Sustained by Mom’s Love

1
My mom is obsessed with those viral web seriesthe ones where a billionaire CEO pretends to be a broke nobody.
When she was heartbroken that the hero couldnt afford his grandmothers medical bills, I pointed to the Patek Philippe watch he accidentally flashed on screen.
Mom, look. That watch could pay for grandma to live in a luxury hospital suite for the next twenty years.
When she sobbed through three handkerchiefs because the hero fainted from hunger after saving his breakfast money for tuition, I pointed to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan key in his hand.
Mom, see that? That car could buy him breakfast for the rest of his life.
To avoid being duped myself, I became an unwilling expert on luxury brands, studying every frame of my moms favorite shows. But every guy Id ever met was disappointingly normal, giving me no chance to showcase my skills.
Until my new boyfriend gave me a two-dollar ring, right after buying his childhood friend a two-million-dollar jewelry set.
Until he showed up in a four-thousand-dollar t-shirt to borrow twenty thousand from me for his mothers surgery.
I immediately pulled out a flyer for a shady, back-alley clinic.
Babe, if we need money, well earn it. One kidney goes for twenty grand. See? Your moms medical bills are covered.
I smiled sweetly. I wont even take the five-thousand-dollar finders fee. We can use it to buy supplements for your mom.

Before my boyfriend, Brett, could even process what was happening, I dragged him to the nearest black-market clinic and signed the consent form for him.
It all happened in a blur. By the time he snapped out of it, we were sitting outside the operating room.
Bretts face was ashen, and cold sweat soaked the collar of his deceptively simple, outrageously expensive cotton t-shirt.
Babe, I think we need to talk about this, he stammered, his hand trembling as he clutched the organ donation agreement.
I pretended not to hear him, leaning in closer. Whats there to discuss? Your mom needs the money urgently, right? I already asked; the chances of finding a match for your kidney are high. Twenty thousand dollars, cash, deposited into your account the same day.
Are you scared of the pain? I patted his shoulder reassuringly. Dont worry, the nurse said its general anesthesia. Youll just take a nap and itll be over. Look how professional this place is. They even have commendation banners on the wall.
I pointed to a banner that had clearly been photoshopped.
Bretts gaze followed my finger, and his mouth twitched. He lowered his voice, his tone urgent. What I mean is, I cant let you make such a huge sacrifice for me!
I blinked, my face a mask of innocence. Sacrifice? Babe, youre the one selling the kidney, not me. I just made a few calls.
His mind raced, desperately searching for an out. Finally, a new excuse burst forth.
The money! I got the money! he shouted.
Just now! A buddy of mine, he heard my mom was sick and wired me twenty thousand, no questions asked! Look!
He fumbled for his phone, swiping frantically before shoving a chat history in my face.
I smirked inwardly but kept my expression neutral, looping my arm through his and pulling him toward the exit.
However, I said, stopping in my tracks and tilting my head up to look at him.
His heart leaped back into his throat. However what? he asked, his voice tense.
I counted on my fingers, my expression serious. Okay, babe, lets do the math. Your friend lent you twenty thousand for your moms surgery, right?
He nodded hesitantly.
But, I continued, when I signed the agreement, I promised the doctor that if we backed out, wed have to pay a five-thousand-dollar penalty for their time and sterilization costs. How are we going to handle that?
His face fell again. Five thousand dollars was less than a dinner bill for him, but for his down-and-out persona, it was a fortune. He stammered, unable to form a single word.
I sighed dramatically, pulling a crumpled fifty-dollar bill from my pocket and pressing it into his hand. Dont worry, babe. Where theres a will, theres a way. This is the last of my cash, but you take it. Well figure out the rest together.
He stared at the bill, his expression even more horrified than it had been outside the OR.
What are you doing?
