Chapter2
1313 Words
I stood before Dad's desk, looking at the agreement.
My heart sank by the minute.
“What's this?” I muttered fearfully.
“Calvin agreed to help us; however, there's a condition. You have to marry him. He seems to like you a lot,” Dad said calmly, obviously determined.
I only had to take one look at him to realize that my harsh taskmaster, Gaius Perry, had made up his mind to sell me for ten million dollars.
Dad is a hard man; very stubborn.
It's impossible to change his mind, but it's my future at stake here.
“Dad, what do you mean? You want me to marry a sixty-four-year-old mafia don, entangled in all manner of illegal businesses? But I'm just twenty-four! Dad please, my life just started, please don't do this, let's find another alternative,” I pleaded fearfully.
“Okay fine, how else are we going to secure the money? The bank refused to give us a loan due to the financial state of our company. But Calvin is offering to give us the money, free of charge. He will even invest in the company to get it back on its feet. All these and more can happen in exchange for a little favor,” Dad said angrily, obviously offended that I was trying to argue with him.
“A little favor? It's me we're talking about here. My life, my future, my happiness, how does it qualify as a little favor? Have you forgotten how his wife died? He beat her to death, and the law enforcement agencies couldn't do anything about it. What about my future? I'm just one year away from bagging a degree in business administration. But he stated here that he wanted me to quit school and become a housewife. How can you agree with such a ridiculous thing?” I whispered tearfully.
“All that matters here is your brother. If he can be treated, what's a little sacrifice that we can't make? His chance of survival will increase by 88% if he gets treated by a miracle doctor. He will recover. You always claim to love him, so why are you finding it hard to make a little sacrifice for him?” Dad growled, angrily getting up from his chair.
I staggered, my tears blinding me.
“I could die there too. I may share the same fate as his first wife. Have you seen his son, Alvan? Even his son hates him? How am I supposed to spend the rest of my life with such a monster?” I whispered, holding the wall for support.
“They're all rumors, tomorrow is the engagement party. The wedding will follow soon after. I will send the stylists to you tomorrow. All you need to do is sit down and look pretty. He will arrange the payment for Rey's treatment immediately after the engagement party and do the rest after the wedding. Rey can start his treatment this week. All things being equal, the miracle doctor will get him back in shape within a year. There's no room for argument, just go into your room and prepare your mind to be a good wife,” he said firmly, holding my collar.
Tears ran down my cheeks as I turned to leave.
I met Rey at the door with tears streaming down his face. I ran past him and noticed that I had stepped on something. I saw a half-eaten drumstick on the floor. He probably came to check why we were taking a lot of time, only to walk in on us arguing.
I instinctively wanted to rush to him and reassure him.
But I couldn't stop crying, making me continue on my way.
I fell on my bed and buried my face in the pillow.
Why am I so unfortunate?
How can I spend the rest of my life with that bloodthirsty criminal?
No, I must escape.
I quickly ran into my dressing room and began to pack my bags hurriedly.
Dad's voice echoed in my ears, reminding me of how I claim to love my brother but can't make a sacrifice to keep him alive. My hands shake like one with Parkinson's disease.
I fell to the floor, crying.
If I escape, what about my brother?
Who will take care of him?
Where else are we going to find money for his treatment?
If I saved my life and let my brother die, what kind of sister would I be?
He's just twelve, he deserves a chance to be happy.
I can't fight for my future while disregarding his own.
I lay down on the floor, crying helplessly.
The unprecedented weakness, hopelessness, and despair I'm feeling right now I have never felt before.
My dilemma has left me weak and helpless.
“God, what do I do?” I whispered in tears, hiccuping.
“No, I won't let my brother die. The miracle doctor had healed a leukemia patient in the past, I must give him a chance to fight for survival and defeat this obstacle,” I whispered with determination, holding my shaky hands together.
However, my brave words did nothing to strengthen me. I couldn't stop crying helplessly while shaking in acute fear as I thought about how lonely and bleak my future would look with the demonic Calvin Jones in it.
I don't know how long I sat before falling asleep.
However, the voice of my brother shouting woke me up.
I frowned as my heart skipped a beat.
His health is already so frail, in his current condition, raising his voice will stress him, and stress will kill him.
I scrambled to my feet and quickly wiped my face, rushing downstairs towards the direction I heard his voice.
I met him shouting at Dad while the housekeeper watched helplessly.
“Accepting money is not an option. I refuse to get treatment. I'm already sick, there's no guarantee that I will recover in one year like the other patient. Why must you push my sister to hell because of it? She doesn't want to get married, even if she does, it won't be that monster. She deserves a chance to fall in love with someone within her age of grade, not going there against her will. Forget it Dad, I'm not getting the treatment,” he shouted, his tiny voice already cracking due to the pressure he was exerting on his vocal cords.
“Baby, listen. You will recover after treatment. Uncle Calvin likes your sister, he will treat her well. You don't have to worry about that, just take your drugs and go back to your room,” Dad whispered gently, squatting before him.
“I refuse. I won't take any drugs till you promise not to shove my sister into that grouchy thing!” He insisted.
“Sweetheart,” I whispered, pulling him to me.
“Don't worry, Dad won't force you to get married against your wish,” he said firmly, holding my hand while trying to console me.
I laughed, his actions warming my heart.
At that moment, my resolve finally strengthened.
A little brother who's willing to let go of his life to ensure that I won't marry someone I don't like certainly deserves something in the world.
He's willing to protect me, even though he knows that protecting me means that he will die instead.
He has always been like this, always looking out for me despite being half my age.
Why am I hesitating?
If he's willing to die for my happiness, why can't I do the same for him?
I smiled brightly and kissed his cheeks, squatting before him.
“Don't worry, okay? You won't go anywhere near Calvin,” he reassured, rubbing my back.
I smiled wryly, if I don't marry Calvin, how else will we get the money?
- Writer
