The Dons purchase

Serena's pov

 "Mrs. Romano, without a deposit, we'll have to discontinue treatment ."

 The words land like a slap. I stand frozen in the narrow hospital corridor, the smell of antiseptic burning my nose.

My fingers are clenched so tightly around the strap of my handbag that my knuckles ache. The doctor looks at me with that careful, practiced sympathy,the kind people reserve for someone they've already written off. "How much time do I have?" I ask. My voice barely holds together. "Today," he says gently.

"Your mother needs surgery immediately. If we don't receive the deposit by this evening, the hospital administration will have no choice but to discharge her." Discharge her? My heart lurches.

 "But she'll die," I whisper. He doesn't deny it. He simply shakes his head and turns his attention back to the papers on his desk. I stumble out of the office, my legs trembling as I fumble for my phone. Antonio will fix this. He always does. He has to, he's my husband, my partner. The man I built my entire life around. I dial his number. Voicemail!! My fingers ached... I try again. The person you are calling is unavailable. My chest tightens, panic clawing up my throat. I force myself to breathe.

Antonio has been busy lately, important meetings, powerful people, the Romano family finally recognizing his worth. He told me to be patient.