Superstar's Girlfriend for Six Months

5. Who is the cruelest?

Elena's Point of View

"Admit that you two are dating, and it was just a little dispute between you."

"What?" Both Saint and I screamed. I even forgot how scared I was just a second ago.

"We were dating? In what universe?" Saint yelled; his face was all red from anger.

"The story should be like this…" then, without giving any attention to Saint's question, his mother continued to talk…

"Mom!!! I can't admit I date this one! I will never allow myself to stoop to such a low place. She is not even my type!" Saint yelled again.

So dating someone like me dragged you to such a low level, but you were eager to get a taste of my body, right, Mr Arrogant?

"I would rather die than date an a**hole like you!" I screamed at Saint, and he gave me a death glare. How dare he act like this after what he tried to do to me last night.

"You both just shut up!" Mr Phil snarled.

"Do you even think you have a say in this, Saint? You have fu**ed up everything!" he added, giving a stern look to Saint.

Though he didn't say anything specific about me, I didn't try to argue. I just wanted to listen to what they had to say.

"You two started dating 3 months back. Saint is very possessive over Elena, and he doesn't want her to work in Elite anymore. But to support her sick mother, Elena wants to continue working there. Obviously, she doesn't like to borrow any money from Saint…." Mrs Whitlock continued to explain.

So they know about my mother too… I think it is not that hard to do a background check on someone when you are so rich and powerful. You have more than enough men to carry on such a task.

"You two got into a small argument over this last night. Elena became enraged with Saint and yearned to return home. Saint didn't want to let her go because she was angry with him. He decided to pursue her, and when he saw Elena was half na*ed, he couldn't control himself. He was drunk, and Elena is the woman he loves, so how can he control himself?"

"But Elena was not ready to give in since she was so pissed off. That's why that incident occurred. However, after Elena went home, you two talked to each other and reconciled. Elena forgave you, and you two are still dating."

Mrs Whitlock, Saint's mother, looked at both of us alternatively after finishing her explanation.

"Okay, let's say we admit that happened. What are we going to do after that?" Saint asked the question I was dying to ask.

"You two have to continue dating. You two should do a good job making everyone believe you are dating." Mrs Whitlock answered like it was the most obvious thing.

"What? Date her?" Saint yelled.

"Okay, I agree to admit having a relationship with her. But I can't date her! That is impossible!" Saint added angrily.

"This is just for 6 months. You have to pretend you're dating Elena and attend parties, interviews and other social gatherings with her. We will have a 6 monthly contract binding you two in this agreement; let's discuss the conditions later." Mrs Whitlock said, ignoring what Saint just said.

"I can't do it even for six months," Saint screamed. He is a real spoiled brat of two wealthy stern parents.

"Saint, this solution will surely be a blessing in disguise. People always criticize you as a wealthy prince who doesn't understand other people's difficulties in life. But when they get to know you started dating a poor, average-looking girl just because you love her, it will look really good on your image."

"Also, after six months, she is the one who has to break up the relationship. We can find a reason to do that when it comes to that time. Then again, you will become the victim, and people will sympathize with you."

I know what Mrs Whitlock said about me is true. I am nothing but a poor, average-looking girl. But when I heard her mention it in that sentence, it made me feel so down. Could they make any decision they want regarding my life just because I am a poor, average-looking girl? My eyes instantly filled with tears of self-pity.

"I can't! I can't! No matter what you say, I don't want to date a girl like her. She is stubborn, arrogant, and so full of herself. I hate girls like her!" Saint again started to have a tantrum.

"I told you, Saint. You can't negotiate. You have created this damn mess, and now you must do what we say. That is the only way to solve this." This time it was Mr Whitlock who spoke, making Saint utterly silent.

"What about me? "I asked calmly, trying to hold my tears.

"I know I must support you all to get out of this situation. Still, I don't like this idea. I see how this solution could help Saint to gain public sympathy and maintain his good image, but why should I make myself the bad one? What about my dignity?"

I am not going to let you all play with me like this. You all may be so powerful and wealthy, but your spoiled son dragged me to this mess, and I will not ruin my reputation because of that arrogant bastard!

"I know how you feel about this right now, Elena…." Mrs Whitlock said sympathetically.

"But I can guarantee this contract will benefit you greatly." Then she added.

"We are yet to discuss the contract terms, but I can tell you, Elena, that your mom's surgery should not be postponed anymore. Also, you can move from that shabby little room to a good condo and offer your mom better living conditions. We know the struggle you face every day. I promise you won't have to struggle like this anymore." Mr Danny said, looking right into my eyes.

What? Are they trying to buy me with their money? So they want to fu**ing use their wealth to get their as*hole son out of his mess and put the blame on an innocent girl!

I know I really need money right now. My mom's surgery should be done as soon as possible. Also, her doctors have advised us to move from the little room we stay in because it lacks ventilation and the heat is overbearing. It is not suitable for someone with a health condition like my mom.