Were a couple. Your problems are my problems, I said, gazing at him with unwavering devotion. I may not have money, but I have connections. I know a foreman at a construction site. Theyre short on guys to haul cement. Its three hundred a day, and they throw in lunch. We can pay off the debt in five months!
I grabbed his arm, giving him no choice but to follow me out of the hospital. Come on, lets go now. The sooner we start, the sooner were out of debt. Lets do this, babe! For our future!
Bretts body was rigid. He let me drag him a few steps before he violently shook my hand off.
Thats enough! he growled. Ill figure out the five thousand! Just wait for my call.
With that, he bolted from the hospital without a backward glance.
I stood there, watching him flee, a triumphant smile spreading across my face. I bought a cheap popsicle from the hospital's convenience store and waited.
Sure enough, less than half an hour later, he called. His voice was still a little shaky, but it had a newfound confidence.
I transferred the money.
I opened my banking app. Five thousand dollars, sitting neatly in my transaction history.
I feigned utter astonishment, my voice jumping an octave. Babe, youre amazing! How did you solve it so fast?
There was a pause on the other end as he formulated his lie. I sold the gold pendant I always wear. Money can be earned back, but I cant let you suffer with me.
Anyway, dont worry about it. Its over.
Listen to him. So moving.
My tone became incredibly firm. Brett Astor, that five thousand dollars is a testament to our love, and its our shared debt. I cant stand by while you carry this burden alone. Starting today, Im going to work with you to pay it back, until weve earned back the money for that watch!
I didnt give him a chance to object. Ive already found a job. Ill call you after my shift!
Click. I hung up.
At seven that evening, I took a cab to the citys most exclusive karaoke lounge. The receptionist handed me a temporary staff badge, which I carefully pinned to my chest, ready to begin my shift as a janitor.
I found the private room, and as I approached the door, I heard Bretts voice from inside. He was surrounded by a crowd of rich heirs and scantily clad girls.
So, Astor, whats with you lately? one of them slurred, draping an arm around Bretts shoulders. Heard youre slumming it with some girl from the sticks?
Brett sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. I was bored. Just looking for some entertainment. You should have seen her face when she thought I had to sell a kidney for twenty grand. Hilarious.
You havent actually fallen for her, have you? I mean, shes not bad to look at, got a decent body.
Brett roared with laughter, a harsh, grating sound. Fallen for her? Me, an Astor, fall for some broke girl who reeks of poverty? Dont be ridiculous. If you want her, Ill pass her your way when Im done.
He paused, adding, Every young woman is a gold digger. I just want to see how long she can keep up the act.
I stood outside the door, listening to every single word. He was exactly the piece of trash I thought he was.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open. The noisy room fell silent.
When Brett saw me, his smile froze, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes.
Babe! I cried, my voice filled with delighted surprise as I looked straight at him. You work here too?
He shot to his feet, giving his friends a frantic, subtle gesture. Uh, yeah. I work here too.
Just then, a girl stood up from the sofa. She was more lavishly dressed than anyone else in the room. It was Veronica Vance, the heiress to the Vance Corporation.
She sauntered over to me, looking me up and down before letting out a contemptuous laugh. Cleaning toilets at your age in a place like this? Must be hoping to snag a rich guy, sell yourself to the highest bidder.
Veronica raised an eyebrow and pulled a thick wad of cash from her limited-edition handbag. Look at you, all poor and pathetic. I bet youve never seen this much money in your life. She fanned the bills out, shaking them as if offering scraps to a dog.
How about this: you get on your knees, lick my shoes clean, and then put on a little show for us. If were amused, this ten thousand dollars is all yours.
My eyes lit up. I stared at the cash. Ten thousand? Would you pay more for a duet?
Before Veronica could answer, I grabbed Bretts hand. I leaned in close, whispering in his ear, Babe, weve got to do this! For the money!
Then, I pulled him into the middle of the room.
In front of everyone, I started dancing to the music. My moves were comically clumsy, a clownish performance with no grace, only absurdity. I kept yanking Brett closer, grinding against him with a gross, greasy laugh.
