The Contract

“You want me to marry your son in exchange for the money?” Selene stared at Theo Kyros in disbelief. “I won’t do it.” The Kyros family is a force to be reckoned with. Their name alone is respected throughout the whole of Greece and the world. Their families were never on good terms, from social life to business life. Her father had once tried to persuade Theo to become partners and put the past behind them, but Theo dismissed the idea of working together. He made it evident of his dislike for Milos and honestly, Selene couldn’t blame him. Theo leaned forward against his desk and stared at her calmly. “Well you will have to look elsewhere for the money, but I doubt anyone would be willing to help your father.” He was right. Her father somehow ended on the bad side of anyone that could help. He wasn’t an easy man to deal with after all. “How about,” Madeline started as she perched herself on the arm of her husband’s chair, “you take some time to think it over. No need to make a decision right away.” As Selene left the office, she started to wonder why she even came to these people. She was prepared to give them something, anything, in return for the money, even if it took her years to pay them back, but this, marrying into their family that, that was something unthinkable for her. Just suggesting it made them sound crazy. Getting into her car, she headed home. Her mind went back to a few hours ago when she found out the business was in trouble. *********************************************** “Keep calling until you get them. Go to their office itself if you have to until you get them, don’t come back!” Milos shouted at his secretary, completely stressed. Yes sir,” she answered and walked out. Just as he was about to go back to work, his daughter barged into his office. “Father, explain to me why the financial summary you emailed me and the one from our finance manager is completely different.” Selene questioned her father, slamming two folders onto his desk, folding her arms, waiting for an explanation. “The one I sent to you is correct. Marcel must’ve given you the wrong report,” he said, sighing. “Mr. Jones was very adamant that he gave me the right report and the numbers were correct. So tell me what is going on. Why are we losing money?” She watched as her father sighed and gestured for her to have a seat. When she was seated, he began explaining. “The business is failing.” Selene frowned. how could that be? For the last few months, the business was doing well. There hasn’t been any talk about losing money. “It needs a large amount of money and I don’t have it. Clients and investors are backing out. We are paying more to cover ongoing projects and we aren’t getting in much either. We’re almost bankrupt.” She looked at her father, shocked. “This is awful, I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve helped.” “How exactly? And plus, I didn’t want you to worry.” “What about the banks?” “They flat out refused to help.” He stated, sounding irritated. “Have you found out why our clients and investors are backing out? If you have, we can work out a way to get back the money we are losing.” She looked at her father, hoping he knew the reason, but when she saw the defeated look on his tired face, her hope evaporated. “None of them are answering our calls.” “Father, leave this to me.” she stood and gave him a determined look. Although she said that she had no idea where to start, as her father had no friends who would help. No one really liked her father; he was a tyrant of the highest order. She had more reason than most to hate him after the way he treated her mother. He was her blood, after all, and although she found it hard to forgive him, she still loved him. Selene only kept the peace because of her mother’s emotional vulnerability, not wanting to get on his bad side so he didn’t harm her mother in any way. Phoebe and Milos divorced sixteen years ago. When their marriage ended, he moved back to Greece, taking Selene with him. He reluctantly let her visit her mother during school holidays. Now she spends as much time as she possibly could in England and all this happened a few days before her month’s visit. She went to her office and collected her things before heading out. With great determination, she went to the companies of each investor, only to be chased out with no explanation. Selene was confused about what was taking place as et another investor escorted her out of their building. She let out a defeated sigh and checked the time. Selene only had time to go to one last place, but she debated heavily with herself if it was even worth it. Before long, she found herself outside of Theo Kyros’ door. Selene couldn’t believe what she was about to do, but what other choice does she have? Their livelihood depended on her succeeding. But how easy would it be, when her father and Theo were complete enemies?