Contract Marriage With My Billionaire Boss (Venus and Aaron) novel Chapter 11

**The Long Didn’t Say by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 11**

**VENUS**

I felt a spark of hope flickering within me, a sensation I hadn’t experienced in what seemed like an eternity. For the first time in ages, the murmurings of my heart suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, the tides might finally be shifting in my favor.

With a container of homemade food cradled in my hands, I navigated the sterile corridors of the hospital, each step echoing my determination. My mother had long grown weary of the bland, uninspired meals that the hospital served—she deserved so much more than that.

As I entered her ward, the moment was electric. “Somebody’s looking good,” she remarked, her eyes lighting up the instant I stepped through the door.

“Thank you, Mom,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face as I settled into the chair beside her. There was something undeniably brighter about her today. A glimmer of happiness danced in her eyes, and it warmed my heart.

“You’re glowing. I love this for you, sweetheart.” Her voice was gentle, wrapping around me like a soft blanket, her gaze drinking me in as if I were a long-lost treasure. I couldn’t help but blush under her affectionate scrutiny.

“You look good too, Mom. Happier,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but I meant every word.

“I—” she began, but the moment was abruptly shattered by a voice that I had come to dread.

“Martha.”

My heart plummeted as I turned my head toward the door.

Dain.

“You’re back,” my mother said, her smile widening as if his presence were a gift. That explained her glow. He had arrived.

“I’m gonna go—” I started to rise from my seat, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist with an iron-like hold.

“Venus,” my mother’s tone shifted, a hint of alarm creeping into her voice.

“Let go. You’re hurting me,” I managed to say, desperation creeping into my words. He laughed, a sour, slurred sound that made my skin crawl. The stench of alcohol wafted from him, an unwelcome cloud that enveloped me.

“You look different,” he sneered, his eyes narrowing. “Got a new sponsor?”

“Dain, let go of her,” my mother interjected sharply, the strain in her voice palpable as she attempted to shield me.

“Your darling daughter pulled a broken glass on me and kicked me out. Changed the damn locks too. The bitch.” He shoved me back into the chair, as if he had every right to do so.

“Venus, is that true?” My mother’s gaze shifted to me, confusion etched across her features, as if I were the one at fault. Of course, he was here to spin his twisted version of events.

“He stole the money I was saving for your chemo,” I said quietly, casting my eyes around the room, as if the walls might shield me from this confrontation. “All of it.”

“Billy threatened to kill me, you bitch,” he shot back, venom lacing his words. “I still owe him, and you—you’re walking around looking all shiny. Bet you’ve got money now.”

“Is there no money for the chemo?” My mother’s voice cracked, the weight of her concern hanging heavily in the air.

“There is. I paid part of it already. I’ll get the rest soon. I promise.” My heart raced at the thought of Dain discovering my financial situation. I couldn’t let him know; he was entangled with dangerous people.

“Then what was all that fuss for, huh?” he spat, his eyes blazing with anger. “Talk to your daughter, Martha. I’ve got nowhere to stay and Billy’s breathing down my neck.” And just like that, he was gone, leaving behind a tense silence.

“Venus,” my mother began, and I braced myself for the inevitable.

“No, Mom. I’m not letting him back in,” I replied firmly, the conviction in my voice unwavering.

“Venus, he’s your father,” she pleaded, the desperation in her tone tugging at my heartstrings.

“Hey, stranger,” I answered, forcing a lightness into my tone.

“Hello to you too,” she chuckled, her warmth radiating through the line.

“Seriously, Venus? It’s been days. Not a single reply to my texts. I leave for a week, and you cut me off?” Her voice was a mix of concern and playful accusation.

“You know it’s not like that, Gianna. I’ve just been dealing with a lot. I’m sorry if I made you feel cut off,” I replied, my heart aching at the thought of her worrying.

“You can tell me anything, Venus. We’re friends, sisters even.” Gianna and I had been inseparable since our high school days, navigating life together. We had shared everything—college, late-night shifts at the diner, and countless laughs. She had just left to visit her grandparents a few days ago.

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just—” I hesitated, then poured out everything that had transpired with Dain. If there was one thing we shared, it was our mutual disdain for him.

“Stupid asshole. How are you going to get the money now? I’ve got some savings—”

Of course, I didn’t mention the contract with Aaron Sinclair. There was no way I could convince Gianna that he and I were madly in love. She would see right through that facade.

“No, I’ll figure something out. I already made a partial payment, remember?” I reassured her, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Alright. But promise me—promise me—you’ll call if you need help. I’ll do whatever I can.” Her sincerity wrapped around me like a warm embrace.

Gianna’s family wasn’t wealthy, but they were real—loving and safe. Her parents had taken me in countless times when I needed to escape Dain. Good people, all of them.

“I will. Thanks, Gi. Have fun,” I said, forcing a smile into my voice.

“With old people?” she teased, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Yeah, yeah. Bye.”