Chapter 3 Proposal

~Rex~

She hurried out of the car as soon as we arrived at the hospital. She offered a hasty 'thank you' before sprinting through the hospital door, her bag bouncing on her back.

"Mike". I called and he immediately gave me the Slate PC that was resting on the seat beside him. I collected it and carefully scrolled through the information on the screen, everything I needed to know about Dawn's grandfather. My eyes widened at the information in front of me. I set the Slate down on my lap, looked up, and then picked up the gadget again, checking again to ensure I didn't read wrong. Mike must have noticed the look on my face because he asked if everything was okay. I did not respond to him, still in shock from the information on the screen.

"We are going in". I told him, throwing the gadget beside me on the car seat. Mike alighted the car immediately to open the door for me.

I stepped out of the car, straightening my tuxedo, which I had not changed since the night before. I was not surprised by the stares I received as I made my way across the parking lot to the hospital entrance, with Mike trailing behind me. I am a fine man and I know it. If only another person did not have my face. Mike spoke with the nurse at the reception desk and we were soon on our way to the ward where Dawn's grandfather was admitted. It was a public ward, with no privacy except for the flimsy white curtains that did little to prevent the germs between patients.

I listened closely as the doctor in charge informed Dawn of the need for immediate surgery. She was told how much it would cost and I watched as fatigue washed over her face when she heard the amount. The doctor and a female nurse excused themselves and left the ward.

"You know what to do". I said to Mike who immediately went after the doctor.

Dawn sank into a chair, burying her face in her palms. Her hair cascaded over the side of her face, the ends resting on her lap. My eyes flickered to the sick man lying on the bed, sound asleep. His chest rising and falling with each breath. My brows knotted in a frown as questions flooded my mind, I was confused but also felt an almost unnoticeable feeling of relief looming within my heart. I approached the bed, and as she noticed my presence, she lifted her head and slowly turned her gaze toward me.

"Sir". It was obvious she was surprised to see me. "Rex". I corrected, not giving much thought to it. She pursed her lips and then asked me,

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was small and squeaky, compared to the one I heard earlier at the hospital. I could tell she was worried, very worried.

"I was not sure, now I am". I replied. Her brow arched up and she tilted her head slightly to the left, not getting what I meant.

"How is your grandpa?" I asked, drawing her attention away from what I said.

."He..he needs surgery". She held the old man's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It is expensive, I do not know where or how I'll get the money on time. But, I can not lose him too". Her voice was almost a whisper as if she was talking more to herself than to me.

"How about I pay for his expenses?" I offered. Her head whipped toward me, her eyes brightened with hope but then dimmed as her brow furrowed.

"No, thank you". She rejected my offer. "You have done enough saving me and paying my bills, I will handle this. I am not a freeloader." She said,

"Freeloader Who said you would not pay back?" I smirked, raising a brow. She peered up at me, her brows furrowing deeper.

"You?.." Her voice trailed off.

"You will pay me back for your bills and your grandfather's. But not with money". I said. Her forehead smoothed and her frown disappeared before an even deeper frown replaced it.

"What are you talking about? You think I would give my body to you? I'd rather sleep in jail". Her tone rose slightly, indicating anger.

"I do not need your money or your body". I hesitated, thinking twice about the last part. " I want your service". I said. Her frown disappeared and her gaze flickered away from me then back to me.

"Perhaps, do you know I can cook?" She asked, her large eyes twinkling with curiosity. She did not wait for a response from me before she went on. "I am a great cook, I have amazing recipes, I can…" Her voice trailed off as I shook my head.

"No?" She mumbled. I peered into her warm deep brown eyes and said,

"I want you to be my fiancee".

~Dawn~

I paused, waiting for him to tell me it was a joke but he did not. His face was marred with seriousness.

"That is a terrible joke". I said. Letting go of Gramp's hand.

"Who said I was joking?". He pulled out his hand that was tucked into his tuxedo pants and ran it through his beautiful hair, making me want to do the same. I couldn't think of anything to say, I just stared at him blankly.

"Be my fiancee for two years. After two years, we won't meet again. I will pay for your grandfather's surgery and you will also get additional benefits. He glanced at Gramps then took his eyes back to me

"Think about my proposal, Dawn". He concluded and left the ward.