Contract Marriage: Love and Strife

Chapter 4: Cruel Ultimatum

Sitting while wrapped up in the fancy leather chair arranged in the exquisite office of Malcom Sebastian, Amaya felt that she was in a court. From the expensive artwork on the walls to the large windows that displayed the metropolitan skyline, the interior oozed wealth and authority. Malcolm sat across the large wooden desk, his scrutiny eyes fixed on Amaya, which put her in the very uncomfortable position of a person facing the judge.

Amaya came to stand up for her relationship with Louis but the cold look in Malcom's eyes made her think she might not be able to win.

Malcom spoke with a voice as cold and sharp as a scalpel, "I'll get right to the point, Miss Davidson." "Your relationship with my son ends today."

Amaya clenched her fingers on the chair armrests, but her expression remained neutral. "With all due respect, Mr. Sebastian," she said in a firm voice, "that's between Louis and me."

A mocking smile appeared on Malcolm’s face, but it never reached his eyes. "I'm afraid not," he answered, leaning a little closer. ”Well, Louis, you see, has responsibilities. Family responsibilities that do not have anything to do with you”

Amaya said the words "Arranged marriage" almost inaudibly.

"Ah, so he told you," Malcolm said, nodding, with an indication of something on his face, maybe displeasure. "Then you understand why this… affair has to be over. ”

Amaya’s hands were smothered in her lap, her fingers hidden from the sight of Malcom's watchful eyes. She began to think of Louis and the life they had and the possible future they had ventured into. A tinge of rebellion entered her voice as she questioned, "And if I refuse?"

Malcom’s eyes changed from steely, to become flint, an indication of how much they had hardened. Reaching for a file on his desk, he opened it slowly and deliberately. In the quiet calm of the office, there seemed to be a subtle rustling of papers. With a tone that belied its seriousness, he asked, "Miss Davidson, tell me how your parents are enjoying their new roles at Davidson Tech."

She didn’t know how to answer that question coolly as she said, “What does any of that have anything to do with anything?”

"Everything". Malcom replied, rotating the file towards her. Her parents' candid pictures, which could only have been taken without their knowledge, were contained in it. Financial statements, Davidson Tech internal memos, and what appeared to be private messages. “It would be a shame if certain… irregularities in their hiring were to be disclosed. ”

As Amaya realized the full impact of Malcom's statement, her heart grew cold. Her parents had suffered long years of hardship, seeking several jobs to be in a position to afford her college education. Their recent jobs at Davidson Tech had been a blessing, allowing them to, at last, enjoy the security and comfort they so well deserved. And now, all of that was at risk from this man?

Amaya replied, “You are bluffing,” but her tone of voice was shaky, showing just how nervous she was. "You can't-"

“I can, and I will,” Malcolm interrupted, and there was nothing more authoritative than his words, which were delivered like a judge’s verdict. It may sound odd, but everything which your parents cherish today — their jobs, their standing in the community, and all – will vanish in a blink of an eye unless…”.

“Unless I leave Louis,” the words came out almost a whisper from Amaya’s lips, and even to her ears, it seemed as if the flame of passion had been extinguished.

Malcom nodded, and with a gentle thump that sounded like a door closing in Amaya's heart, he closed the file. "You're a bright young lady, Miss Davidson. I had faith that you would understand."

Amaya was battling with her mind as she tried to seek ways that could help her escape from that awkward position. She remembered Louis, the kindness in his eyes, the gentleness in which he looked at her like she was the most important thing in the world. She hung on to something and said, "Louis won't accept this." "He'll fight for us".

"Then you'll have to make him believe you don't want him anymore," Malcolm said, leaning back in his chair. He said it pitifully, as if he were explaining a simple fact to a child. "Miss Davidson, break his heart. It's the most considerate thing you can do for him."

Amaya's eyes became teary; she wiped them angrily with her fingers. She refused to allow Malcom Sebastian to feel the joy of witnessing her weep. What she remembered was all the times that Louis had grumbled about his father’s ruthlessness in the business world. Now, she was experiencing it firsthand.

"You're a monster," she spoke in a low, enraged voice.

Malcom's face remained unchanged. He seems almost bored. "Miss Davidson, I am a businessman, and this is only business." You have 24 hours to end things with Louis, or else your parents will suffer the consequences. Am I clear?"

Amaya got up, with shaky legs. With all the power she had left, she pushed them to steady. "Yes," she said after a few moments, "Crystal clear."

Malcom’s voice stopped her as she reached out for the door, she needed to get out of his sickening office. "Oh, and Amaya? The agreement is off if you mention this conversation to anybody, especially Louis. Your parents will pay the price for your indiscretion."

Amaya remained silent. She could not rely on her voice to remain steady. Instead, she pulled the door open and walked out, her head held high despite the conflicting feelings inside her.

In the elevator, she finally let her composure break. With shaking hands, she took out her phone and looked at Louis's smiling face on the locked screen. It was a candid shot she had taken on their last vacation – Louis laughing; his eyes crinkled at the corners, looking at her with such love it made her heartache. She put her finger over the call button, hesitating.

What could she say? How could she push away the man she loved without telling him about his father's cruel plans? The thought of lying to Louis, of hurting him on purpose, made her feel sick.

When the elevator doors opened to the lobby, Amaya made a decision. She wouldn't let Malcolm Sebastian win. She was good at solving problems by nature and profession. There had to be a solution, a way to protect her parents, keep Louis, and take down the corrupt empire that threatened everything she cared about.

Amaya was thinking of plans and quickly discarding them. She needed help, things, and time, above all else. But first, she had to do the hardest thing she had ever done - hurt Louis's feelings.

Amaya took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was coming. She was no longer just Amaya Davidson. She was now a woman with a goal, ready to fight one of the most powerful men in the city.