Chapter 10

Kaitlin

It's been hours, and I still can't get the conversation with Leonardo out of my head. How dare he try to control my life? The audacity of him, thinking he can dictate my choices just because he has money. I hate that he's right in some ways. I shouldn't be doing this. But the reality is, I need the money.

He promised to double my pay, but at what cost? His type always wants to control everything because they hold the purse strings. He who pays the piper calls the tune, right? I refuse to be a puppet.

I pause for a second. But what if I agree to it just so he can pay for Andrew's treatment? But then I'll remain his puppet for life, or at least until he gets tired of me.

My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's a reminder for tonight's date. I have to escort a business official to a gala. My ride will be here in a few minutes. I take a deep breath, trying to refocus my mind. I can't afford to let my emotions get in the way of my work.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Bianca asks me as she gets dressed for her date. She's attending a pool party with her client. "You've been acting off all day."

"I'm good," I say with a sigh. I still haven't told her about Leonardo.

"How was your date last night?" she asks.

"Kaitlin, your ride is here," Joel's voice cuts through the intercom before I respond to Bianca's question.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning. Let's meet up for drinks; we haven't done that in a while," she says, hugging me.

"Okay," I say, nodding before picking up my purse and heading out.

When I arrive at the venue, I take a moment to compose myself before stepping out. The gala is being held at a secluded hotel on the outskirts of town. My client, Mr. Harris, is waiting for me near the entrance. He's an older man, probably in his late fifties, with a distinguished look about him. He greets me with a warm smile, his eyes appraising me.

"Kaitlin, you look stunning," he says, offering me his arm.

"Thank you, Mr. Harris," I reply, slipping my arm through his.

I do my best to keep my mind on the task at hand, but Leonardo's face keeps flashing in my mind. His intense gaze, the way he looked at me as if he could see right through me. I hate that he has this effect on me.

"Are you all right?" Mr. Harris asks, his brow furrowed in concern.

"I'm fine," I assure him, forcing a smile.

The gala is in full swing, the ballroom buzzing with conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses. A few minutes into the event, I feel a presence beside me. I turn, and my heart skips a beat when I see Leonardo standing there, his expression dark and intense.

"Get your hands off her," he directs at Mr. Harris, his voice low and menacing.

Mr. Harris frowns, looking between Leonardo and me. "Who is this?" he asks me, his tone wary.

Leonardo steps closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Have a look at this," he says, showing him his phone. "One minute from sending it to your wife. Does she even know you're here with another woman?"

Mr. Harris's face pales. He quickly drops my arm as if it's burning hot. "I don't want any trouble," he mutters, backing away and disappearing into the crowd.

I turn to Leonardo, fury bubbling up inside me. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Saving you from a sleazy old man," he replies coolly. "We need to leave."

I notice we're already attracting the attention of some guests, so I turn around and walk out of the ballroom, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Leonardo follows closely behind. The night air is cool, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me.

"Why did you do that? You just ruined a job for me," I snap, spinning around to face him.

His expression is unreadable, but there's a flicker of something in his eyes—something raw and intense. "Because I like you, Kaitlin. And I can't stand the thought of you being so close to another man."

I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "So what? You're just going to crash all my dates from now on?"

"Yes," he says simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Get used to it, because I'll continue to do it."

We argue, our voices rising in the quiet night. I'm furious at his audacity, at his need to control me. But there's a part of me, a small part, that's flattered by his jealousy, by the intensity of his feelings.

"Get in the car, Kaitlin," he pleads, his voice softer now. "You won't get any other ride from here. Let me take you home."

I glance around, realizing he's right. The gala is in a secluded location, and finding a taxi here is impossible. With a frustrated sigh, I walk to his car and get in, slamming the door behind me.

The drive is silent, tension thick in the air. I feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to look at him. My mind races, trying to process everything that's happened.

When we finally pull up in front of my apartment, I don't wait for him to say anything. I get out of the car and slam the door behind me, my anger still burning.

When I finally step inside my apartment, I'm met with the warm, familiar scent of home. I'm surprised when I hear Mama's voice coming from the kitchen. She's usually at the hospital with Andrew at this time. Did something happen?

"Kate, is that you?" she calls out.

"Yes, Mama," I reply, trying to mask the weariness in my voice as I head toward her.

She's standing at the stove, stirring a pot of soup, her face illuminated by a soft, warm light. She looks up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kate, I have wonderful news!" she exclaims, setting the spoon down and turning to face me fully.

"What is it, Mama?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"They've found a donor for Andrew," she says, her voice trembling with emotion. And that's not all. An anonymous donation was made to pay for the treatment. Where have you been? I've been calling you all evening." She sounds so excited; it's contagious. "I…I had a work event," I stutter, still processing the information. Relief floods through me, bringing tears to my eyes. "A donor? And the treatment is paid for? How?"

Mama wipes her hands on a dish towel and steps closer, her smile wide and genuine. "I don't know who made the donation. The doctor said it's from a charity organization that pays for people's treatments, and they prefer to remain anonymous."

I blink, trying to make sense of it all. "A charity organization? But why Andrew? Why us?"

She shrugs, her eyes still shining with happiness. "Sometimes, Kaitlin, blessings come when we least expect them. Maybe it's because of all the prayers we've said. Whoever they are, they've given us a miracle."

A flood of emotions overwhelms me. Relief and gratitude. I wrap my arms around my mother, holding her tightly. "This is incredible, Mama. I can't believe it."

She holds me just as tightly, her voice thick with emotion. "I know, my dear. It's a blessing. Andrew has a chance now."

We stand there, holding each other, letting the reality of the good news sink in.

As we pull away, I can't help but wonder about the anonymous donor. Could it be a coincidence that this donation came at the same time Leonardo entered my life?

No, it couldn't be him. He doesn't even know about Andrew. Pushing the thoughts aside, I focus on the present. Andrew has a chance at life, and that's all that matters.

Taking a deep breath, I wipe my tears with the back of my palm. And for the first time in a long while, I feel like everything will be okay.