Chapter 1 THE OFFER

"I'm sorry to say this, Mr. Vasile, but you have a Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumor, the reason for your headaches and blurred vision. The tumor is located in your cerebral hemispheres. This area can cause a range of symptoms, including motor weakness, cognitive decline, and changes in behavi—"

"—I understand, Doc Emil," Spade interrupted, a flicker of concern betraying his usually composed demeanor in front of their family doctor.

Spade had attributed the recurring headaches and blurred vision to the stress and demands of running his company.

Yet, he'd noticed subtle changes in himself over the past few days. His cognitive functions were declining, his attention wavering, his memory faltering, and, most recently, his problem-solving abilities were affecting his daily routine. Just moments ago, his right foot had gone numb, prompting him to schedule a check-up with their family doctor.

"Spade, when did you first feel the pain in your head? You should have had it checked sooner, before it worsened."

"Worsened? So, this illness is already serious, huh?" Spade managed a wry smile.

"Spade—"

"—What is the survival rate of this illness?" Spade cut in, his gaze fixed on Doc Emil.

"We can do chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, but because the tumor is located on your cerebral hemispheres, it may put you in dan—"

"—I'm asking about the survival rate, Doc Emil," Spade repeated, prompting the doctor to sigh heavily before answering.

"Glioblastoma Multiforme kills 95% of patients within five years of diagnosis, with more than half dying within the first 15 months. The median survival with aggressive therapy is about one year, and fewer than 5% of patients survive five years. As of now, this illness has no cure, but we can delay the tumor's progression. Surgery can help, but it will be risky since the tumor's location is too dang—"

"—Okay. Thank you for your time, Doc Emil," Spade said, cutting him off as he rose from his chair, prompting Doc Emil to do the same.

"Wait, Spade, why don't you start chem—"

"—For what? You said this illness has no cure, and I just have five years to enjoy. I don't want to get my hopes up that my life will be prolonged when it's not." Spade stopped at the door, turning back to the doctor with a chilling warning. "Don't mention this to my parents. If they find out, I will make sure this hospital closes down."

Spade strode down the hallway, hands in his pockets, unsure how to react to the news.

He had five years left. He was supposed to cry and beg, but instead, Spade found himself more concerned about a promise he'd made to his mother and father.

"Glioblastoma Multiforme, huh? And I have five years to live," Spade chuckled humorlessly at his predicament.

The cute and affectionate Spade of the past had changed significantly over the years, becoming more like his father, Cedric, the former Prime Minister of Romania.

Spade had built his own company, Lacrose Food Industry, in the Philippines, abandoning his earlier aspirations of becoming a public servant. He lived alone in his penthouse, while his parents and younger sister, Amara Lisbeth Vasile, a college student, resided in Romania.

"How can I fulfill the promise I made with Mom and Dad when I have only five years to fucking live?" Spade muttered, stopping abruptly as he noticed a woman kneeling before a female doctor in a nearby hallway.

"Mrs. Fuentes, I want to help you, but I'm just an employee at this hospital. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do."

"Please, don't say that, Doc. My daughter will die if she doesn't have surgery soon. I-I'll find a way to get the money for her operation, so please, extend her life," the woman sobbed, catching Spade's attention.

"Why beg if the life of your child is soon to end up," Spade murmured under his breath.

"I'm truly sorry, but aside from the exorbitant cost of the surgery, there isn't a heart available for transplant. I'm sorry, but there's really nothing I can do," the doctor said, retreating into her office and closing the door on the weeping woman.

Spade averted his gaze and continued walking.

Death was a natural phenomenon, but Spade hadn't expected to die before his parents. He knew they would do everything in their power to cure him if they found out about his illness, but Spade didn't want them to worry.

Instead of dwelling on his illness, Spade readily accepted it.

"Crying won't change the fucking fact that I'm dying," Spade muttered as his phone rang.

Leaving the hospital, Spade paused and answered the call from his mother.

"Hey, Mom."

"I'm starting to get upset with you, Spadey. Aren't you coming home to Romania to visit your family?"

"I miss you too, Mom, but I've been very busy these past few months and until now since I have to focus on the next launching of our new product," Spade replied, glancing up at the sky as the rain that had been threatening finally began to fall.

"You're spending too much time on your business. You might not have any time for yourself. You need to rest and enjoy your life, son. Besides, you're at the right age to get married. Don't you have anyone to introduce to your dad and me?"

"I'm enjoying my life, Mom. Besides, I promised you that—" Spade's words were cut short as he noticed the woman from the hallway standing nearby, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Spade, son?" Spade's attention returned to his mother's voice on the other end of the line.

"Yes, Mom."

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing, Mom. Like I said, I promise that—"

"—I'll do anything, just don't take my daughter away. Please, Lord, don't take Alina from me," Spade overheard the woman say, sparking an idea in his mind.

"As I promised, Mom, I'll introduce you to the woman I'm going to marry," Spade said to his mother.

"What do you mean, son? Don't tell me you have a woman you like?" his mother asked, her voice filled with excitement.

"Soon, Mom, I'll introduce her to you," Spade said before hanging up and pocketing his phone.

Turning to face the woman, who looked up at him, startled, Spade couldn't help but notice her beauty. He realized she was perfect for his plan.

"W-Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, furrowing her brow.

"Do you have a husband?" Spade asked, causing her confusion.

"N-No, why are you asking?"

"So, you're a single mom."

"What are you—"

"—I will help you."

"H-Ha? W-What do you mean?" the woman asked, bewildered.

"Marry me before I die, and after that, I will make sure your daughter will get a new heart. Just marry me, and say 'I do' in front of my parents," Spade declared, watching as her eyes widened in disbelief.

Spade wanted to fulfill his promise to his parents, but the five years he had left were not enough, especially since no woman had captured his attention.

And to ease his parents' worries, an idea formed in his mind. Before he died, all he needed to do was introduce a woman to them and marry her.