiled calmly. "Yes. Adam needs a wife, someone who can ground him, keep him focused. And you, my dear, need a break from this uphill battle. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Tia looked at Freddy, whose wide eyes mirrored her own disbelief. "I... I don’t even know him," she stammered.

"You’ll get to know him," Nana said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I’m not asking for love or romance, Tia. Just a partnership. You help him, and in turn, I’ll help you and Freddy."

Tia’s head spun. The offer was too surreal to process, yet the mention of Freddy’s treatment tugged at her heart.

"I don’t know," she said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Take some time to think about it," Nana said, her eyes softening. "But not too much time. Freddy’s health can’t wait, and neither can I."

Tia stood frozen as Nana gestured for the nurse to wheel her out of the room, leaving her and Freddy alone.

---

Tia took a deep breath, her fingers nervously clutching the hem of her shirt as the nurse wheeled Nana back into the room. The older woman’s sharp gaze settled on her, knowing and patient, yet carrying the weight of expectation.

Tia’s heart pounded. She didn’t have the luxury of time to debate anymore—not with Freddy lying just a few doors away, fighting a battle she couldn’t win alone.

"It's just for some time," Tia murmured, more to herself than to Nana. Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to meet Nana's piercing eyes.

Nana leaned forward slightly in her wheelchair, her hands resting on her lap. "You’re making the right choice, dear. I promise, this will secure Freddy's future—and yours."

Tia sat back, her body stiff with a mix of dread and resolve. She forced a faint smile, her thoughts racing ahead to the unknown road she had just agreed to walk.

She glanced at Freddy’s photo tucked in her wallet, drawing strength from his smile. "It’s for you," she whispered under her breath.

Tia sat quietly, her hands clenched in her lap as Nana’s words echoed in her mind.

"You don’t have time, Tia," Nana said gently, watching her with sharp eyes. "Freddy doesn’t have time."

Tia’s throat tightened. She looked at Freddy, his frail body lying on the hospital bed, hooked up to machines she couldn’t afford much longer. He smiled at her weakly, but she could see the exhaustion in his eyes.

"But a marriage..." Tia hesitated, her voice barely audible. "It’s a big decision."

"I’m not asking you to love Adam," Nana said firmly. "This isn’t about romance. It’s about saving your brother. If you agree, Freddy will get the best care possible—immediately. You’ll have financial stability. And as for Adam, he needs someone grounded like you to keep him in check."

Tia’s heart ached. It wasn’t a fair choice, but it wasn’t about fairness anymore. It was about survival—Freddy’s survival.

She looked back at Nana. "You’ll really pay for everything? His treatment, his recovery?"

"Every cent," Nana promised, her voice steady. "And you’ll receive a monthly allowance to ensure you never have to worry about money again."

Tia swallowed hard, glancing at Freddy once more. He was her only family, her entire world. She couldn’t lose him.

Taking a deep breath, she finally nodded. "Okay," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I’ll marry him."

A satisfied smile spread across Nana’s face. "Good girl," she said softly. "You won’t regret this, Tia. I’ll make all the arrangements."

Tia felt the weight of the decision settle heavily on her shoulders, but as she reached out to hold Freddy’s hand, she reminded herself that she was doing this for him.