Unexpected Obsession: Kian De Lavign

The morning sun filtered through the trees as Daisy pedaled her bike down the winding road toward the mart. A soft breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers. The sunlight danced through the leaves, creating a calming play of light and shadow. “Hey, Daisy!” a cheerful voice called out, breaking her thoughts. She glanced over to see Timothy, a small, energetic boy she tutored, bouncing on his porch. “Morning, Timothy!” Daisy smiled, slowing her bike to wave at him. “Off to school, huh?” Timothy nodded with a grin. “See you later, Daisy!” he called, waving as he hurried away. Moments like this made Daisy’s heart swell with joy. The town was small, but its warmth made up for everything else. At the mart, she parked her bike as Joe, the fruit stand owner, greeted her with his usual teasing smile. “Good morning, Daisy! Still looking radiant today.” She laughed, shaking her head. “It’s always a good day to shine, Mr. Joe.” Joe chuckled, handing her an apple. “That’s why Sam keeps peeking out his window whenever you pass by.” Daisy glanced toward the shop window across the street, catching a glimpse of Sam quickly ducking out of sight. She laughed again, thanking Joe for the apple, but her lightheartedness faded as soon as she spotted Wade swaggering into the mart with his gang. Wade Farrell, the town’s most entitled rich boy, was a constant thorn in Daisy’s side. His family practically owned half the town, and their wealth came with an air of arrogance that Wade wore like a crown. “Hey, sweetheart,” Wade greeted, his voice dripping with smugness. Daisy ignored him, choosing instead to focus on Mr. Leonel, the shop owner. “I'm here, Mr. Leonel!” she said cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood. “Thank you, Daisy,” Mr. Leonel replied with a relief smile before retreating to the storage room. Wade leaned against the counter, watching Daisy with a smirk. “You know, you’d save yourself a lot of trouble if you just agreed to be my girlfriend.” Daisy fixed him with a steely glare. “Enough with the games, Wade. Pay for your goods or leave.” He raised his hands in mock surrender, then tossed a few bills onto the counter. “Keep the change, princess,” he said, blowing her a kiss before walking out, his friends laughing behind him. Daisy was left standing there, the air heavy with unspoken tension. She quickly shook off the feeling and busied herself. Daisy was a kind and beautiful girl, loved by everyone in town. After graduating high school, she gave up on college because her parents couldn’t afford it. At 16, she took on the responsibility of helping her family pay off their debts to Wade’s family. Sometimes, she thought about moving to the city to find better work, but the idea of starting over in a place so unfamiliar and harsh scared her. Life in her small town was hard, but the city felt like it could be even harder. --- That evening, as she locked up the mart, Sam appeared, shyly offering to walk her home. Daisy smiled, grateful for his kind presence. Together, they strolled down the quiet road, Daisy pushing her bike beside her. They walked in silence for a while, the twilight casting soft hues across the road. Sam cut the silence, “Daisy, I need to tell you something,” Sam began, his voice trembling slightly. Daisy’s heart sank. She had a feeling she knew what he was about to say, and it scared her. Sam was a kind friend, and she didn’t want to hurt him. “Sam, I—” A loud honk interrupted her. Wade’s flashy car screeched to a stop beside them, and he stepped out with his usual cocky grin. “Hey, buddy,” Wade said, clapping Sam on the shoulder. "Did you know Daisy and I are getting married?" Wade said, smirking as he tried to step closer to Daisy. "Stop lying, Wade. Sam and I are leaving," Daisy shot back, grabbing Sam’s arm and trying to pull him away. But Wade blocked their path, gripping Sam’s shirt with a forceful hand. "Hey, Wade!" Daisy shouted, her voice tinged with frustration. Although Sam was the Mayor's son, he's too afraid of Wade to say anything, his eyes shifting nervously away. Daisy knew how shy he was and understood that, under Wade’s oppressive influence in town, he couldn’t protect her. "Know your place, man," Wade sneered, shoving Sam roughly away from Daisy. "And I’m not lying, my princess. Come with me—my parents are already at your house, planning the wedding." He grinned wildly, his smile twisted with arrogance. "Sam, let's talk about this tomorrow," Daisy said, turning to him with a soft smile, hoping to ease the tension. She waited for him to head home before she mounted her bike and rode away, leaving Wade behind. As she pedaled home, her mind raced with countless thoughts. She stopped by Mrs. Guanzon’s house to cancel the tutoring session, claiming there was an emergency at home. On the way back, doubts clouded her thoughts. What if what Wade said was true? The idea of marrying that arrogant man terrified her, but she couldn’t shake the fear that she might have no choice. --- As soon as she stepped inside their house, she find her parents sitting stiffly across from Wade’s parents, their faces lined with worry. “So here’s the bride,” Mrs. Selena Farrell said smugly. Daisy’s fists clenched. “What’s going on?” Mrs. Farrell folded her arms. “You know your parents owe us a significant debt. So, we’ve decided to forgive it—if you marry our son.” Daisy’s chest tightened. “I’m only 18, and I don’t love him.” “It isn't about the love, Daisy,” Mr. Howard Farrell said sternly. “This is about paying off your debts.” “You said we had five months to pay,” Daisy protested, her voice shaking. “We changed our minds,” Mrs. Farrell replied, her tone dismissive. "Please, Mrs. Farell, give us more time to think," Daisy's mother pleaded, her voice trembling with sadness. “No. Decide now,” Mr. Farrell demanded. Daisy turned to her parents, their downcast expressions breaking her heart. “Give us the five months,” she said firmly. “If we can’t pay by then, I’ll marry him.” "No. You should listen to my parents, Daisy. Just marry me now," Wade said, leaning the door with a smug look, as if he already had everything under control. "Mr. Farell," Daisy said firmly, locking eyes with him. "You pride yourself on being a man of your word. You promised us five months, and you said it yourself." Her voice was steady, but every word held the weight of a challenge. Mr. Farell paused, a flicker of realization crossing his face before he gave a nod, then sighed. “Fine. Five months. But if the debt isn’t paid by then, you will marry Wade.” As the Farrells left, Wade lingered at the door, flashing a smug grin. “Better start shopping for a dress, Sweetheart.” Daisy didn’t reply, slamming the door behind him. Her decision was made. She would leave for the city and find a way to pay off the debt—not just for herself but for her parents, who had borne this burden for far too long. The fear of the unknown loomed large, but Daisy was determined. There was no way she would let Wade Farrell dictate her future.