But can I just throw away my dignity for money? The whole world will talk about me if these people announce me as Saint's girlfriend. After six months, when I have to break up this fake relationship, people will hate me and treat me like a wh*re!

No! I can't do this!

It is a disgrace to my deceased dad… My mom would be so ashamed of me…

After Mr Whitlock yelled at Saint, he didn't try to argue with his parents. He was just leaning on the sofa, closing his eyes. However, this time I won't just shut up. These people can intimidate me to hell; I don't care! They can't make decisions on my behalf.

"I am not going to do this!" I said firmly.

Everyone looked at me with wide eyes. His parents and managers had a look in their eyes that asked, "are you crazy?".

"With all due respect, Sir and Ma'am, I will not put my dignity down for any price you're willing to pay me. I may be a poor, average-looking girl, but still, I am not that weak… I need money right now, given that your son made me lose my job too. Still, I will find a way to solve my problem. This is not that way…" keeping my head high, I spoke.

When I just looked beside me, I saw how Saint was staring at me and was it a hint of admiration I saw in those deep brown eyes?

However, I can assure you I saw how the corner of his lips stretched to a slight smile.

"Can you please take me to university?" I asked, not directing the question to anyone specific.

"Are you crazy, girl? Do you even know how much money we will offer you?" Mrs Whitlock yelled at me. I could see how she was on the verge of losing her composure. Indeed, she is thinking how nobody like me got the guts to refuse their offer.

"I don't care…." I said without any second thoughts.

"Girl, you are going to regret your stupidity!" Mrs Whitlock said furiously.

"I would regret more if I get into a relationship with your son, even if it is fake!" I said.

Mrs Whitlock was about to say something, but her husband stopped her.

"Let her go, Marian…."

"What? But…"

"It is okay…." Mr Whitlock touched his wife's hand gently.

"Phil, please send her to the university." He ordered Mr Phil.

"Sorry for the trouble we caused you, Ms Elena…" he said, looking at me.

I just nodded and stood up to leave with Mr Phil. After all, Mr Whitlock seems to have a kind heart though he looked more intimidating than anyone in this room.

I felt so relieved after I got out of that fu**ing mansion. I was literally suffocating with all those famous, wealthy and influential people. I don't know how people can be that cruel. They don't hesitate to put someone else's life in danger just to save their own a*ses! They think money can get them whatever they want!

I didn't even look at Saint or his friends before I left. I wish I would never see any of them again in my whole life, though it is impossible.

As soon as I got down from the car, I hurried to the washroom. I needed to wash my face and refresh myself.

My phone started ringing as soon as I splashed some water on my face. I dried my hands with some tissues and took my phone out. It was Dr Harris, my mother's doctor.

I answered the call with my fingers trembling. I had yet to receive some of my mom's reports, and Dr Harris calling me himself was not a good sign.

"Doctor…"

"Elena… I received your mom's reports. I am sorry, but the situation is getting worse. I think we should do the surgery as soon as possible."

"What? What do you mean by getting worse? Didn't you say we would have time since she was doing better?" I asked confusedly. It was just last week he said so.

"How could I know her reports would turn out this bad?" Dr Harris asked, a bit annoyed.

"Sorry, doctor… I didn't mean to be rude. I am just confused, and a lot worried." I apologized instantly.

"How soon should we do the surgery?" I then asked.

"If we can do it within this month, that's better. The more time we take, the more risk your mom faces."

"What? This month? Doctor!!!" I almost screamed.

"You know I can't find that much money within a month. I was aiming for 6 months, which was still kind of impossible for me." tears started to well up in my eyes. I was feeling really frustrated.

"That is none of my business, Elena… I told you what is best for your mom. It is your decision when you are going to do the surgery. But I can't take any responsibility for your mom's life." Dr Harris sounded angry this time.

I apologized to him once again and told him I would find the needed money by any means though I had no idea how I would do that.

I have saved up to one-tenth of what I need. But still, I am lacking a huge amount that is impossible to find within the month. Indeed I don't even have a job right now!

But my mom's life is precious. She is the only one I have… I have to find the money somehow.

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I was drowned in my thoughts while making dinner. I was drained this morning from what occurred last night. I thought it was the worst thing that had happened to me. But what happened last night pales compared to what I am dealing with now.

I had no idea how to deal with this issue. There aren't many friends or family members I can ask for help. Sam is the only person I know; we both come from poor families. My mom and dad got married without the consent of their families. So they have been abandoned by their families since then.

Nick is the only other person I can even think of right now. However, we have never really met. Even though we spoke to one other frequently, it was just over the phone. I have no idea what he looks like or what his voice sounds like. He always wears a mask during our video chats, so I can only see his eyes. To disguise his real voice, he even used a voice-changing app. He wants me to follow that example. So we have never seen each other's faces or heard each other's real voices. Sounds weird and creepy; I know that. But he insists we remain anonymous until he can come home and see me in person. He believes our first encounter will be exciting and memorable if we do so...

