Deal with the billionaire

The dingy cafe is a place that Zendaya has never set foot in throughout her years of living in Williamsburg, New York City. It's dirty, the smell of old grease permeating every inch of the place. It's her brother's favorite place, he comes there every evening to smoke cannabis with his friends and he has insisted on meeting her there, claiming that he have some news to share with her that can't wait until they were back home. The way he sounded on the call it's urgent and Zendaya has been dying to see her brother. He hasn't come home for the past two weeks. She couldn't believe her eyes the moment she saw him. Her stern-faced brother had a haunted look in his eyes, and bruises all over his body. She could tell that something is wrong. "Patrick, what's going on?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper Her brother sighed and ran a hand through his thinning hair before finally spilling the bottle "zendaya, I'm in trouble, big trouble" This isn't the first time her brother Patrick George is in trouble. Everyone knows him in the hood, his always fond of getting into troubles "What kind of trouble? and who did this to you?" Zendaya asked, talking about the bruises on his body "Forget about the bruises" he snapped out. "I'm in big trouble, I've taken out loans...too many loans. I was sure I could make the payments but I got scammed by a friend and now...now I owe people a lot of money" he said, with so many fears in his eyes "How much?" she asked, feeling her stomach clench "fifty thousand dollars" he muttered Zendaya gasped "That's a whole lot of money, why would you borrow sure a huge amount of money," she asked curiously "I wanted to invest it in a business..." She cut in angrily "What business Patrick? You gambled it away. I believe they did this to you, that's why you have been away for the past two weeks. How long will you keep running?" she asked, as tears prick at the corner of her eyes "I'm sorry. I just wanted to take the risk, hoping that I might win the catch then I can finally give you the life you deserve" he said in a sober voice Her heart bleeds. He wants the best for her but he keeps doing it the wrong way "What are we going to do now?" she asked His eyes grew to plead "There is a way...an arrangement has come up and I think if we can just take it, I can pay off all my debts" "What arrangement?" she asked hastily, at this point she will do anything to save him. He's the only family she has left He hesitated looking away for a moment before meeting her gaze again "It's a marriage arrangement with someone who can help get me out of this financial mess" "Marriage? What do you mean?" she asked incredulously "A wealthy man, a billionaire has agreed to pay off my debts in exchange for you becoming his wife" Her Jaw dropped" What? That's absurd! I don't even know this man!" "I know, I know but Zendaya there is no other way, if we don't do this I'll... I'll be sent to prison. Please Zendaya, you're the only one who can help me now, you have to do this" he said knees down, with tears falling down his eyes like an infant She tried to hold back her tears as she dabbed her eyes rapidly but couldn't, the tears flowed down like an ocean. She couldn't believe this is happening, what about her dreams of becoming a singer? What about her boyfriend Jethro? how can she live with a man she doesn't love? So many thoughts ran through her mind "Is there no other way?" she asked "This is the only way. Please do this for me " he pleads She sighed staring helplessly at him "I need time to think about it" she said walking away "Whatever decision you make, please remember I'm still your brother and our late parent won't be happy with you if you choose not to help me" he said sobbing loudly The words broke through her heart. His good at it manipulating someone, once a gambler always a gambler "Aren't you coming home?" she asked amidst the tears "I can't go home now, they will come for me. Take care of yourself and be careful" he said and ran into the dark She watched him disappear in the dark. Everything he said still sounds like a shock, maybe this is a nightmare, and she needs to wake up from it. She hits herself hard on the chest with tears streaming down her eyes "It's not a nightmare, it's not a nightmare!" she screamed in pain. The night was a tough one for Zendaya . She couldn't sleep, her head was buzzing with thoughts "Am I going to do this?" she asked herself. What about my dreams? What about my boyfriend? how will I break the news to him? how will he feel about it? So many thought ran through her mind. This is a state of dilemma. One week later. After many pleas from Patrick, Zendaya finally agreed to it with a heavy heart seeing that her father's life is in danger. The next few weeks were a blur of activity as Zendaya prepare for the arranged marriage. She was in a daze everything feeling surreal. She barely registered the fancy dresses she have to wear or the luxurious hotels she have to stay in. Liam