Broken Faith

Chapter 3

Mr Moretz cleared his throat and stared at each of us before speaking. "I won't beat around the bush. So, I'll just come straight to the point. We made a deal with Mr Noszka which he couldn't finish no matter what the reasons were. In the end, everything that was owned by him will be ours or is already that includes properties, bank balance, transport, business and anything else that was in his ownership. You have less than a month to empty this mansion and find some place to live. But....... the thing is you cannot take a single thing from this place."

He shifted slightly in his seat. I noticed mom and Danny sitting tensely with controlled faces. I on the other hand, was focusing on the wall next to Mr Moretz's shoulder. I didn't want to look in his eyes that were devoid of any emotions or look down at the floor to show any weakness.

"So, here is what I present to you. A marriage proposal to Ms Amelia Noszka." He said it so casually like we were exchanging greetings. I tensed in the seat and was ready to interrupt, my mouth agape when he held up his hand. I shut my mouth but didn't relax.

"Let me complete first. A marriage proposal to Ms Amelia that will secure her future, Mr Danny Noszka to work with us since he already knows a lot about business, and you get to keep one of the many properties. I think there shouldn't be any problem with agreeing to the deal. Danny was prepared to take over the company. So, we are giving you a chance now. You would be working under Moretz name, but you still get to do what you learnt to do ever since you were old enough." He finished his little speech with smug smile. That was the first time I saw an emotion on his otherwise robotic face. His eyes flitted between the tree of us occasionally.

My only family was pondering on the deal, but I couldn't help but think what he said about the marriage proposal. I mean I was barely 19 but I'm still too young to be tied down to a man I barely know. For gads sake, its twenty first century. Who would go for arrange marriage when I read so many romantic novels about finding true love, soulmates? I want to find the right person myself not be given as if it's just an item. I wanted to scream at him and what's left of my family, but I don't know how I refrained myself. Maybe because I was too focused on glaring at the man. Thinking if looks could kill him, I would be dancing on his grave in a joker costume. Maybe that will be too much, but I was thinking of how to get out of this situation. I might sound selfish, but I can't help it. I have always thought about spending my life with a person I love after reading romantic novels. But he's thinking of taking away that decision.

Mom interrupted the glare I was sending his way. If he noticed my glare he didn't show it. "We would like some time to think it over. If you don't mind, we would get back to you with our decision in few days." She said in a monotone. I glanced at her staring at the way her eyes stayed on the creature on the side of the room. I then glanced at Danny noticing he was also looking at Mr Moretz with blank face.

I saw him nod once at what mom said. "I would suggest you make the right choice. If I were you, I wouldn't let such a greet opportunity slip away that easily." He paused then his gaze flitted on me. I tensed even more, wondering why he was looking at me like he wanted to put me under a microscope to study me very, very closely. "I would like to speak to Ms Amelia alone... if you don't mind." He added the last part after a long pause. It wasn't a request. It sounded more like an order to me.

Mom and Danny hesitated for a moment before leaving the office without as much as a backward glance. I stood up with them wanting to follow but refrained myself. Mr Moretz's guards (who were standing like poles) also, followed the same suite which left me and Mr Moretz alone.

I was nervous and scared thinking of what he would do to me. But I was a little relieved remembering I was in my house which means he can't hurt me...right? I would usually fumble with my hands when nervous, but I clenched them into fists not wanting to give him the satisfaction that he intimidates me. He rose from his sitting position.

"I'm glad to finally meet the infamous daughter of such a powerful man. You are quite the beauty to look at." He started to walk towards me, but I remained glued to the same spot. "What do you think of the deal?" he asked.

I wanted to curse at him, throw words that I was not allowed to say and had only heard the workers speak. I wanted shout at him for coming up with such a ridiculous deal. I mean why would he want to marry me, a stranger. Our age gap is big. But why the hell am I even thinking about age gap. I should be thinking about changing his mind. Yes, that's right. I should change his mind and come up with a better deal.

Now the problem is I have nothing to offer. I could probably tend to their garden or maybe work in the kitchen or something. That was what I was good at. I could also help with business if they let me, that is. I was so zoned out that I didn't notice him standing so close to me that we were almost touching. Almost.

