The billionaire’s brufr: her Price of forever

Elena’s Pov For the first time in weeks, I finally decided to leave the office and head home before 6 pm, so that I could have a peaceful and well-rested weekend. My father's company has been bizarre. Stanley, my father's trusted friend and advisor, embezzled millions from the company's account and he vanished with no trace. Since then, everything has been different. In less than 20 minutes, I was home. I parked my Toyota Prius Prime in the parking lot, hopped out of the car, my keys giggling as I waved them around my fingers, and headed straight into the mansion. When I stepped inside the building, it was suspiciously quiet. It's 6:40 pm. My father and stepmother usually relax in the living room at this time, but they were not there. “Maybe they have other plans" I spoke under my breath, and headed to my room. But I halted when I heard voices from my father's study. “Who could be visiting at this time?" I moved closer to the door to catch the voices. “When were you going to tell me you're now in debt?" My father's business partner’s voice sounded cold and harsh. "I.. I.. I..” My father stammered, trying to force out the words that stubbornly got stuck in his throat. I didn't blame him. Right outside the door where I stood, ears dropping, I could feel the heat erupting from the room. I could only imagine what it would feel like to face the most cruel businessman in the City of New York. For over a year now, my family has been struggling to keep up with our business. My father, who hardly listens to my opinion, invested almost all of our company's funds and profit into a get-rich-quick scheme, and just like a flash, we lost everything. To keep the business going, my father had to look for a huge loan, huge enough to start a business from scratch. He didn't want to involve the bank for reasons best known to him. He claimed his only option was to ask the Calloways for help. “The Calloways? Dad. Of all people, you want to ask the calloways for money? That's the worst mistake you'll ever make," I had told him in panic when he mentioned the Calloways, my eyes were bulging out as though a huge storm was about to happen. “That's the only choice we have right now, Elena." “That's not true; the Calloways can't be our only choice; you just don't want to consider other choices. Besides, if you had listened to me, we wouldn't be in such a mess," I said as I looked away, avoiding his gaze. “How dare you speak to me that way? You better watch your mouth, young lady. I own this business and I do whatever I want with my money. Get that into your thick skull." His face reddened as he smashed his right palm on the table, the smash was so loud, that the table looked like it would fall apart. I had let him go on with his plans, nothing I said would change his mind. After all, I was never good enough for him and none of my opinions mattered, probably because I was born out of wedlock. But now, my worst fear has just been confirmed, his decision has put the whole family into a mess, and we might all be sold into slavery to get Calloway money back. “You suddenly can't talk? Should I give you some talking lessons?” Lucas was now impatient, his bloodshot eyes bore him with a glare that could cut metal as they contracted into slits and held a cold detachment. “I didn't see this coming Lucas, I swear, it just happened and... and..” “Shut your mouth, you bastard! Lucas cursed. “Do I look like a bird you can toss around? Now for the last time, where is my money, Gideon?” “It was Stanley, Stanley did this" Father sounded anxious. “And what about Stanley, what has that got to do with my money?” I could sense the anger in his voice. “He took all the money, Lucas. I never imagined he could do such a thing, I trusted him with all I had for years now, and all he did was stab me in the back. I swear, I never misuse your money, please believe me, Lucas, please I beg of you” "Hmmm... All I hear are stories, and you know what? They don't matter to me, all I want is my money, Gideon, else, you'll see my wrath" “Dad, I think he's telling the truth, maybe we should listen to what he has to say” "There's a third person in there? Who could that be?” I thought to myself. I quickly bent over and peeped through the door's little open space. I saw three men and amongst them was a young man who was probably in his 30’s or so, my view was a bit blurry but I knew he looked hot. “Robert, don't be soft. The only reason I haven't acted on this fool is because he was once loyal to me. We didn't come here to listen to stories son, we came here to take what's ours and that's all" "Lucas, I... I... I don't have your money” my father stammered. "But wait, wait a second. What if I told you I have a way to help you while I pay up the money.” "Help me? Lucas chuckled. "Did I ask for your help?” "No you didn't ask for my help, but, I know you're in urgent need of a bride for your son” “What? Gideon! How did you know about that? Have you been spying on my family? “I've been searching for ways to solve this issue Lucas, and that's how I found out you need a bride. I want your best interest and I think we should strike a deal, Lucas. “What's Dad saying, what is he trying to do this time?" I pondered. "Dad, please let's hear him out.” "Hmmm. Alright. Speak up Gideon and it better be good” "I'll pay your money in full but all I need is time. I suggest I buy time with one of my daughters since Robert needs a bride urgently. We can arrange a marriage between our children, by this, I would have solved your problem while leaving a strong collateral in your custody. What do you think Lucas” “Urgh.. urgh." Lucas cleared his throat. "It's not a bad idea. What do you think Robert, do you agree with this?” "Yes Dad, I agree" he answered calmly, his voice suddenly going low. “Which of your daughters are you giving out, Gideon?" "The eldest. ELENA.” "What the... what the f**k?"