The Wolfe's Contract Bride

Lina's Point Of View I've contemplated suicide more than once. I've lost count already. Firstly, it was when my father died and left me all alone with my crazy step mother. He was my everything, my best friend. I never knew any other friend than him. My little star that was what he used to call me. I hear his voice sometimes. When I am so close to ending it all, he hear him singing my favorite lullaby, his voice wrapping me like a warm blanket telling me everything was going to be okay but who was I kidding? Everything has never been the same after he left. "Where is that b***h!" A loud yell came from across the house. I sighed exasperatedly. It's the beginning of another hard day. I pecked my father and put down his picture back on my little shelf. I grabbed my work out leather bag and rushed out of my room before Uriel comes in. I didn't want to start the day with new bruises. "Good morning, Uriel." I greeted as soon as I saw her. I met her in the same state I always did in the morning - hair ruffled like a bird's nest, smudged lipstick, eyes blazing with fury with a cigarette stick in her hand. "So you stupid girl have been up there—what, crying over that dead man again?" She spat, "Pathetic." I swallowed dad's lullaby into the back of my throat like a swallowed scream as I bowed apologetically, "I'm sorry, I..." Smack! My face snapped to the side as her palm met my cheek, leaving a stinging sensation in its wake. My lips quivered as I turned back to face her. "I'm sorry, I was dressing up for work." She hissed in disdain, "I don't know the importance of that stupid job of yours! The money you brought two days ago is finished! I need more today." I could only nod helplessly. "I understand, Uriel." "Good, now scurry along. Your hair stinks!" My hand went to my hair instinctively. The landlady cut our water two days ago so I haven't been able to wash my hair. I've been trying to save up for our due rent but it isn't up to half of the money. And Uriel isn't going to help. I left the house and checked the money in my pocket. I had 20 dollars. This can't get me to work. Seems like I have to walk. I checked the time on my phone. It was thirty minutes to seven. I should make it before then. I turned my bag behind me and started jogging to work. I got to work in exactly thirty minutes, heaving like a fish out of water. I went straight to the workers locker room to change into my cook uniform. After washing my hands and face, I went straight to the kitchen. The kitchen was busy as always with orders rushing in and the chef shouting our heads off as usual. The hum of the gas cookers and the clinks of kitchen wares coupled with chef's yell was the only thing I could concentrate on. "Ah, Lina, how nice of you to show up now," his Italian accent came out in sarcasm and I winced. "Sorry chef, I..." "Excuses, excuses!" He grunted. "Chop those vegetables!" "Yes, chef," I said and I got to work. I grabbed a clean knife and I began chopping the carrots and cucumbers with expertise. I had always known my way around the kitchen even before dad passed. I loved watching him cook in the kitchen and before I knew it, I picked up his passion for cooking. "I wanna be a chef when I grow up!" I remember me telling him one night while gazing at the stars. He pecked me on the cheek and told me I could be who I wanted to be. I was far from achieving that dream but I knew at the back of my mind that I would, one day. Work was so busy that four hours went by fast. And by that time, I wasn't chopping as fast as this morning. My fingers trembled and my knees threatened to give out. I was shaky and tired. "You look pale, Lina, won't you take a break?" That was Mikel, my coworker. He is one of the assistant chefs. "I am fine," at that moment, my stomach grumbled like an angry thunder. "You need some food," "You were not hired to lazy around there!" Chef snapped at us. "Sorry, chef." Mikel turned to me, "get something to eat. We can't afford you fainting on the job." I nodded and he left. I placed a hand on my grumbling stomach. It's been two days since I've had real food. My shift ends in an hour. I will get something after then. I managed to survive one more hour and I left work immediately. With the 20 dollars with me, I got some snacks at the convenience store. That should give me enough energy for my night job. As I stood up to leave, clutching my meager dinner, then my phone buzzed. Ice shot through my veins. "Expect us today, angel," Oh no no no. They told me I had the grace of one more week. It's not even three days since they came. Oh God! What would I do. I rushed out of the store, my legs almost tripping me. I had nobody to call and the money I have saved cannot even suffice. I can't borrow money from any bank or any more loan sharks. My phone started to ring and I flinched at the sight of the caller ID. It was them. I had to leave here. I didn't know where I was going to but I had to leave this environment. They could be here. They could be... I screamed in fear, falling to the ground in shock as a car skidded to a halt before me. My heart thumped in fear as I tried to register what just happened. The driver of the car stepped down and came to me. "Are you alright, miss?" He asked me and I couldn't answer. I got on my feet and bowed to him before running off. My hands trembled against my phone. Should I call 911? Would they even help me? I needed to work my second job or else Uriel would kill me. I sat on a bench beside the road in helplessness, tears trailing down my cheeks. I hated my life. I loved my father. So much with all my heart. But why did he have to leave me with such burden? With no one to turn to. I sniffled, wiping my tears away. I clutched my bag and began my journey to my second job. I work as a cleaner for a rich family. I got there and rang the doorbell. I expected the madam to be home but I was surprised to meet her husband at home and her out of the house. "Good evening sir," I greeted him and he smiled back. "Welcome." I went to where my cleaning clothes were and after I was dressed, I got to work. My job was to wash the toilets. The toilets were a total of four in number and I spent three hours washing them. I rounded up the fourth bathroom and then I was done. I told the master and he was kind enough to give me some fruits and he added extra to the amount he was supposed to give me. His kindness warmed my heart that I said thank you with tears in my eyes. I left the house happily that I forgot about the predicament that I was. I was rounding the corner of the alley that led to my house when I saw them. Two of them. They are usually four. In fear, I turned to run but the other two blocked my way. One grabbed my wrist, "running just makes it worse, sweetheart," Another pulls a knife, "Your pretty face won’t stay intact if you try anything funny," At this point tears had started falling down my face. "Please, you gave me a week. You said..." "Oh well, our boss got too impatient." "Please, I beg of you. One more week and..." "Sweetheart, we've given you enough weeks." The third said as he came to stand before me. Two of the men held each of my arms, stopping me from moving. "I'm sure boss wouldn't turn down other means of payment." He said, trailing his fingers down my cheek. My heart fell when I realized what he was implying. Oh no... "Please... Don't..." I begged helplessly. "But I guess he wouldn't mind his loyal subordinate getting a taste first," he grinned sickenly. No, I can't let him do this. I mustered all my strength and kneed him in the nose. He groaned, falling to the floor. I tried to run but I was held down and no matter how much I tried to resist, my force was futile. The other unbuttoned my shirt and he was reaching for my singlet when a voice boomed from behind. "Evening, gentlemen." Said the icy voice. "You're trespassing."