her soon-to-be spouse has already sent the money for all expenses but the astounding part is he hasn't bothered to see or even contact her. Finally the day arrives. The sun was shining brightly, yet it felt like a dark cloud was hanging over Zendaya's head. She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as her best friend Samantha help her into her wedding dress "You look beautiful" Samantha complimented her Zendaya had a conflicted expression on her face "Samantha, am I doing the right thing? I'm having double thoughts" Zendaya said, her voice trembling with fear Samantha looked at her with concern "Zendaya, it's not too late to change your mind, you deserve to marry someone you love" "I know but if I don't do this, my brother will be ruined" Zendaya said, tears streaming down her face Samantha wiped her tears "Zendaya, you're my best friend and I want you to be happy. I'll stand by you no matter what you decide" "What about Jethro? Will he be fine?" she asked "Don't worry about Jethro, he will be fine and he will move on. Worry about yourself" Samantha said, feeling sorry for her She nodded knowing that Samantha is right. She took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror one last time before heading out to face her fate. As she walked down the aisle, Zendaya couldn't help but feel like she is walking into a trap. Her heart was heavy with sadness and she could barely breathe. Everyone watched with bated breath and her brother looked on with a smile. When she finally stood in front of Liam, fear consumed her. She is making a mistake but it was too late to back out. He is tall and imposing, with piercing blue eyes and a strong jawline. The billionaire whispers to Zendaya "I hope you know what you are getting into" He murmured, a hint of menace in his voice Zendaya winced but said nothing, she gritted her teeth and fake a smile The wedding vows felt like they were suffocating her, and her heart was beating so loud that she was sure everyone could hear it. They exchange a cold unemotional kiss As they walk back down the aisle, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of man her new husband is, and whether he has any ulterior motives for marrying her. Zendaya was filled with a sense of dread, knowing that she has just signed away her life to a stranger. They bid everyone farewell and hopped into the luxury car. Zendaya was cold throughout the whole time they drove home. Liam barely said a word to her, he just had this cocky smile on his face Finally they were home. As she hopped down from the car, she felt a shiver run down her spine. This is her new home, a grand mansion. She has no idea what to expect but she knows that it's going to be tough. Zendaya walked into the grand mansion accompanied by Liam and his bodyguards. They were lots of domestic workers "Welcome ma" the domestic staff's chorus "Thank you" Zendaya replied in a whispers, still amazed by the size of the mansion. She walked through the maze of hallways and staircases. Everything was as good as it could be with lavish chandeliers and paintings adorning the walls. The floors were made of marble and the carpets were thick and plush "Welcome home" Liam said, with a calm voice but she could sense the anger and hurt beneath it "Thank you" she replied in a whisper "The butler will show you to your room" He said dashingly and walked out Zendaya sighed deeply the moment he was out of sight, she don't seem to breathe freely in his presence "Welcome ma. I'm Leo the head servant" he said with a warm smile "Thank you, Leo" she replied with a smile. For the first time since she stepped foot into the house, she felt a sense of belonging "I will show you to your room. Please follow me" he said and took the lead Everywhere she looked. She saw luxury and opulence, unlike anything she has ever seen before. she touches the plush furnishings and ran her fingers over the intricate carvings on the walls. Everything was so overwhelming yet captivating "I hope the house is to your liking?" Leo asked "It's...it's beautiful" she replied, a bit shakily "Good. I'm glad you're pleased with it" He said. They continue their walk to her room "This is your room ma" Leo said as he opens the gigantic door Zendaya opened her mouth in surprise as she walked into her new room. She has never seen anything like it, the walls were painted a soft cream color and were adorned with elegant paintings. A plush white rug covered the shining hardwood floors and there was a king-sized bed with silky sheets and soft pillows in the center She walked over to the huge window that overlooked the city. She could see all the tiny cars and people "Thank you, The room is beautiful" she said still in surprise "You welcome ma. My boss took his time to make this room beautiful, He has been expecting you" he said "He has been expecting me?" she asked, a bit confused "Yeah," he nodded. "I will leave you to have some rest. Once again welcome" he said and walked out Zendaya couldn't stop admiring the