Chapter 3

Élise forced herself to smile. “Enjoy your drink.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned on her heel and walked out of the VIP lounge. The moment the door closed behind her, she let out the breath she'd been holding.

“What was that?” She pressed a hand against her racing heart. It was ridiculous. She had no idea why his presence affected her so much. Perhaps it was the confidence in his voice, or the strange feeling that he could see straight through every excuse she might make without even trying. She had served hundreds of customers before, yet one conversation with that man had left her completely unsettled. His dark green eyes, his calm voice, and the way everyone around him seemed afraid to speak unless he allowed it kept running through her mind.

She shook her head. “Get it together, Élise.”

Her phone rang, and the sudden sound made her jump. She pulled it from her apron pocket and saw the name of Saint Marie Hospital on the screen. Her smile disappeared.

“No...”

She answered immediately. “Hello?”

“Miss Delacroix?”

“Yes. Is my brother alright?”

“I'm afraid his condition has changed. The doctor would like you to come to the hospital as soon as possible.”

Her fingers tightened around the phone. “Is he... is he okay?”

“Please come immediately.”

The call ended.

For a moment, she stood frozen before hurrying toward the bar. Mr. Victor looked up the moment he saw her. “What now?”

“I need to leave.”

His face hardened. “Élise, don't start.”

“The hospital just called. It's my brother.”

“We're packed.”

“I know.”

“We're already short-staffed.”

“I know.”

“You've only been working for an hour.”

She took a shaky breath. “Please.”

Something in her voice made him pause. He looked at her carefully, and for the first time, he saw panic instead of excuses. After a long silence, he sighed.

“You have two hours.”

Relief flooded through her. “Thank you.”

“If you're not back by then...”

“I understand.”

She grabbed her bag and rushed outside. A taxi stopped beside the curb, and she climbed in. “Saint Marie Hospital, please.”

The driver nodded and pulled away. A few moments later, he glanced at her through the rear-view mirror. “Everything alright, miss?”

Élise forced a small smile. “Yeah.” She turned her head toward the window before he could ask anything else. The city lights blurred together, but she barely saw them. Her thoughts were with only one person.

Please be okay, Luc.

The ride felt longer than it really was. When the taxi finally stopped, she handed the driver the fare. “Keep the change.” She jumped out and ran into the hospital, where the familiar smell of disinfectant filled the air. A nurse spotted her immediately.

“Miss Delacroix.”

“Where's my brother?”

“The doctor is waiting for you.”

Élise followed her down the corridor. Dr. Laurent was already standing outside his office, and he gave her a tired smile. “Miss Delacroix.”

She didn't return it. “Tell me.”

He motioned toward his office. Once the door closed, he folded his hands.

“Luc's condition has become more serious.”

Her stomach dropped. “How serious?”

“The medication is no longer enough to keep his heart stable.”

She stared at him. “We're running out of time.”

“There has to be something else.”

“There is.”

Hope flickered across her face.

“The surgery.”

She closed her eyes. She already knew what he was about to say.

“The deposit still hasn't been paid.”

“I'm trying.”

“I know.”

“I really am.”

“I know.”

“I've picked up extra shifts.”

“I know.”

“I've applied for loans.”

Dr. Laurent nodded. “I know you've done everything you can.”

Tears filled her eyes. “Then what do I do?”

The doctor hesitated. “You need to raise the money as soon as possible.”

“I will.”

“Luc's heart is getting weaker every day.”

She bit her lip. “I'll find a way.”

“I hope you do.”

Silence filled the room. Finally, she whispered, “Can I see him?”

“Of course.”

She walked to Room 214. For a few seconds, she simply stood outside the door. Then she took a deep breath and forced a smile before walking in.

“There she is.”

Luc looked up from the hospital bed with the same smile he always wore, and Élise smiled back. “Hey, Luc.”

“I was wondering where my favorite sister disappeared to.”

“You only have one sister.”

“Exactly.”

She laughed softly and walked over. “How are you feeling?”

“Hungry.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Hungry?”

“This hospital food should be illegal.”

She laughed again. “I'll sneak you something better tomorrow.”

“Now you're talking.”

He studied her face. “You've been crying.”

She quickly looked away. “No, I haven't.”

“Ellie.”

“I'm fine.”

“You've never been able to lie.”

She sat beside him and took his hand. It felt colder than usual, and her heart tightened.

“The doctor talked to you, didn't he?”

She stayed silent.

“I knew it.”

She squeezed his hand. “You're going to get better.”

He smiled sadly. “I hope so.”

“No.” She looked him straight in the eyes. “You will.”

He looked at her for a long moment. “Promise me something.”

“What?”

“Don't lose yourself trying to save me.”

She shook her head. “I can't promise that.”

“Ellie...”

“You're my little brother.”

“And you're my annoying big sister.”

She laughed through her tears. “I'll take that.”

He smiled. “I love you.”

She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “I love you too.”

She stood before he could notice the tears threatening to fall again. “I'll come back tomorrow.”

“I'll be waiting.”

She smiled one last time and walked out.

The door clicked shut behind her. She stood still for one second, then two, before the tears she'd been holding back finally escaped. She covered her mouth to stop herself from sobbing. She had promised Luc everything would be okay, but she wasn't sure she believed it herself.

Her phone buzzed. She opened her banking app, and the balance appeared on the screen.

It wasn't enough.

It would never be enough.

She slipped the phone back into her pock

et and wiped away her tears.

Somehow...

She was going to save her brother.

Even if it cost her everything.