Payback.
Riel.
The moment I heard the bang on the door, my heart flew to my throat. I knew I was in trouble and there was no running from it anymore.
“You can't keep running, Mr Whitmore.” The voice outside said and I let out a shaky breath. “Would you like me to break the door down instead?”
“I- I'm coming.” I muttered shakily as I moved to the door. I was trembling as I glanced out through the peephole to see about 6 men standing outside the door.
I was f****d.
Mom rushed out of her room with Dad, both having been startled by the knocks. It was the middle of the night after all.
“What's going on, darling?” Mom asked as she tried to come closer but I stopped her. “Who are those?”
“I'm running out of patience, little one.” The voice came from outside again and even though my parents looked confused, I opened the door anyway.
The bulky men pushed the door open as they barged in without permission, making my parents gasp in shock.
Just when I thought they were the only ones here, someone else stepped into the small apartment, making me gasp as his face came into view.
His cold, silver eyes looked like they glowed under the moonlight and when they landed on me, my breath caught in my throat.
“What is happening? What are you doing in my house?” Dad said in confusion mixed with caution as he tried to get me behind him.
“Relax. I come in peace.” The silver-eyed man said as he turned to me. “I'm just here to get back what belongs to me from my little one here.”
“Young man, you've probably got the wrong house. We don't appreciate you barging into our apartment so late in the middle of the night.” Dad continued but he simply chuckled humorlessly, a look of amusement on his face.
“Your son didn't tell you what he did?” He asked and my heart sank as they turned to me in confusion. “Oh, he really didn't. Well, then let me do the honors.”
“Mr Blackmoor, please this isn't necessary.” I cut in, stepping in front of my parents. “The due date is tomorrow—”
“What? You don't want your parents to know about your debts?” He asked with his head tilted, and I audibly heard Mom gasp. “It's been three months since you promised you'll pay back. I think I've been patient enough.”
“What is he talking about, Riel?” I heard my dad ask, and I closed my eyes in defeat before turning to them.
“I guess I'll leave you to tell them the truth. You have 10 minutes, little one.”
I couldn't even be mad at him if I tried; I made this decision. I walked into his office willingly, took the loan willingly and even offered myself as collateral without hesitation.
“The business was failing.” I started, looking at my parents who couldn't believe their ears. “I had no other choice, I hated seeing you both fall apart. So I… I took a loan.”
“You did what?”
“How could you?” Mom asked in horror, glancing at the men in our house. “You should have told us!”
“I thought the loan would help us bounce back on our feet. It was the only option I had.” I confessed and Dad looked at me in exasperation before sighing in despair.
“Alright, we can find a way to settle it. How much is the loan?” Dad asked and the silver-eyed man turned to us with a blank expression.
“Forgive my manners, I didn't make a proper introduction. My name is Carlos Blackmoor. Your son owes me a hundred grand.” He said, extending his hand for a shake and Mom's cries made my heart sink.
Dad literally went pale when he heard that.
I messed up.
“I'm sorry Mom… Dad… I didn't think it would turn out like this.” I whispered, but Carlos simply clicked his tongue in amusement.
“Why are you all sounding like your world is about to end? I'm only here to get the collateral since you can't pay your debt.” He said and my blood ran cold. “Do you remember what you said to me that day in my office, little one?”
“I don't have any collateral. But I'm willing to give you anything you want. I promise I'll pay back before the time runs out. Just give me this chance, Mr Blackmoor.”
“Anything, you say? How about… yourself? You're probably far more valuable than any collateral.”
I never saw his face that day because he had his back turned to me. But I didn't think twice before agreeing. I thought I had everything under control.
“I didn't exactly mean that—”
“Going back on your words after signing a contract is considered an offence.” He cut me off coldly. “If you think your family is doing bad now, trust me, you could be doing worse if I decide to press charges.”
“We'll find a way to pay back, sir. If only you could give us more time.” My dad begged as he stepped in front of me and my heart clenched in pain.
I didn't mean for this to happen...
“Time? That's what I don't have.” Carlos muttered, his silver eyes meeting mine. “Your son gave himself up as collateral. So I'm taking him with me. When you have my money, I'll let him go.”
My parents looked like they'd aged ten years with Carlos' words.
“You can take me instead, I'll do anything.” My dad said but Carlos scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.
“I don't need you. I need him.” He pointed at me and my blood ran cold. “Let's make a deal right now. I'll forget about the loan. In fact, I'll help your business grow again. I could even give you a million dollars as compensation.” He added and my brows knitted as I stared at him in confusion.
“What do you get from this deal?” I asked, unable to believe he would actually be so nice to do all these for us.
“The deal is simple. You will have to marry me.”
