It was her birthday in two weeks! Well no one was excited for her birthday except for herself and Anna, Mary's only friend who works in the library with her.
"Can you believe it girl? I'm going to be 18 this month," Mary exclaimed. Anna laughed at her best friend's joy. "Of course, babe. We're going to the club to celebrate your birthday. We'll drink and dance all night. Perhaps get laid with some hot guy. Ughhhh, I can't wait," Mary gave her a sad smile. "You know Anna, we can't do that," Anna gave her a concerned look. "What's the harm in coming to the orphanage, Mary? Please leave that pitiful place and come live with us." "Anna, you know I’m trapped there. I can't escape that hell. That woman wields power over me. She would never let me go. If I manage to escape, she will come after me and hurt me in various ways." Mary explained the situation to her best friend. Anna tried to brighten her day by giving her a big warm hug. "Don't let those demons ruin your mood now." Mary exclaimed when she heard the demon's name. She recalled the incident that had occurred with her the previous week. It did not happen again. She slept peacefully every night thanks to God "Let's get a coffee and then we'll be on our way." They drank their coffees and headed towards their houses. It was one of the cold December nights. Mary was wearing an old torn cloak given to her by her aunt, which didn't help to stop the cold wind from making contact with her delicate skin. She started rubbing her palms together to generate some heat. She glanced towards the silent street. There was no one except her. But then she noticed someone standing in the middle of the street from a distance, but she couldn't see the person clearly. She didn't pay much attention to him and kept her gaze on the ground as she passed by. She didn’t ignore the strong unrecognizable scent emanating from the figure. Her heart started pounding. She looked back towards the person, but she was less surprised and more terrified to see that no one was standing there. How? How is this even possible? I just crossed him a second ago, and he's no longer here. Is this some sort of hallucination? Mary had no idea what was going on. She looked around, but the street was deafeningly quiet. She sighed and resumed her walk towards the house, her gaze fixed on the ground. Then she saw someone standing in front of her. She turned her gaze to the figure. The darkness of the night made it difficult for her to see the man's face clearly. He was extremely tall. Maybe 6’4”? With her 5'4" height, she appeared to be a child in front of him. "Ummm excuse me sir, but could you please give me a side? You're getting in my way," she said politely to the figure. But it refused to budge. Mary sighed and walked right pass through him. Then it hit her. The scent. It was the same scent she smelled around the previous person. Her mouth let out a gasp. She turned around to look at the person again, but he had vanished. This time, Mary was terrified. She began running and did not stop until she arrived at her house. She was breathing heavily. She shut the door and went straight to the kitchen to get some water. Something wasn't quite right. This isn't a hallucination. Perhaps he was the same person who had come to her room the night before. But she can’t tell anyone in her home. They won't believe her, and her aunt will most likely beat her again for babbling. She intended to keep it to herself. . She prepared dinner, served it, ate a little herself, and then went to her room. She finished the rest of "The Demon King" and went to bed. She changed her clothes and turned off the light, but she couldn't fall asleep. The thoughts of that stranger were keeping her awake. Her mouth escaped a yawn. Her eyes getting heavy. She closed her eyes and shut her thoughts for that person. But just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard a voice. A very deep voice. Then she felt someone blowing in her ear. Two more days baby girl. Then you'll be mine forever, and the sleep took her right away.
Two days passed in a blink and the day of her birthday arrived. She was overjoyed, but she kept her excitement hidden from her aunt's family. Those guys were aware that it was her special day, but they did not wish her or allow her to enjoy it. She did all of the housework. And she went to work. Anna greeted her with a warm welcome hug and best wishes. Mary was absolutely delighted and grateful to have her. They cut the small cake Anna had brought for her birthday. "It's for you, sweetie." Anna gave her a lovely pendant as a gift. It was so elegant. Mary's heart melted. This was the first time she had received a gift since her parents' death. She gave Anna a hug and thanked her for the gift. She had a good time with her best friend then she finished her work for the day and returned to her house. Fortunately, she had not encountered any other incidents in the previous two days. She arrived safely at her destination. Her aunt asked her to meet her in the room after dinner while she was serving the meal. Mary gave a nod. She washed the dishes and went to her aunt's house. "Come in." She heard from the other side of the door. Mary entered the room to find her aunt holding some papers. "Come closer, Mary," she hesitated, but she didn't dare to say no. "So, Mary, you have finally turned 18. It's time for you to tie the knot. Don't you think so?" Mary's eyes widened as she looked at her aunt. Mary was aware of what her aunt was about to say. "Aunt Jane, yes, but-" "Did I give you permission to speak, dear?" her aunt asked calmly. Fear filled her veins. She didn't want to marry just anyone. She wished to marry the person she loved. But she hadn't found anyone until now. She gave her aunt a slow nod and let her continue. "So, Mary, you're getting married tomorrow," her aunt casually stated. Mary stared at her aunt in disbelief. "Yes, you hear that correctly. You're getting married tomorrow, and you're not in a position to defy my orders. You may leave now." Her aunt spoke up and stood up. "No," Mary said softly. “Excuse me, what did you just said?" "I SAID NO!" Mary let out a disastrous scream. "I'd always listened to you and fulfilled your pathetic wishes without a question, but this, this is something I will not allow you