If it was someone else who told me all these and asked me to follow all these rules, I wouldn't even think of talking with him anymore. But with Nick, it is totally different. No matter what happens, I don't think I would ever be able to stop talking to him. He is like my comfort zone… My shoulder to cry on…

Strangely, he has not replied to my message yet. Maybe he is super busy right now. He is a researcher at a university in the USA. I am sure he will call me as soon as he sees the message.

However, even if he messages me back, I can't ask for money from him. But I really need him right now. I want him to comfort me… I need him to assure me that everything will turn out all right…

My trail of thoughts was broken as I heard my mom continue to cough…

I ran all the way to her bed to find she was vomiting…

"Mom, what happened?" I asked worriedly while holding her.

"I don't feel good, Elee… I feel like throwing up since the evening…" mom's voice was barely audible… She must be in real pain. Otherwise, she won't complain about her sickness.

"Did you vomit earlier as well?" I asked.

"Yes, a few times…" she barely said.

"You should have told me earlier, mom… Why didn't even Mrs Margie tell me anything?" I asked, wiping the puke on mom's face with a towel. Mrs Margies is a neighbouring woman who stays with mom when I am not around. I am afraid to keep her all alone because of her sickness. I pay Mrs Margie a small amount for taking care of my mom.

"You work so hard, my Elee... I asked her not to tell you anything. I don't want to make you worried. " my mom raised her hand weakly and caressed my face.

"Mom, I have only you; how can I not worry about you?" I asked a bit angrily.

Since her reports were not good, I didn't want to take any risk. Maybe I should take her to the hospital now.

I quickly dressed her and called a cab… Within one hour, I could take her to the hospital.

She was coughing and vomiting all the way to the hospital, which scared me.

*************************

"Elena…." Dr Harris called me after he examined my mom…

"Your mom's situation is getting worse than I even imagined… I don't think we can even wait for a month now… I ran a few tests on her again… But I don't think those tests will turn out good."

I felt like my heart stopped for a second… What am I going to do now? How am I going to find the money as soon as that?

Why God? Why do you let us be this poor and powerless… I couldn't save my dad. Now you are going to make me lose my mom too… What have I done to deserve this?

How can I even think of living a single second without my mom?

"Doctor, can I see her?" I asked, suppressing the strong urge to burst into tears right now.

He nodded…

I went to the room. Mom was sleeping on the bed. She was connected to an Oximeter. Her other hand was connected to a bottle of saline…

My mom is 50 years old, but she still looks much older. The hardships she had to face in her life made her look like this.

I gently touched my mom's cheeks… Why Are your cheeks so cold, mom? You are in a lot of pain, right? You're just hiding everything because you don't want me to worry…

As I gently caressed her cheeks and looked at her innocent face, my thoughts went back in time. I recalled the time when the three of us were happy together. We were never wealthy people, but we had enough to fulfil our needs. Recalled how my mom and dad used to laugh happily when I played with them… I remembered those times when we hugged each other and watched movies together…

How much have they loved me, and how much have they done for me? Until my father got sick unexpectedly, I never had to worry about anything because my parents took care of everything for me…

I recalled the sadness I felt when we lost my father… At that time, my only comfort was mom… If she wasn't there beside me, I would have gone crazy…

Since then, how much she has tortured herself to make everything right for us. She worked hard beyond what a human being can tolerate. Finally, that made her sick too…

Now she is lying on this hospital bed, fighting for her life… She is suffering so much…

I can't let her suffer anymore… I can't lose her…

I have to save her life no matter the price I pay for that…

I took out my phone and dialled Mr Phills' number. This is the only way I know to earn the needed money for mom's surgery within this short period.

Yes, I am ready to let my pride down… I am ready to let those wealthy, powerful bastards play with my life as they want… I can do anything for my mom…

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Third Person's Point of View

"It was Elena… She is ready to talk." Phil said, looking at Mr and Mrs Whitlock…

Mrs Whitlock looked suspiciously at her husband.

"What exactly did you do to make her change her mind?"

"Didn't I tell you Elena is a smart girl? With them, we have to be strategic…." Mr Whitlock grinned proudly.

"Danny, transfer money to Dr Harris's and that woman's accounts.

What is her name, by the way?"

"She is Margie…" Danny replied.

"It is fascinating how the poorer people are willing to let their so-called principles down when it comes to money. "Mr Whitlock said.

"They can even go to the extent of giving their friend medicine to make her situation worst," Danny added with a smile.

"Danny, Phill…" Mr Whitlock looked at both the managers.

"Never let Saint or his friends know anything about this… Remember that very well… I don't want them to ruin everything we have done so far..." He gave an order…