Page 100 of Surrendering to the Obsession

She repeated the words again and again, trying to steady her trembling voice.

“I will wait for him at his office. I just need to borrow money from him for mom’s operation. That’s it. I’ll pay it back. Whether he is married or not is none of my business.”

She repeated the words again and again, almost as if she needed them to hold her together. Then she slid her phone into her pocket and exhaled shakily.

“Yes! What am I even thinking?” she muttered. “I always wished he would leave me alone. I wish heismarried so he won’t force me into another contract with him.”

Her voice cracked slightly, remembering. “Last time, he took advantage of my vulnerability when I desperately needed the money. I signed that contract because I needed that money.”

She clenched her jaw, fists tightening.

“The situation is the same now… but I won’t do it again. I won’t sign another contract. If he’s married… good. I hope he is. Then at least, he won’t try to trap me again.”

She nodded to herself firmly, as if trying to hold herself together, even though her heart was beating painfully under her ribs.

Janet looked back at the massive building again, her eyes scanning every corner desperately as if Alexander would suddenly appear. But the street stayed silent. No cars pulling up. No familiar figure walking inside.

Nothing.

Slowly, she sank down against the cold wall near the entrance, her knees weak, her body trembling. She kept staring at the glassdoors without blinking, waiting… even as her eyes grew heavy and exhaustion pulled at her.

Hours passed.

Day turned into night.

Night faded into another morning.

Still no sign of Alexander.

Janet looked completely undone—hair disheveled, clothes wrinkled and dirty, her face pale and lost—completely drained. She still didn’t move from her spot. She kept staring at the building, expression blank.

The cleaning lady arrived early in the morning. She paused, confused to see Janet sitting on the ground like a lost soul, but she didn’t say anything. She quietly swept around where Janet sat and moved on quietly.

Just then, a cab stopped nearby.

Christie and Victor jumped out in a panic the moment it stopped, panic written all over their faces. They spotted Janet immediately and rushed toward her.

“Janet?” Christie cried as she fell to her knees beside her. She grabbed Janet by the shoulders, lifting her carefully to help her stand. “What is going on? What are you doing here? Why are you sitting on the ground like this?”

Victor cupped Janet’s face, trying to get her attention.

Janet blinked at them, confused, her senses still blurred.

Victor finally got her focus and snapped, “Where the hell have you been?! We looked everywhere! We went to your house, asked the neighbours—no one knew where you were!”

He grabbed her arms. “Your mom’s condition is critical. She needs the surgery right now. They can’t take her in until you sign the consent form.”

Like a switch flipping, Janet’s expression twisted. Her eyes filled with panic and anger.

Suddenly, she gripped his arms and shoved him away violently.

“I’m not leaving this place!” she shouted, her voice cracking. “I can’t leave! I have to wait for Alexander so I can borrow money from him for Mom’s treatment!”

Her voice cracked, trembling, desperate.

“I need a lot of money… a lot,” she whispered, as if convincing herself. “As long as I get enough money from Alexander, Mom’s heart can be cured. Just like five years ago… last time… I saved her. Only I can save her. I just have to sacrifice my life. Ihaveto get this money!”

Victor frowned deeply and grabbed her shoulders, turning her to face him directly.