Cmon, honey, shake it! You know how you move in the bedroom!
Lets go, babe! With this money, we can finally pay off our debt!
Bretts face was thunderous. He had never been so humiliated in his life. Finally, he snapped, violently shoving my hand away with a force that nearly sent me sprawling.
He stormed out of the room without looking back.
I watched him go, then calmly bent down and scooped up the wad of cash Veronica had thrown on the floor, tucking it into my bag.
Only then did I run after him.
Babe, where are you going? We havent earned enough yet! I yelled, catching up to him, panting for effect.
Brett stopped, his back to me, his body stiff. Its nothing. I just got called into the office for an emergency shift, he mumbled, then walked away without another glance.
I took out the stack of bills from the lounge and happily counted them as I got in a cab and went home.
A few days later, I discovered that a video from the karaoke lounge had been leaked online. In it, my terrible dancing was a stark contrast to Bretts furious expression.
The headline was sensational: [NYC HEIR BRETT ASTORS WILD DANCE, FORCED TO PERFORM BY GIRLFRIEND!]
The comment section exploded with mockery aimed at him.
Before I could properly enjoy my victory, my phone buzzed. It was a series of texts from Veronica.
Zoe, youve got some nerve, humiliating Brett like that.
Im telling you right now, you will never marry into the Astor family!
You want to be a socialite? Keep dreaming!
The next message was a photo of my father, sitting at his office desk, his face pale.
Your dad works for my familys company. Well, hes fired now. And he owes us a million dollars for breach of contract. Thats the price for embarrassing my Brett!
Another message followed, this one a video. My mother was at her small breakfast cart on the street. A group of thugs suddenly swarmed it, smashing everything to pieces. My mother tried to stop them and was shoved to the ground.
My heart leaped into my throat.
I opened the last image. It was a hospital report. Right arm: fractured.
Only I, Veronica Vance, am worthy of Brett! Veronicas texts oozed arrogance. And you? Youre just some trash from the gutter! A parasite like you deserves to struggle in the dirt for the rest of your life!
My fingers turned white as I gripped the phone.
I forwarded all the evidence to a specific number. Then, I hailed a cab to go see Brett.
I was seething with rage, but the moment I saw him, my eyes welled up with tears.
Babe, our love is being tested! My family is in trouble, we need a lot of money. You have to quit your job so we can work more and earn it back faster!
I grabbed him and pulled him out the door. My grip was surprisingly strong. Maybe it was his guilt, or maybe his twisted game wasn't over yet. He didn't resist, letting me lead him to the construction site I had mentioned before.
Bretts face paled as he looked at the clouds of dust, but he forced himself to sound calm. Ill work with you. Well pay it all back.
I put him to work, laying bricks, hauling cement.
Bretts pampered face was soon streaked with sweat and grime. He had never experienced hardship like this. In just two days, he lost weight, his eyes were sunken, and his lips were cracked.
Finally, on the fourth day, I received a notification: a one-million-dollar deposit into my bank account. And Brett finally broke.
He collapsed onto a dusty cement bag, staring at the mountain of bricks before us. His hands trembled as he clutched at my sleeve.
His voice was thick with tears. Babe, lets stop! Please!
I wiped the smile from my face. We cant. We havent paid off the debt. Are you tired, babe? Dont worry, I found us a new job.
Bretts eyes lit up. Its not manual labor, is it?
Of course not! I grinned. Were going to sell our blood. Then, after that, we can be human test subjects for new drugs. I have a list of dozens of clinical trials looking for volunteers. Once we finish those, all our debts will be paid!
At my words, the color drained from his face.
Just as I was about to drag him to the clinic, he threw my hand off.
Thats enough! Im Brett Astor, the sole heir to the Astor Corporation! I have money, Ill give you whatever you want!
Zoe, I cant take it anymore. Ill confess!

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