Searching For The Woman That Was Always HIS

The world came to a standstill. Erica watched quietly as the company her father worked so hard for, gone torn apart in the twinkle of an eye. “Dad..” Erica called out softly. Her father looked up slowly. She could see the fear in his eyes. “I put too much trust in him,” He admitted in a hoarse voice. “I thought this would never happen.” Different thoughts ran through her mind in that moment: ‘Everything will be fine.’ ‘We will get through this.’ ‘Just hang in there, you are doing fine dad. ‘ She wanted to lie. But, her lips would not move. She knew the truth. This was not a wound he will recover from, it was a collapse. By evening, the office was empty. The lights were turned off. Her father stood by the windows, watching the crowd continue their lives oblivious of his current state. The city was definitely going to continue moving. It looked stronger than him now. “There is only one option left.” He said in a low tone. Erica knew what it was. It was an old marriage agreement. *** *FLASHBACK* 20 years ago. “Business is moving smoothly, I feel at peace right now.” Martin Jackson said. “You are right my friend, I'm thinking of expanding.” Henry Jake said with a smile. “That's a good plan. I have been thinking of something.” Martin paused. “We are very close, I would like our family to remain connected even when we're gone. What do you think? “That is a great idea, what do you have in mind? “Have your daughter marry my son, when they're both of age.” “Haha! Are you serious about that? What if the kids do not want that?” Henry was concerned about the children. “I don't think that will matter if we sing it into their head, from now until when they are adults.” Martin said. “Uhmm, what do you think about drafting an agreement on this?” “That is fine with me.” Henry replied in agreement. *** *PRESENT* Her father closed his eyes. “I swore never to use it, but there is nothing I can do now. We need this, Iris.” The silence was heavy. She understood him at that moment. This had to be done. She had to do it for the sake of her family's business and her father. There was no use avoiding it. “If it can save the company, then I will do it.” Erica said, as she straightened her shoulders. “My daughter…” he broke down in tears. Seeing her father in that state, resolved whatever second thoughts she was having. “Dad, I will handle everything. All I have to do is stay married to whoever it is.” Erica said, trying to look brave. “Put yourself together.” “Thank you.” Her father said in a low tone. He reached out for his phone, and made a call to the family she was going to get married into. “Hello, I'm Henry Jake.” Henry said, after clearing his voice. “I would like to make an appointment with the Jackson's elders.” “What is it about?” It sounded like the voice of an assistant, over the phone. “Tell them, it's about our marriage alliance.” “Oh, okay. Please hold on.” The voice said. After a few minutes of waiting, a meeting was scheduled for the next day. “You can come around tomorrow.” The assistant said. “Thank you.” Henry said, before hanging up. *** Once Erica got back home, she quickly brought out her phone and searched for the Jackson's family on Google. It seemed she was to be married to the first son, Andre. He looked decent with very nice facial features, impressive body structure and height. She was about to go through more pictures, when her mother came into the room. Erica could not help but rush to hug her. “Darling, your father told me about the decision you both made. I just want to say, we are indebted to you for life. Thank you, my daughter.” Her mother said in between sobs. “It is nothing mom, he looks handsome at least.” She tried to joke. Erica forced herself to laugh, while her mother managed to smile before leaving the room with a sad look. She wanted to go back to her Google search but, from stories she's heard it will definitely be a contract marriage. There was no need for her to catch feelings. Erica was thinking about how awkward it was going to be, until she fell asleep. *** The next morning, Henry Jake prepared early to honor the appointment. He looked down in spirit, but still had to put on a smile when he got to the entrance of the Jackson's Villa. All the elders were present in the sitting room, when he arrived. They had already been informed about the actual reason for the meeting. “How are you doing, Henry?” An elderly aunt asked him. “I am fine, thank you.” He responded in a somewhat humble tone. “Have some tea, you look a bit pale.” “Thank you.” Henry said before reaching out for a tea cup. These people practically held the keys to his breakthrough, he had to act right in front of them. After some little talks, they finally came to the matter at hand. “I am here because of the marriage arrangement we had, many years ago.” Henry said. “Wow! It is amazing how you remember something that was done over fifteen years ago. Haha! Is there something wrong?” An elderly uncle asked. “Well to be sincere, my business is going down and I could really use some help, if I'm affiliated to the Jackson's in any way.” He laid out the truth bare, before them. “That is why I brought it up.” “Fair enough, but I am not sure if this is going to work out” The same Uncle said. “What do you mean by that?” Another relative of the Jackson's asked. “We have to uphold our honor, even if Henry is doing this for selfish reasons.” One blurted out bluntly, not considering the fact that Henry was right there. There was clearly no form of sympathy or sentiments in the room. “The problem here is that the eldest son, Andre, got married recently. We had that agreement for him and Erica. Right now, it is a bit complicated.” The first Uncle said. Erica's father hung his head in shame, while they went back and forth with the arguments. ‘You need this, swallow whatever they do.’ That was the thought that ran through his mind, while he was seated there in silence. “We have only one option now.” The father of Andre said. “What would that be?” Henry asked. “Have Erica marry my second son, Kharis.” He replied. “But the marriage has to be contractual. It will last for only three years, we will assist you with your business in that period of time. After that, everyone will go their way, free of any responsibility.” Henry thought for less than ten seconds and nodded. He had finally sold off his daughter.