Fifty Thousand Dollars

"Don't worry, Lizzie. I'll get the money for your surgery," Calvin said as he sat beside the hospital bed where his younger sister lay weakly. The sunset cast warm hues through the window, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere in the room.

"You've already sacrificed too much for me, Calvin," Lizzie replied weakly, her eyes looking tired yet filled with appreciation.

"Don't say that, Liz—"

"Fifty thousand dollars, Cal! Where are we going to get that much money? You already married that dreadful woman to get three hundred thousand dollars. She's not going to give us fifty thousand dollars more, Cal. I don't want you to be humiliated again just because of me!" Lizzie exclaimed, interrupting her brother's words with clear disapproval evident on her face.

Calvin, with a tense expression, sighed deeply.

He knew Lizzie's words held truth.

A year and a half ago, Calvin was forced to marry Alana Perry, the daughter of the Perry family, one of the wealthiest families in Ellstown, even counted among the esteemed families in Hudden.

He did everything to get the three hundred thousand dollars he needed for Lizzie's treatment.

At that time, Lizzie was on the brink of death due to a rare disease ravaging her kidneys.

Alana married Calvin not because she loved him; she even felt repulsed by Calvin. She did it all for the inheritance from her grandfather, Jonathan Perry.

In Jonathan's will, it was clearly stated that Alana was the primary heir, with the condition that she had to marry.

Calvin didn't understand why Jonathan required Alana to marry before receiving the inheritance, but he didn't care about that. What mattered most to him was that Alana was willing to pay for all of Lizzie's medical expenses.

At that time, Calvin worked as Alana's secretary. When Calvin expressed his intention to borrow money from the company, she immediately offered a marriage contract.

"I know how that woman treats you, Cal. Don't lie to me," Lizzie said with a sharp look, as if trying to pierce through her brother's emotions.

"Liz, don't worry about it. Alana isn't as bad as you think. She'll surely lend me the money we need for your surgery," Calvin said, trying to reassure his younger sister as he gently rubbed her back.

"Cal—"

"Now you have to rest, Liz. If you keep talking, I won't buy you ice cream when you're better," Calvin said with a soft smile, trying to divert Lizzie's attention from her worries.

Lizzie let out a long sigh, a sign of deep resignation and exhaustion. She felt extremely tired, but her heart was filled with hope that her brother would find a way out for both of them.

After Lizzie fell asleep from exhaustion, Calvin left the ward and tried to dial the number he had called several times in the past two days.

The hospital corridor fell silent, only the faint sound of nurses' footsteps could be heard from afar. In the silence, Calvin tried to calm himself before pressing the call button on his phone.

Alana's cell phone number, his wife, who was away on business, appeared on the screen.

Alana never answered Calvin's calls, perhaps because she was disgusted and regretted having a husband like Calvin.

Or maybe she already knew Calvin's intentions for calling her were about money. Whatever the reason, Calvin continued to try hard to call Alana, even though it was highly unlikely she would answer.

But this time, there was a voice on the other end. "What is it, Cal? Don't you know I'm busy?" Alana's voice sounded loud and short.

When Alana answered her phone, Calvin was surprised. He remained silent for a few moments and couldn't respond.

"Cal? Are you still there?" Alana asked somewhat impatiently.

Calvin took a deep breath before speaking. "Alana, can you lend me money for Lizzie's final surgery? She has found a donor, but for the surgery, we need fifty thousand dollars," Calvin said straight to the point.

His heart raced as he mentioned the amount needed.

"Fifty thousand dollars? Are you out of your mind? You always come to me asking for money, Cal! When will you realize that I'm not an ATM!" Alana exclaimed loudly, her impatience evident in her tone.

"Alana… Lizzie could die if she's not getting her surgery. And don’t you remember the contract we signed? We get married so that you get the inheritance, and in return, you pay for Lizzie’s medical bill. We are just one step from the final bill. I beg—" Calvin's words were cut off by the tone of the disconnected phone.

Alana didn't want to listen anymore, so she deliberately hung up.

"Alana! Alana! Hello?" Calvin tried tapping his phone screen, hoping for a reconnection, but to no avail.

He kept wondering, even though he knew the phone call had been disconnected. Calvin clenched his fists in frustration.

Where else could he ask for help? All the doors seemed to have closed for him.