The Devil's Game: A Deadly Bargain

Alison raced back to Kaira's house, her heart pounding with urgency. She had no time to lose, and fortunately, the house was only a few blocks away. Ever since Riley's accident, Kaira had been a steadfast friend, offering Alison a place to stay after her family house, wealth, and parents' business were all stripped away. Kaira had also been a pillar of support, helping Alison care for Riley. But now, Alison was leaving, and the thought of facing her best friend weighed heavily on her. She didn't know how she would explain it to Kaira, to Jayden, or even to Riley. But this was for the best. She would stay in touch, even from afar.

As she frantically gathered her remaining belongings, her hand brushed against something familiar—a diamond ring embedded in a chain necklace. It was a gift from Jayden, designed to be worn as either a ring or a necklace. She clutched it tightly, holding it close to her chest, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to relive the memories. The weight of her decision pressed down on her, but she knew she couldn't afford to linger. With a deep breath, she steeled herself, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. There was no time for hesitation.

Half an hour later, Alison stood by the roadside, a small suitcase by her side containing the few possessions she had left. She glanced at her wristwatch—8:47 p.m. The sky was already dark, illuminated only by a pale, full moon and a handful of stars. A cold breeze swept through the streets, making her shiver. Time was slipping away.

She flagged down a taxi and quickly boarded.

Twenty minutes later, the taxi rolled to a stop in front of the hospital. Alison stepped out, handing the driver the last of her money. "Keep the change," she said quietly, uncertain if she would need it where she was going. As the taxi sped off, she hurried into the building, her heart pounding in her chest.

Inside the waiting room, a slender receptionist behind the counter greeted her with a warm smile.

"How may I help you, ma'am?"

"I'm here to inquire about a patient admitted three days ago. He's scheduled for an operation," Alison said, her voice strained with anxiety.

The receptionist nodded and retrieved a file from a nearby drawer, scanning it quickly. "His name—Riley Palmer?"

"Yes, that's him."

"He's in the ICU, room 29."

Alison mouthed a quick "thank you" before rushing to the elevator. She jabbed the button, and the doors slid shut with a soft ping. The elevator ascended rhythmically, and within seconds, it came to a halt. The doors opened, revealing a series of well-lit, empty corridors.

She walked briskly, her footsteps echoing off the sterile walls, until she reached room 29. Just as she arrived, a doctor emerged from the room.

"Excuse me," she said, her voice trembling with urgency. "How's Riley? Is he okay? Please, can you start the operation?"

The doctor adjusted his glasses and looked at her with a calm demeanor. "The operation finished about thirty minutes ago."

Alison's face lit up with relief. "Really? How is he?"

"He's still unconscious because the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet, but the surgeons were able to stabilize his condition. He'll be okay. I should also inform you that an anonymous donor has paid all of his medical bills."

Alison already knew about the payment. "May I see him?" she asked, her voice a mix of relief and anxiety.

"Yes, you may," the doctor replied with a nod.

"Thank you," she whispered gratefully before turning to the door. A wave of unease washed over her. She was relieved that Riley was going to be okay, but the reality of what lay ahead weighed heavily on her. How was she going to tell Kaira or Jayden that she wouldn't be there to help Riley during his recovery, or to reclaim their lost home and property? The thought filled her with sadness. She took a deep breath, gathering her resolve, and pushed open the door.

The room was large, sterile, and modestly furnished. Her eyes were immediately drawn to her friend, Kaira, sitting in a chair beside the bed, her eyes closed in exhaustion. Alison's heart sank as she saw her brother lying in the bed, surrounded by a tangle of tubes and wires. IV lines were attached to both his arms and one foot, and wires trailed from his bare chest to the machines that monitored his vital signs. An oxygen mask covered his face, and the slow, steady beep of the heart monitor filled the room.

"Alison!" Kaira's voice, filled with relief, startled her. Alison turned to see her friend staring at her with concern etched across her face. "Are you okay?"

Alison nodded quickly, masking the uncertainty that gnawed at her. "I'm fine," she replied with a forced smile. "How's Riley?"

"The surgery was successful, but he hasn't woken up yet," Kaira said, her voice soft but reassuring.

"I'm so glad he's okay," Alison said, her smile faltering as the weight of her impending departure pressed down on her.

Kaira gave her a warm smile. "Alison, you've shown today that you'd do anything to save the people you care about. I'm proud to have you as my best friend."

Alison managed a weak smile. "Thank you," she said, though the words felt hollow. Despite her relief that Riley was on the mend, the events that had transpired to ensure his recovery haunted her. She was eager to change the subject, to rid herself of the burden that clung to her.

"And Jayden…" Kaira began, hesitating.

"What about him?" Alison asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"He called me a little while ago. By the way, why haven't you been answering his calls?"

Alison's heart skipped a beat. "Uh… well—uhm," she stammered, feeling the walls closing in around her. "I've been really busy."

Kaira narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Alison for a moment before shrugging. "Okay then."

Alison mentally breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Jayden would eventually find out about the contract she had signed, the one that would bind her to a life she couldn't escape. But that was the last thing she needed to think about right now. She turned her attention back to Kaira, struggling to find the words to explain that she would be leaving soon—possibly for good. The truth was too painful to reveal, so she had to come up with a believable excuse.

"Uh… Kaira, I have something to tell you," she began cautiously.

"Go on," Kaira encouraged, her expression curious.

"I… um," Alison hesitated, searching for the right words. "I have a new job."

To her surprise, Kaira's face lit up with excitement. "Oh my gosh, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"

Alison forced a smile, knowing the difficult part was yet to come. "But there's a problem," she continued, pausing to gather her thoughts. "I have to travel to Miami for the job," she said, blurting out the first city that came to mind.

A brief silence followed, and Alison couldn't tell if Kaira was confused or disappointed. Finally, Kaira forced a smile. "That's not an issue. As long as you're given enough time to settle things here first," she said.

Alison took a deep breath, steeling herself for what came next. "You see, that's the problem. I have to leave now."

Another silence descended upon them, but this time, Alison could see the disappointment in Kaira's eyes.

"You can't go now," Kaira finally said, her voice laced with disbelief.

"But I have to—"

"No, you don't," Kaira interrupted, her tone firm. "Explain your situation to them. They'll understand. They have to understand."

"It's not that easy, Kaira," Alison replied, feeling the weight of her decision pressing down on her.

"And Riley?" Kaira demanded, gesturing to the bed. "Look at him. How's he going to react when he finds out?"

Alison swallowed hard. "That's why I'm trusting you to take care of him," she said softly, hoping her words didn't sound as hollow to Kaira as they did to her.

Kaira's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"His finances and needs will be taken care of beforehand. When he recovers, he'll get a decent job," Alison explained, though the words felt rehearsed, as if she were trying to convince herself more than Kaira.

Kaira sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "But you'll come back, right? For the holidays?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"I'm not sure kaira".

Her friend seemed upset, "You can't leave…."

"Leave to where?"

A painfully familiar voice caught their attention. Alison turned to see Riley staring at her in confusion.