Chapter three

Chapter 3

"The innocent-faced ones are always the real gold diggers," Miss Pat snapped, her voice laced with venom as she glared at Tia. "If you needed money, couldn’t you at least ask for help? Did you really have to use your sticky hands to take something you couldn’t afford in a hundred years?"

"Ma’am, I swear... I didn’t take it," Tia sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her voice cracked as she tried to defend herself, but her words fell on deaf ears.

"That’s enough." Adam Black’s voice sliced through the tension in the room. He ran a hand through his thick hair, his expression a mix of irritation and disbelief. "The wallet’s been found, so there’s no point dragging this out. But you..." His eyes pinned Tia in place. "You thief, you need to be dealt with."

Tia’s legs wobbled as she clutched her apron, her heart pounding in her chest. Nora stood frozen, her face pale as she helplessly watched her friend break down.

"Leave it to me, Mr. Black," Miss Pat said, stepping forward with her usual authoritarian air. "I’ll handle this."

Adam nodded sharply, his expression indifferent. "Fine. Do what you must. Just get her out of here."

"Tia, take your things and leave the premises immediately," Miss Pat ordered coldly, her words hitting like a final blow. "You’re fired."

Tia’s lips quivered, and for a moment, she looked like she might collapse. She glanced at Nora, silently pleading for some kind of intervention, but Nora simply stood there, unable to meet her gaze.

Gathering what little strength she had left, Tia wiped her tears with trembling hands and gathered her belongings. Her vision blurred, but she forced herself to move, step by step, out of the suite, leaving behind the job, the humiliation, and the crushing weight of betrayal.

As Tia walked out of the hotel, she caught Nora subtly giving her a quick sign—she’d call later. It was a small gesture, but it did little to ease the heaviness pressing on Tia’s chest.

Miss Pat, however, wasn’t as kind. Without a second thought, she withheld Tia’s pending pay, refusing to give her even a dime. No explanations, no apologies—just a cold dismissal, leaving Tia to fend for herself.

Walking home, Tia’s mind raced, the weight of her reality crushing her. Her dreams of college seemed to drift further out of reach with every step. How was she supposed to keep going now?

Her younger brother’s face flashed in her mind. Diagnosed with cancer, he was undergoing chemo treatments that drained what little money they had.

He was the only family she had left, and Tia had vowed to do whatever it took to keep him alive.

This job, as grueling as it was, had been her lifeline—the only thing keeping their bills paid, their rent covered, and the lights on.

It had been a thread of hope, something she clung to as she quietly saved for college. And now, even that thread was gone.

Tia bit her lip, holding back tears as she tightened her grip on the strap of her worn bag.

She had no idea how she’d get through this, but one thing was certain—she couldn’t afford to fall apart. Not when her brother needed her to be strong.

Tia pushed open the hospital room door, her heart twisting at the sight before her. Freddy, her fifteen-year-old baby brother, was perched on the bed, his bald head catching the light from the window. Despite his frail frame, he greeted her with the same warm smile that could brighten even the darkest days.

“Hey, sis,” Freddy said, his voice soft but steady. “You’re late. Did you forget I’m the star of this show?”

Tia forced a laugh, biting down the lump in her throat. “How could I forget? I’ve been dying to see the diva in action.”

Freddy grinned, lifting his arms dramatically. “Welcome to my kingdom of IV drips and Jell-O cups. Want me to sign an autograph?”

Tia walked over and sat on the edge of his bed, taking his hand in hers. It felt so small, so fragile, yet he squeezed her fingers like he was trying to reassure her.

“You’re looking better today,” she said, brushing a stray thread off his blanket. “Must be all those Jell-O cups you’ve been hoarding.”

Freddy leaned closer, his voice dropping to a mock whisper. “It’s my secret weapon. The nurses think I like the lime ones, but they don’t know I trade them for strawberry.”

Tia laughed, a real laugh this time, and Freddy’s smile widened like he’d just won a prize. But then his gaze softened as he looked at her.

“You okay?” he asked, tilting his head. “You look... tired.”

Her throat tightened. Freddy always noticed, no matter how much she tried to hide it. “I’m fine,” she lied, smoothing his blanket. “Just work stuff.”

Freddy frowned. “You’ve got to stop worrying about me so much, T. I’m the tough one, remember? You said it yourself.”

Tia’s chest ached. “You are tough, Freddy. Tougher than anyone I know.”

“Then trust me,” he said, his eyes locking onto hers. “We’re going to get through this. Together.”

Tia couldn’t hold back anymore. She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him carefully, as if he might break, even though she knew he wouldn’t. Freddy hugged her back, his warmth reminding her why she fought so hard every single day.

The soft knock on the door interrupted their moment. Tia pulled away from Freddy, her heart still heavy, as the doctor stepped inside. He was a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a clipboard tucked under his arm.

“Miss Nelson,” he said gently, glancing between Tia and Freddy before focusing on her. “Could I speak with you for a moment? Privately.”

Tia’s stomach dropped. She nodded, squeezing Freddy’s hand before standing. “I’ll be right back, okay?” she said to her brother, forcing a small smile. Freddy nodded, though his curious gaze lingered on them as Tia followed the doctor out into the hallway.

The moment the door closed behind them, the doctor’s expression shifted, his professionalism softening into something more concerned. Tia felt the weight of his words before he even spoke.

“I wanted to update you on Freddy’s condition,” he began, his voice low. “He’s responding to the treatment, but...”

Her chest tightened. “But?” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor hesitated, as though searching for the gentlest way to deliver the blow. “The chemotherapy is taking a toll on his body.

We’re seeing signs that his immune system is weakening significantly. It’s not uncommon in cases like his, but it means we’ll need to be extra vigilant. He’s at a higher risk of infections, and... the costs for his additional care may increase.”

Tia’s head spun. Higher costs. She could barely keep up with the bills as it was. Her job had been the only thing keeping them afloat, and now...

“Miss Nelson?” The doctor’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. “Are you okay?

She swallowed hard, nodding quickly, though her heart felt like it might shatter. “Yes. I’m okay. I’ll... I’ll figure it out.”

The doctor studied her for a moment before offering a small, sympathetic nod. “If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Freddy’s a fighter. We’ll do everything we can for him.”

Tia forced a smile, even as her eyes stung with unshed tears. “Thank you, doctor.”

As he walked away, Tia leaned against the cold wall of the hallway, her hands trembling. Her thoughts raced back to Fr

eddy’s smile, his optimism, the way he believed they’d get through this together. She couldn’t let him down—not now, not ever.

With a deep breath, she straightened herself. There had to be a way. For Freddy, there always had to be a way.