Chapter 6: That Strange Request

"Lily, I know this might seem like a strange request," Susan said, her voice hesitant. "But would you consider marrying my son?"

Lily's eyes widened in surprise, and she was at a loss for words. "I...I don't know what to say," she stammered. "I'm flattered, but I'm not sure if that's something I'm ready for..."

"Please, just think about it," Susan pleaded. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I think you would be good for my son. You seem like a kind, gentle soul, and he...."

"I'm just not sure if I'm ready to commit to something like that," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm still processing the end of my last relationship, and I'm not sure if I'm emotionally ready to start something new."

"I understand," Susan said, her tone sympathetic. "But please know that I'm not asking you to rush into anything. I just want you to consider the possibility, if you're open to it. I really do think you'd be good for my son."

"I'm not sure," Lily said, shaking her head. "I appreciate your offer, but I..."

"Mom, please," Chris said, his voice firm. "Lily has been through a lot, and I don't think it's fair to put this kind of pressure on her. She needs time to heal and figure out what she wants."

Susan looked at her son, a look of surprise on her face. "I didn't realize it was that serious," she said. "I'm sorry, Lily, I didn't mean to push you into anything you're not ready for."

Lily managed a small smile. "Thank you, Chris," she said, grateful for his support. "And thank you for understanding"

"You better not end up an old bachelor, young man," Susan said, wagging her finger at Chris. "I know you're busy with your work, but don't forget to make time for your personal life."

"I know, Mom," Chris said, rolling his eyes. "You don't have to keep reminding me." He gave Lily a quick smile before following his mother upstairs. As he climbed the stairs, he couldn't help but wonder if Lily would ever consider his mother's suggestion.

"Hey, Lily," Chris said, giving her a friendly smile. "I was about to head out, and I thought I'd offer you a ride if you need one."

Lily hesitated, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to seem rude by turning down his offer, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to spend more time with him. "That's really kind of you," she said, her voice uncertain. "But I think I'm going to walk home."

"Are you sure?" Chris asked, concern written all over his face. "It's pouring rain outside."

"Alright, I'll take you up on your offer," Lily said, feeling a little relieved that she wouldn't have to walk home in the rain. "Thank you, Chris."

"No problem," Chris said, opening the front door for her. "Hop in and I'll get you home safe and sound."

As they drove, the silence between them felt awkward at first, but slowly, they began to chat about the things they had in common. By the time they arrived at Lily's house, they were both laughing and talking like old friends.

"Thanks again, Chris," Lily said, opening the car door.

"What's going on?" Chris asked, panic rising in his voice. "Is that your mom?"

Lily's heart sank as she saw her mother being carried out of the house on a stretcher. "Oh my God," she said, her voice trembling. "I need to get out of the car."

"Of course," Chris said, unbuckling his seatbelt and rushing to open Lily's door. "Let's go see what's going on."

Lily ran to her mother's side, her eyes filling with tears. "Mom!" she cried, clutching her mother's hand.

Lily signed the paperwork with shaking hands, her mind racing with worry and fear. As the ambulance drove away, she turned to Chris. "Thank you so much for doing this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't believe this is happening."

"It's no trouble at all," Chris said, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Let's just focus on getting to the hospital and finding out what's going on with your mom."

The ride to the hospital felt like it took an eternity, but finally they arrived at the emergency room. Lily rushed inside, hoping to find some answers.

When she reached the hospital she dashed in and the doctors informed her that two million dollars was needed immediately for her mother's surgery or she'd die.

Lily's heart sank as the doctor spoke, her hands trembling as she tried to process what he was saying. "Two million dollars?" she stammered, her mind racing. "But I don't have that kind of money. I don't even have a fraction of that."

The doctor looked at her sympathetically. "I understand this is a lot to take in," he said, his voice gentle. "But I need you to understand that without this surgery, your mother's condition will only get worse."

"I know," Lily said, trying to stay calm. "But I don't have the money.

Lily's head was spinning as she tried to process the doctor's words. She knew her family didn't have that kind of money, and she didn't know what to do. "Is there any way we can work out a payment plan?" she asked, her voice desperate. "Or maybe there's some kind of financial aid we can apply for?"

"I'm afraid not," the doctor said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but we need the money upfront in order to proceed with the surgery. I know this is difficult, but it's the only option we have."

Lily felt like she was going crazy.

Lily's emotions were running high, and she knew she was grasping at straws. But she was so desperate to save her mother that she was willing to do anything. "Please, Chris," she said, her eyes pleading. "I know it's a lot to ask, but please, I'll do anything. I'll do anything you want, just please help me save my mom."

Chris was taken aback by Lily's offer, but he knew she was only doing it out of desperation. He didn't want her to feel like she had to make such a big sacrifice.

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