Against All Odds

Chapter:3

Fiona's POV:

My mother's smile vanished and her expression turned cold. 'You seem to forget that I raised you after your father died. I took care of you, provided for you. It's time for you to start thinking about how you can contribute to this family.' Fiona's eyes narrowed in anger. 'Is that what this is about? Using me as a pawn in your business schemes?' Her mom stood up, her voice rising. 'Don't you dare accuse me of using you! I am trying to do what's best for our family.' 'But what about what's best for me?' Fiona retorted. 'You don't care about that, do you? All you care about is your precious business and your own interests.' Mr. Caldwell's face darkened and he took a step towards Fiona. 'Watch your tone, young lady.' Fiona stood her ground, refusing to back down. 'No. I won't let you control my life. I won't marry that old man and I won't let you bully me into it.' Finally, Mr. Caldwell let out a deep sigh and his expression softened slightly. 'Fiona, I understand that this is not an ideal situation. But please, consider it. For our family's sake.' That night, I lay in my room, staring at the artificial cloud I had decorated my ceiling with, and I realized that my dreams were about to be shattered. Tears welled up in my eyes as the reality of my situation hit me. I had always known that my parents wanted me to marry someone of their choosing, someone who could elevate their family's status. But I had hoped that they would at least consider my happiness and allow me to choose my own partner. "If only my father were still alive." I thought to myself. But he died before I was even born. As I thought about the forced marriage through that night, my mind raced with all the possible scenarios. What if Mr. Hasting was a mean and controlling man? What if we had nothing in common and couldn't stand each other's company? What if I never found love and ended up living a miserable life? But as the morning sun streamed through my window, I knew what I had to do. I couldn't go against my parents' wishes, no matter how much I disagreed with their decision. With a heavy heart, I went to my step father and agreed to marry Mr. Hasting. I knew that she had to put on a brave face and make the best of the situation. I had to plan my escape without raising any suspicion. My heart raced as my stepfather announced that he had set a wedding date for me and Mr. Hasting. I couldn't believe it – just two days from now, I would be leaving everything I know, to marry a man I barely knew. We had to leave the United States where I grew up and currently live, for Colombia where Mr. Hasting is based, and where the wedding is to take place. We're leaving early since the wedding is in 3weeks time, and we're going by ship. "I have less than 48 hours to plan my escape." I panicked. I had to act fast if I wanted to escape this fate. That night, I packed a small bag and waited for my stepfather and mother to fall asleep before quietly sneaking out of the house. I found myself standing at the gates of Manor. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the distant cawing of crows. I had ventured out of the safety of my own home,. As I fumbled with the latch on the heavy gate, a shiver ran down my spine as I heard a voice calling out to me from the darkness. I pushed open the gate and stepped out, making a run for it. Thinking it was my stepfather coming after me, I picked up my pace, knowing I couldn't let him catch me. Then, a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. I turned around, ready to fight back, but to my surprise, it wasn't my stepfather. It was Daniel, the security man assigned to the mansion. He was a tall, burly man with a stern expression on his face. 'What do you think you're doing, young lady?' he asked, his grip tightening on my arm. 'I-I have to go, I can't stay here,' I stuttered, my voice shaky with fear. He gave me a sympathetic look but didn't let go of my arm. 'I understand, but you can't run away like this. It's dangerous out there, especially for a young girl like you, and Mr. Caldwell your father, asked me to keep an eye on you. He knew you were not to be trusted.' He added. 'Come with me, quickly!' He said, his voice urgent. He pulled me along, his grip tight on my arm, and we quickly made our way back to my house. Once we arrived, he practically dragged me inside where he called for my parents, who were still asleep in their bedroom. They rushed out, confusion evident on their faces. 'What's going on? My mother asked, and then he explained how I wanted to bail on them while they slept. My stepfather glared at me with a mixture of anger and disappointment. I could feel his hot breath on my face as he leaned in close and whispered, 'You better go through with this wedding, young lady.' I bit my lip and held back a sob. How could I do this? How could I marry a man I barely knew. My stepfather then ordered Daniel to follow me to my room and keep watch outside my room. I felt my heart drop as I realized the full extent of my imprisonment. My mother just stood motionless there, without uttering a word. Sometimes I wonder if she truly gave birth to me or I was adopted. I left for my room, followed closely by Daniel.