room, it's the best she has ever had.Everything is captivating but she feels like a prisoner, she feels trapped Zendaya was still admiring the room, When she heard a knock on the door. "Who is that?" she asked in fear "I'm Oscar, the boss's bodyguard" the voice echoes behind the gigantic door "Come in," she said, wondering what he was looking for He opened the door and walked in. A tall guy with a muscular body and a long beard "The boss wants your cell phone," he said, with so many commands "What for?" she asked curiously "You have no right to question his command. Give me the cell phone!" he yelled loudly "That my personal..." Zendaya couldn't finish the words. The young man held her hands and forcefully took the cell phone. He took out the subscriber identity modules and broke it into pieces "Why will you do that? how I'm going to communicate with my family, my friends, everybody?" she asked, tears pricking the corner of her eyes "That's your new phone," he said and dropped a brand-new phone on the bed. "I don't need it!" she yelled in tears "The only number on the phone is the boss's contact. You have no right to call, or communicate with anyone except the boss" "Why will you do that?" she asked, tears streaming down her eyes The young man uttered no words. He walked out of the room with no feelings of remorse Zendaya couldn't breathe, she just kept gasping for air, as she placed her hands on her chest with tears flowing like an ocean. She knew it was going to be tough but not to this breadth. How is she going to communicate with people? What are his plans? She questioned, as she feared for her life. It already evening. Karen slept off in tears, her eyes were swollen when she woke up. Everything still seems like a dream to her, is this her reality she asked herself. Everything she has worked for and dreamed of is all down the drain. This is not the life she wants to live, no! Not the life of a prisoner. She wants a life of freedom, where she can stretch her hands and feel no walls She was still feeling sorry for herself when she heard a knock on the door. She didn't say a word, she was too scared "Can I come in?" a feminine voice asked behind the door "Come in," Zendaya replied A chubby woman in her late 50s walked in, she had this charming smile on her face "Dinner is ready ma," she said bowing in greeting "I'm not hungry!" Zendaya snapped out "You don't want to keep the boss waiting, he hates it," the woman said warmly "I said I'm not hungry" she snapped again The woman moved closer to her and gave her a warm smile "I know how you feel, but this won't sort it. You only bring yourself more pain. You just have to dance along to the tone life has offered you at the moment, with time it will get better" "But this isn't the tone I want," Zendaya said in an outburst of tears "I know" she nodded. "he's waiting for you, please don't keep him waiting, he will get mad" "I'll be downstairs in a bit," she said holding back her tears "Thank you," the woman said warmly "Please what's your name," Zendaya asked "Sorry for my manners. I'm Hannah, the head cook" she said "Thank you, Hannah," she said "You welcome ma" Hannah replied and walked out Zendaya noticed the scars and bruises on her body. Why would an elderly person have so many scars and bruises, she wondered. Zendaya walked into the dining room. Liam was already having his dinner. He stared at her in disgust as he chewed loudly "Why did you keep me waiting" he asked "I was having my bath" she lied, sitting down at the extreme of the dining chairs very far from him He giggles "You are good at lying just like your father. What was I expecting from the daughter of a gambler?" he asked in mockery Zendaya said no words, she only stared in hurt and gritted her teeth " You know I thought you were special, I never knew your brother would give you away for just fifty thousand dollars" smirkeMy "my cheapest cars are even worth more than that"bluntedunts out "If you had so much money. Why didn't you give him the money for free?" she asked in anger He chuckles "I'm not a generous man like my father, you will only get hurt. Treat people how they deserve, that's how I'm going to treat you like s**t cus that's what you deserve" She didn't know what to say. Did I get married to a human or a monster? she questioned as tears dropped from her eyes. "Don't cry yet darling, I haven't started with you" he said Hannah walked into the dining room "You sent for me sir," she said bowing in fear "Who cooked this?" he asked "I did sir" Hannah replied trembling in fear Flip a bottle of water on her "So you made this?" he asked in disgust Zendaya was too shocked to say the word, he doesn't have respect for anyone. She just stared helplessly at Hannah who was still pleading for forgiveness "Now get out of my sight! you old fool" he said in anger Hannah ran out in fear with water dripping over her body "I want to see you in my room by 9 pm. Don't keep me waiting, I hate it" he said to Zendaya and walked out in anger.