I jerked back a little to put some distance between us. My mouth was suddenly dry like sand desert. He kept on staring with blank face and cold eyes. Oh, so he was back to his old self. I swallowed hard to get words out of my mouth. "I would like to make another deal with you." I paused waiting if he would say something but no. No words. Nothing. Other than the raised eyebrow. I took that as the cue to carry on. "I would like to work under you the same as my brother if he agrees to this deal. I'll be much better to fill that role than the wife. I know that I don't have much knowledge of the business, but I can assure you I will give this my best. I'm a fast leaner. I don't think I'll be able to live up to your expectations as a wife. Not to mention that I'm too young to marry. If you won't allow me to work for the business I could work as kitchen staff for you. I can cook many dishes. I just can't marry you." I stopped at that to breath and try to find anything that might indicate that he was considering about my new proposal.

Surprise. Surprise. I got no reaction. Nada. Zilch. Zero. I waited for him to say something. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally opened his mouth. "I think your deal is not much for me to consider. You yourself said that you don't know much about business nor about being a wife. And that you are a fast learner. If you can learn business, you can surely learn the responsibilities of a wife. I have many people to look after my business. I'm loaded enough to have staff that can take care of my needs. So that offer of yours can go down the drain." My own idea backfired me. I mean I can't think of anything to persuade him to change his decision.

"Surely there are many women who would love to marry you. Beautiful and more experienced that will be better at the wife position. Please I can't marry you. I want to complete my study and be something in life. I don't want an arrange marriage. I want to be free to able to choose my husband. I want..." I stopped speaking thinking I might have said too much or offended him. I am a fool for blurting out my life plan or what could've been. Now it seems like I'm stuck in a dark hole.

Looking at his face I couldn't find anger or any emotion. For once I wished to have the ability to read peoples mind just like I read books.

"I think you are in no position to suggest or make deals Ms Noszka. I won't change my decision. You just have to go with it. It's either a secure future or footpath for the rest of your life looking to scrape some money. The deal I'm offering is beneficial for you and your family. Your brother gets to do what he likes. You darling, get this mansion as a wedding present. I know this place means a lot to you. You don't want to leave this place behind that holds your childhood memories, now do you? I'm being generous here. Don't be selfish. Think about your family. Plus, as for your study you need money to go in a college which I don't think you'll be able to afford anytime soon." His words were hard. It pained me to hear that he thought I was being selfish. Maybe I was but it's not everyday that you make a deal like this. The marriage proposal is completely ridiculous.

"Why are you doing this? You've already got everything that was stated in my father's Will. Why would you want to marry a stranger? It's 21st century and I don't even think people do arrange marriages now a days. I'm not special. You should consider other girls for yourself." I had little to no hope that he will listen to what I say. But I can't lose hope even if the chances are slim that I can get out of this situation.

"Listen carefully to what I am going to say. For once I won't be repeating myself. I don't want any other women to be my wife. I want you. Only you. As to answer your question why I'm doing this. I thirst for power. It's simple as day that I love to have control over everything. And you, my dear will be controlled by me. In return you get the luxurious life. Your family too. I hope to hear your decision to be in my favour if you're as clever as I've heard. We'll meet again." His voice flat leaving no room for argument.

With those words he left me alone in the office to ponder on what just took place in few hours. My mind was a mess. I walked out of the office room to my bedroom. I needed to clear my head and think it through. All the thinking leads me to one thing – marriage proposal. I can't let myself think about it any longer. Once in my room I laid on my bed with headphones blasting music to distract myself. I fell asleep sometime later without realising it after staring at the ceiling non-stop. Dad always said to never take a decision when in pressure.

I was jolted awake by my alarm. I stopped the annoying sound and went to the bathroom to get ready for yet another day. I was thankful that no one disturbed me last night. I was dreading seeing mom or Danny. I knew they would discuss or more like declare the decision they've made about yesterday's deal. I don't want to go down for breakfast. I also don't want to visit dads grave today. I want time to think but if I go there then I would either cry or, blame him for putting me in this situation. Or rant out to him about Mr Moretz. I know that death is unavoidable. I also know that my father is not at fault. But when you are angry nothing seems to make sense. And to make the right choice I should be in the right mind set – calm and collected.

With that thought in mind I went downstairs to face mom and Danny. Better to get over with it now than delay the drama. Delaying will only make matters worse.