Everything for a Living

"It's fine," Nadi said softly, shaking her head before smoothly steering the conversation.

"Where's Mom? What room is she in?"

Lili perked up instantly. "I'll show you!"

Nadi exhaled quietly, feeling the tension ease.

Over the next few days, Nadi stayed by her mother Fati's side in the hospital, as Fati was being monitored for a concussion.

Early one morning, just like the previous days, Nadi bought breakfast and ate with her mother. Midway through their meal, there was a knock on the door. A nurse stood outside.

Nadi set down her chopsticks and hurried out. After closing the door behind her, she lowered her voice cautiously. "Is it the prepaid hospital fee again... Is it not enough?"

The nurse nodded solemnly. "Yes, please settle it as soon as possible. Beds are in high demand. If we don't receive payment promptly..."

"All right," Nadi replied, her voice heavy with resignation.

She had spent two years in prison, and since her release, she'd been overwhelmed by how much prices had skyrocketed. Her mother's hospital bills had already reached $30,000.

Nadi's bank account had long been frozen, and the only reason they'd managed this far was because of the money she borrowed from Lili. She knew Lili wouldn't hesitate to lend more if asked, but that thought made her even more reluctant to ask again.

"Nadi..." came her mother's voice from inside.

Not wanting to worry Fati, Nadi composed herself before entering the room.

"Were they here about the medical fees?" Fati asked timidly.

Nadi picked up the serving spoon and placed some food onto Fati's plate, smiling warmly. "No, no, everything's fine. You just focus on getting better, and leave everything else to me. From now on, I'll always be here with you."

Fati visibly relaxed, tears brimming in her eyes. For what felt like the hundredth time, she asked, "Did that man Aditya really let you go?"

"Yes," Nadi confirmed, nodding firmly.

Fati urged her, "Get a divorce from him as soon as possible! We need to get far away from him!"

"I've already asked Lili to send over the divorce papers," Nadi reassured her. "You'll recover soon, and then we can move to a new city together. From now on, it'll just be the two of us. We'll leave all this trouble behind and look for your younger siblings. One day, our family will reunite, happy and whole."

Fati clasped Nadi's hand tightly, deeply moved. "I finally have something to look forward to again. Nadi, you're my reason to keep going. Please, promise me you won't give up."

"Oh, and did you hear back about your test results?" Fati added hesitantly. "A few days ago, a doctor mentioned you might have late-stage stomach cancer. But I didn't believe it. Surely you're fine, right?"

Amidst all the chaos, Nadi had forgotten about those words she'd heard when she first woke up: late-stage stomach cancer. Could it really apply to her?

Suddenly, her stomach cramped painfully, sending a sharp jolt through her body. A woman's intuition whispered to her that things weren't looking good.

"What's wrong?" Fati asked anxiously. "What's bothering you, child? Don't scare me."

"There's nothing wrong," Nadi lied with a forced smile. "I'm perfectly healthy."

"That's good, that's good," Fati sighed in relief.

Perhaps comforted by Nadi's reassuring vision of their future, Fati fell asleep shortly after lunch.

But Nadi couldn't rest. Aside from the gnawing concern over her health, the looming issue of medical expenses weighed heavily on her mind.

As an artist, Nadi realized she could put her decent painting skills to use. With urgency pressing on her, she sprang into action without delay.

...

Two days later, in the top-floor office of Rahman Group's CEO suite.

Ryan pushed a manila envelope toward Adi. "Mr. Rahman, this arrived from Mrs. Rahman."

Adi scowled in disgust but opened the envelope nonetheless. Flipping through the pages, his eyes landed on the bold print at the top: "DIVORCE AGREEMENT." On the final page, the delicate yet determined signature read: "Nadira Safiya."

An angry fire ignited within him.

So, she thinks she can divorce me now? Over my dead body!

"What has Nadi been doing these past few days?" he demanded coldly.

Ryan pulled out his phone and played a video clip, handing it respectfully to Adi. "Mrs. Rahman has been painting live at the largest square in Sura Bay City. Because of her stunning appearance and remarkable talent, her livestream has gone viral online, and many people at the square have pre-ordered her work."

In the video, Nadi sat under the shade of a tree, her long hair flowing freely, dressed in a simple white dress. The breeze tousled her locks, adding a touch of ethereal charm. Around her, crowds gathered, gazing at her with admiration.

The scene was breathtakingly beautiful. Nadi looked like a fairy untouched by the world.

With a loud crash, Adi hurled the phone to the ground.

How dare a murder convict live such a life? How dare she think she deserves happiness?

A cold, dangerous smirk spread across Adi's face. "Ryan, arrange something for me..."