to do to me. It's MY f*****g life. I have complete authority to choose the person for myself. I'm not going to marry any old s**t you're planning on marrying me with." Mary screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You b***h!" slapped her aunt. She was fuming with rage. "Who gave you the audacity to defy me? You have no right to be disrespectful to me. I own you, b***h. If you don't do what I say, I'll kill you and feed your obnoxious body to the dogs "Then kill me. Kill me and free me from the hell I'm in." Mary threw up on her. "Oh Mary, believe me. That is something I wish I could do. But you are no longer ours. You belong to HIM. HIS to kill, and HIS to torture." Aunt Jane said as she grabbed Mary's throat. Mary struggled to break free from her grip. Her aunt threw her away on the floor, as if she were a cotton doll. "Get out of my sight." Mary stood from the ground and went to her room, where she sobbed uncontrollably. She heard someone outside lock her door, but she didn't give a damn. She cursed herself and her life. She didn't want to be alive any longer. She yearned for her parents. She cried all night, until she fell asleep. She awoke early the next morning. Her room remained locked. She looked in the mirror and saw herself. Her eyes looked puffy because of all the crying. She washed her face before taking a long, warm bath. Time passed as she lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She then heard a click. Her door was unlocked, and Tom entered. He was eating junk food with his hands full. Mary's face was expressionless. "Mommy says get dressed and come down the stairs. The guests are on their way." Tom then exited the room. A tear streamed down Mary's cheek. So this is where I'm going. To be ruined by everyone until I die. What a pity. She sighed and walked downstairs in the dress her aunt had given her. Her aunt glared at her. Prepare the lunch. The guests are on their way, and don't forget to BEHAVE.” Marry didn't say anything and went to work silently. She shivered as she heard a small knock on the door. Her cruel fate was closing in on her. Tom opened the main door and the guest was escorted to the dining hall. After a minute, Jane came to the kitchen to inform Mary that the lunch should be served now. Mary took the railing tray and moved towards her destination, her limbs trembling. She kept her gaze on the ground. "Mary, please serve the guest first." Mary nodded and set the dishes in front of him. The man grabbed her hand as she was about to leave. Mary gasped and turned to face him for the first time. Her gaze met his. His blue eyes, they were so deep and mesmerizing. She felt as if she were drowning in their depths. The man gave her a welcoming smile. "Please join us for the lunch." His voice was deep and authoritative. Mary turned to face her aunt, who was staring at her sending daggers through her eyes. She sat in the chair next to him, hesitantly. "Please eat," said the man, as he began to eat. Mary was dumbfounded. This man pretended to be the host and us as his guests. Everyone ate their meals quietly. After finishing his meal, the man rose from his seat. Uncle Robert and Aunt Jane given up their meals too and rose at the same time. Mary felt awkward, so she stood up as well. His gaze shifted to Mary. "I hope your bag is ready. We'll be leaving in a moment. Please hurry." The man said before leaving to the living room. What's the matter with him? Why is he imposing his will on everyone? This man was giving her bad vibes. He was attractive, but he was also a jerk. What if he is abusive or a drug addict. I do not know him at all. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to marry him. No way, I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to marry him. I need to speak with him right away. I have no fear of anyone. Mary took all of her courage and entered the living room. The man sat there, watching something on his phone. Uncle Robert and Aunt Jane sat across from him. They appeared to be terrified of this man. WHO IS HE? She stood in front of him. His gaze shifted to her face. Mary became nervous for a split second before regaining control. . "Shall we leave?" He inquired while standing. "I'm sorry, sir, but I fear I can’t marry you." Mary dared to say this while staring him down. Jane let out a loud gasp. The man kept his cool. "I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice. I've already paid your guardians the agreed-upon sum." Mary was perplexed. "A-amount? What amount are you talking about sir?" Mary enquired of the man. "How unjust of you Robert, not to tell your niece that you sold her to me." Instead of her, the man mentioned her uncle. Mary's eyes widened as she looked at him. "S-Sold-d?" "Yes, my dear. For ten million dollars, your uncle and aunt sold you to me” He stated calmly. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She turned to face her uncle. Guilt written all over his face. "How? Uncle, how could you do this to me? How? For God's sake, I am your brother's daughter!” Mary screamed at Robert. "Lower your voice, lady. Don’t forget we raised you after your parents died. We provided you shelter. Food to eat. Clothes to put on. Do you dare to question us?" Jane yelled at her. "Shut up! You did nothing but torture me. You turned me into a servant. Treated me like a street dog. You were abusive to me. You discontinued my studies. Despite the fact that I am your own blood, you have never shown me any love or affection. And now, as a cherry on top, you've f*****g SOLD ME????? Mary couldn't stop sobbing. She desperately wished to kill those buffoons. To get everyone's attention, the man cleared his throat. "It doesn't matter now, sweetheart. We're getting ready to leave." The he dragged Mary towards his car. Mary kept yelling and slamming her fists on his back. However, it had no effect on his stiff body. He threw her in the front seat of his car and drove away. He activated the child's lock to prevent her from escaping. "Please sir, please, please let me go. I can't marry you. I have goals I want to achieve. Sir, please." Mary begged him like a child, but he refused to budge and continued driving. Mary cried silently the entire drive. The journey was becoming excessively long. Mary fell asleep as she felt so tired.