Married For Revenge( The Revenge Series)

Chapter Two- The Marriage Proposal

"Ethan..." Mrs Beautrice Blackwood began gently, her voice carrying that familiar mix of worry and authority. "Amara... she's been through so much. Because of Lucas... she lost her job, her reputation... she's... she's almost alone now. Don't you think it's the right thing to do? To... to help her?"

Ethan looked down, hands clasped tightly together. A familiar ache pressed against his chest as memories rushed back — the day he finished his master's program, the long drive home, the phone call that shattered everything. His parents both died in a single car accident. He glanced at the two people who had raised him, stood beside him for every achievement, every breakdown, every nightmare. He loved them deeply, and he respected them more than anyone else. But respecting them didn't mean agreeing with everything.

Ethan's jaw flexed. "I never told Amara to fall in love with a criminal," he said quietly. "And I won't marry her out of pity."

Just then, the front door opened. Amara stepped in — her black fitted gown hugging her curves, simple but elegant, her hair pulled into a neat low bun. Her eyes looked tired, as if she hadn't slept much, but her steps were steady. Amara held his gaze for a heartbeat before turning to his parents.

"I... agree to the marriage," she said softly.

Ethan's head snapped up. "You what?"

She looked straight at him, expression calm but her chest rising with hatred — Before she walked in, she'd heard his earlier remark about "her loving a criminal." It stung her, but she swallowed it.

"Yes," she repeated gently. "I've been thinking. I don't have anything left. No job. No home of my own. My name is ruined. And I... I don't want to be alone right now."

Then she let the tears start — slow, quiet, perfectly controlled just as she planned. Her voice trembled at the edges, soft enough to sound real but not desperate. "I just need... someone beside me while I try to stand again," she whispered.

Ethan's mother's heart melted instantly. She stood and gently pulled Amara into her arms. "Oh, sweetheart... we'll take care of you. Everything will be alright."

Before Ethan could speak, his father stepped forward, expression firm. "Ethan. This is final. You will marry her."

He walked away, leaving no room for argument.

Ethan inhaled sharply, almost growling under his breath.

His mother clapped her hands softly in excitement. "Amara, let's pick out your dress soon!"

Amara gave a small smile. "Of course. Just... let me talk to my soon-to-be husband first."

Ethan scoffed at the title.

When his mother left the room, Amara stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I know this isn't what you wanted," she said, her smile tight but polite. "But maybe this helps you too. People keep whispering about you... the rumor that you're gay."

She lifted a brow slightly. "This clears that up."

Ethan moved closer, towering slightly over her. "Don't think I'm marrying you for any reason except respecting my father's decision," he growled quietly.

Amara smirked lightly. "Good boy," she teased, extending her hand for a handshake.

He glanced at her hand... then walked right past it.

Her smile dropped the moment he turned away — replaced by cold determination.

Now the revenge begins.