Acting The Part

Chapter 7: Megan

Five days. Five days since that night with him.

I thought I could move on, that I could shove it to the back of my mind and get on with everything I had to do, but nothing seemed to work. I kept replaying the way his hands felt on my skin, the way he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world.

It was supposed to be just one night—something to forget, something to leave behind—but I couldn't.

Nothing left to lose, right? That's what I told myself. I could get on with this, keep my heart open to the reality of my situation. But it wasn't that simple. Not anymore. The reluctance that had been gnawing at me for weeks only grew stronger after the night I spent with him.

A night that was supposed to be dirty, just another step toward survival, had turned into something else. Something I didn't want to let go of. Something I couldn't forget.

It wasn't supposed to be beautiful, Megan, I told myself. It wasn't supposed to feel magical.

But it had been. I'd never felt anything like it before. A connection so raw, so intense, that it left me breathless. My mind kept drifting back to the way his eyes darkened with every touch, every kiss. I'd seen the passion, the hunger, the desire that we both tried to ignore but couldn't.

And now, I had to face the reality that I would never see him again. He was way out of my league, and I didn't have delusions about that.

Men like him don't stick around. They don't even remember women like me after a night like that.

But still, I cherished it. It was the most wonderful night I'd ever had, and probably the best I ever would. Something to treasure, even though I knew it couldn't last.

But tonight—tonight was different. Mr. Rodriguez.

My stomach churned just thinking about it. After I'd ditched him that night, he'd been furious. He'd called me, his voice thick with anger, demanding an explanation. I'd lied—said there was an emergency.

He had no choice but to let it go, but he made it clear there wouldn't be any more "emergencies." Tonight, there were no more excuses. Tonight, I had to meet him.

I felt sick at the thought. The idea of going through with it, of being with him... I couldn't bear it. Not after what I'd experienced with that other man. It wasn't supposed to be like this, was it?

I didn't want to do any of it, but I didn't have a choice. My mom—she needed help. And I was running out of time.

I sighed and glanced at her, lying in the hospital bed. She was barely conscious now, her body so frail that the simple act of breathing seemed like a struggle. But she was stronger in spirit, hiding the pain behind a smile whenever she could. She didn't want me to see it. She didn't want me to worry.

It broke my heart more.

"Did you hear about that actress, sweetie?" she asked in that soft, raspy voice, her eyes bright despite the weakness in her body. "The one who finally got the lead role in that movie? What's her name...?"

I smiled, sitting beside her, holding her hand as gently as I could. "Yeah, Mom. Her name's Eva. I know. She's doing great." I kept my voice light, pretending everything was fine. Pretending that I wasn't collapsing inside.

She was so proud of me, always asking about my work, how things were going. I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth. I couldn't tell her about Mr. Rodriguez and what he wanted from me.

And I definitely couldn't tell her about that night with my mysterious guy.

We talked about everything—about old TV shows she used to love, about her favorite entertainment news. It was our usual conversation, and it always comforted her. But today, it felt heavier. Like we were running out of time.

Then, the doctor came in, interrupting us. Her face was composed, calm, but there was something different in her expression. "Megan, could I speak with you for a moment?"

I stood, my heart hammering in my chest. "Of course," I said, giving my mom a reassuring smile before stepping out into the hallway with the doctor.

She closed the door behind us, then turned to me, her eyes softening. "I have good news."

I blinked, not sure I'd heard her right. "Good news?"

She nodded. "A good Samaritan has come forward. They're willing to pay for all of your mother's medical expenses."

I stared at her, frozen in place. "What?" My voice came out in a whisper, barely audible.

The doctor smiled. "It's true. Your mother's treatment will be fully covered. You don't have to worry about the costs anymore."

My legs felt weak, like they might give out at any second. I grabbed the edge of the wall, steadying myself, my mind racing. "Are you sure?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Are you absolutely sure?"

She nodded, her smile growing. "Yes, Megan. The benefactor is here. He asked to meet you."

A strange mix of relief and disbelief washed over me, and I nodded, barely able to speak. "Yes... yes, of course. I'll meet him."

My head spun as I followed her down the hall toward the office. The tension in my chest loosened, but it was quickly replaced with confusion. Who would do this? I didn't know anyone with that kind of money. And why would they want to help me?

We reached the door to the office, and the doctor opened it, gesturing for me to step inside. I walked in, my heart still pounding, my mind still trying to make sense of it all.

And then I saw him.

I froze.

It's you.

The man from that night. The man who had left me breathless, who had made me feel things I didn't think were possible. The man I thought I'd never see again.

He stood there, his eyes locking onto mine, his expression unreadable.

What the hell is he doing here?