THE DREAM PART 2

"Collect my soul? But you said you saved me." She asked, confused.

The reaper chuckled. His cold resonant tone that seemed to emanate at the back of his throat sent shivers into her spine. "I can reconsider and keep you alive but you have to do something in return."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I would like you to sign a contract with me." He said.

"What contract?"

He was just standing still, staring at her with his red beaming eyes.

"Be my bride. And I will keep you alive."

Crystal slightly opened her eyes only to be blinded by the ray of sun coming from the window.

"Oh my! You're awake! You scared the hell out of me!" Amanda exclaimed.

She frowned, trying to see where she was.

"You're at the hospital. You suddenly fainted." Amanda continued.

She remembered having a conversation with the reaper. It looked real, she thought.

"How long did I pass out?" She asked.

"You were unconscious for three days."

She nodded. "I see."

So it was just a dream. Maybe she was really on the verge of dying so she met the reaper while she was unconscious. She thought inwardly.

"Where am I? I mean what hospital?" She asked when she noticed it wasn't the hospital where she had her check up.

"North Grove City Health Haven Hospital. When you fainted I don't know what to do. No one was helping, but a man who introduced himself as a doctor. He brought you here, and now you're his patient."

"What? What happened to Dr. Matthews?" She was confused.

Amanda sighed. "He said since he's already involved and the hospital, you're their responsibility now. Dr. Matthews agreed that all your files will be transferred here. They promised a cure, Crystal. You know that this hospital treats patients with rare illnesses, right? Maybe it's better for you to be here."

Of course she wanted a cure. All she ever wished was to have a normal life. North Grove was her parents' first choice, but Dr. Matthews was also one of the best doctors who didn't get into that prestigious hospital. Not because she wasn't good enough, but she didn't have any connection.

"What will happen to Dr. Matthews?"

Before Amanda could answer, a gorgeous man with a god-like feature stepped inside. Her heart pounded, but she wasn't sure of the reason. It's just that she felt something toward the man that she had never felt before.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Myers. I am Dr. Allistair Cohen. I'll be in charge of your treatment from now on."

His voice was so sexy that she felt like something inside her was awakened.

"W–What about Dr. Matthews?" She stuttered.

"Don't worry about her. She'll still be around to check on you."

She frowned. He's gorgeous and sexy alright, but he seemed so full of himself.

"I refuse to be treated by you." She blurted.

"Crystal!" Amanda exclaimed.

"And what's your reason, Ms. Myers?"

She bit her lip when he stared at her. His gaze felt like he was undressing her.

"Dr. Cohen, I know this hospital might be my last chance to survive this illness. In fact, to be treated here was one of my dreams. But Dr. Matthews is my mom's friend and I consider her family. She helped me a lot and I trust her. She would be happy if I get cured, but being her patient also helped her financially."

It was the truth. Dr. Matthews was working in a small hospital for free to help patients from poor families. Her parents decided to hire the doctor to help with her charity work.

"I already know about that. So, I recommended her to be one of the resident doctors here. She can still continue her charity work as long as she's off duty."

She was already surprised by what she heard, but her heart jumped when Dr. Matthews came inside the room with a smile on her face.

"Crystal, I'm glad you're awake."

"Dr. Matthews! Is it true? You'll be working here from now on?"

The doctor nodded. "Dr. Cohen recommended me. It happened too fast. I didn't expect it. I'm happy that I will still be your doctor."

"B-But I thought—"

"Well, I will be Dr. Cohen's assistant to be exact. Crystal, focused on your treatment. Dr. Cohen promised a cure so you have to trust him."

All she did was just nod. She was unsure of her situation. The man who called himself Dr. Allistair Cohen seemed too perfect, and she couldn't understand why there was doubt in her mind.

"Then what will be the treatment? Is it heart surgery or a transplant?" She asked.

Dr. Cohen smiled slightly, making her heart raise.

"Rest for now. There's no rush. You will soon find out about it." He said.

She didn't realize that she was staring at him. His amber eyes felt like a needle piercing through her skin. She suddenly felt sluggish and couldn't control her eyes from closing.

"Will she be okay?" Amanda asked, worried.

"It's normal to feel tired. She just has to take a nap." Dr. Cohen smiled.

Crystal opened her eyes and she was in that dark room again, staring at her, was the reaper.

"I am waiting for your answer, human."

She frowned. Was it another dream? She thought to herself.

"But why do you want me to be your bride?" She asked.

She had the right to know the reason why the reaper wanted to help her. It was a pretty good deal for someone who's already dead and accepting the offer would be her second chance to live.

"My reason is not important. You are running out of time. When that clock strikes midnight and you have not accepted my offer, I have no choice but to take you to the Gate of Truth."

She knew what that gate was. You will be judged and your truth will either bring you to the underworld or to heaven. And it only meant that you could never go back.

"I just don't understand how can I be your bride if I am a human? Besides, I want to marry for love. I want to marry Brad."