Chapter 1: Invitation

Paige Evans's Point of View:

"The diagnosis revealed that your mom's kidneys have failed completely, and the dialysis can no longer sustain her. So, she'll need an urgent transplant."

I buried my face in my palm after hearing what Doctor Murphy said. I know a kidney transplant may save my mother's life, but we've lost count of months looking for a donor. I would have donated my kidney, but unfortunately, mine isn't compatible.

"My mom needs the transplant. But do we have a donor?" I asked.

"Well, good news because we already have a donor. You just need to make the necessary payments and complete the paperwork to allow us to begin the procedure," he said. I felt relieved at what he said, but instantly felt weak in the knees when I realized this might cost ten times more than dialysis. Dialysis is already too expensive for us. Now I can't imagine how much a transplant would cost.

"Given the rate of decline, she has four days to get a new kidney, or we might encounter complications. The toxins in her system are building up rapidly and she needs an organ for removal quickly," he added, and I felt weak with every word he said.

I nodded and thanked Doctor Murphy before walking out of his office. I went inside my mother's ward to see her one last time before finally leaving the hospital. I still have less than an hour before my shift as a waitress starts.

"God, what do I do now?" I whispered to myself while holding the hand of my unconscious mother lying on the hospital bed. All the glow is gone from her. She used to look very healthy and radiant. Now sickness seems to be ruling her body. She looks like she aged quickly, and she's pale and dull.

I kissed her forehead and finally stood up. I don't know where I will get the money for the transplant. Maybe I can try asking my dad for some money.

As I walked out of the room, my cellphone beeped, indicating that I just received a notification. I opened it and received an email from the hospital about the transplant procedure and how much it will cost.

I almost cried seeing the figure on my screen. "Two hundred thousand dollars for just an organ?" I said to myself. I feel so stressed. Where will I get that huge amount of money? My annual salary as a waitress won't even be enough for that.

The hospital is just a few blocks away from my workplace, so I decided to walk, thinking it might help clear and relax my mind, but it's no use. I still kept thinking about how I can get that money. I'm focused on thinking of ideas of what to do when I was startled by the loud horn of a passing car.

"Paige? Oh my gosh, Paige Evans, it's you!"

I turned to the person inside the car and saw it was Becca, my friend from High School. We used to live in the same small town, but seeing her now inside a Porsche, I can say she's already doing well with her life. Good for her, and I'm happy for her.

"Hey, Becca. What's up? Long time no see!" I tried to match her energy.

"I'm good! Oh my gosh, girl. I haven't seen you for so long! I missed you. Well, do you have plans for tonight?" She asked.

I continued walking, and she accompanied me by driving her car slowly to match my pace.

"W-well, I don't know," I responded awkwardly. It's a shame to tell her that I'll be looking for some extra gigs for extra income after my shift as a waitress tonight.

She knows who I am. She knows I am Paige Evans, the daughter of Oliver Evans, one of the biggest business tycoons in the city. But she doesn't know that, as an illegitimate child, I'm not entitled to any of my father's wealth. 

"Good! Sounds like you have no plans for tonight. Gosh, hop in!" She said and opened the door of the front seat. I hesitated but hopped in, considering it will help me get to my workplace faster.

"So, what about tonight?" I asked, even though I'm not actually interested. I know she'll just invite me to some leisure and fun, which I don't have time for any of those.

"You know, tonight is the grand opening of my bar in the Upper East Side. And I'll be happy if you'd come. I promise you, you'll find yourself enjoying!" She said.

"I'd love to, but I don't think I can, Becca. Thanks for inviting, though. And congratulations, by the way," I said. I don't have time for any of this. What I need is to find some money for my mom's transplant.

"What? Why?" She asked and pouted.

"I just..." I sighed and looked outside the car through the window. "I need to find some gig tonight after my shift. I need it for my mom's hospital bills," I said.

A moment of silence ruled the car. She seemed surprised by what I said. I already expected it. She may be judging me now. After the news all over our town about me moving into my father's mansion, everyone thought my life turned from rags to riches. But they're wrong.

"Aww, I was excited for a second. But just in case it'll help for you to change your mind, we'll be hosting a lot of fun games, And the pot prize is a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I got big sponsors attending tonight," she said and winked.

"W-well--"

"Oh, stop, Paige. I know how hard it is for you right now. Just think about your mom, okay? This might be your chance. Here's my calling card, just give me a call whenever you make up your mind. I'm still your friend. Don't be ashamed when you're around me. I got you," she said and handed me a black card with her contact details.

She dropped me off at the restaurant where I work. I felt blank for a while before realizing what just happened. I looked at her calling card before finally putting it inside my pocket.

Just as I was about to enter the restaurant, I took out her card again and sent her a message. This is it. She's right. This might help cover my mother's hospital bills. $150,000 is no joke and I might get some of it just playing harmless games. I just need to win.

"Hi, Becca. It's me, Paige. I'm coming tonight," I typed and sent it to her number.

After that, I searched for my boyfriend's number to send him a message so he won't wait for me tonight.

"I'll be home late tonight. I've got some extra gigs. Need this for mom. Don't wait for me, love you."