Till 21 Selena s Story

Since my father's death just a few months ago, my whole world has crumbled. His death, made harder by the crippling debts I didn't know he had, plus Max's worsened condition,have left me in a desperate situation.

Dropping out of school right before my final year had been a last resort, but now, even that wasn't enough. I had to sell the business. My father would be ashamed but my brother's life depended on me, and I was failing him.

I scrolled through my contacts trying to find someone who could help. Anyone. My fingers hovered over one name-my father's old friend, Gregory Davis. Maybe he'd know what to do.

I dialled the number.When he answered, his voice was gruff but familiar. "Hello?"

"I'm so sorry for calling you this late"

"Selena?"

"Yeah, it's me," I said quickly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I...I need help. It's about Max. I don't know what to do. The hospital bills, school...everything's falling apart. I have to sell"

There was a pause on the other end.

His hesitation made the panic in my chest tighten.

"Selena, are you sure that's the right move? Your father worked so hard to build it." I couldn't stand hearing about my father's work right now; it felt like a mockery of what our lives had become.

"I don't have a choice," I said, barely keeping my voice from cracking. "I can't pay for Ben's treatment unless I do ."

Another pause. Finally, he sighed. "There might be a buyer interested. The offer's not much, but it could help with the bills."

"Anything," I said desperately.

"Just...please, I'll meet anyone. I need the money."

"Come by my office tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting," he said, before hanging up abruptly.

I stared at the phone, my heart pounding. Selling my father's business felt like betrayal, but what choice did I have? I spent the night wrestling with anxiety, my mind spinning with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.

Max's weak breathing from the next room didn't help, reminding me that I couldn't back out of this. I had to go through with it. I had to save him, no matter what it took.

***

I sat stiffly in the leather chair, waiting anxiously for Gregory to return with the potential buyer. When the door opened, I looked up-and I froze.

Gregory beamed as he introduced us.

"This is Daniel Sinclair. Daniel, this is Selena Erickson, the lady I told you about"

Daniel Sinclair walked in, his sharp gaze sweeping over me without a flicker of recognition. He was much taller in life than on the business magazines, broader, but his eyes were the same-cold, intimidating.

I bit my lip, trying to gather myself "Mr Sinclair?"