THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICEST

A Desire

The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the sprawling garden of the Willie family estate.

Melinda, heart heavy with hurt and humiliation, walked away from the grand gathering that was supposed to be a celebration of family unity. As she strolled amidst the delicate blooms, tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

She had tried so hard to be a part of the Willie family, but it seemed like she could never live up to their expectations. The snide comments, the dismissive glances, and the isolation she felt throughout the evening had taken their toll on her spirit.

In the distance, she heard footsteps approaching, and when she turned, she was met with the concerned gaze of Ethan, Dag's younger brother. He had always been more observant, and she had often noticed him silently noticing the dynamics within the family.

"Melinda, are you okay?" Ethan asked gently, his voice laced with empathy.

Melinda swallowed her tears, offering a weak smile. "I'm fine, Ethan. Just needed some fresh air."

Ethan wasn't easily fooled, and he could see the pain in her eyes. "You don't have to pretend to me," he said, taking a step closer. "I noticed how they treated you tonight. It was unfair, and I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Melinda felt a flicker of surprise at his sincerity. Until now, she had assumed that everyone in the family was against her. "Thank you, Ethan. It's been a tough evening, but I'll be okay."

Ethan nodded, understanding the weight of her emotions. "I know my family can be difficult at times, but please know that not everyone feels that way. I, for one, think you're a wonderful addition to the family."

Melinda was touched by his words, a glimmer of hope igniting in her heart. "Really?"

Ethan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Absolutely. You've brought so much joy into Dag's life, and he's happier than I've ever seen him. That's all that matters to me."

Melinda wiped away a tear, feeling a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Ethan. It means a lot to hear that."

Ethan offered her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "You don't have to face this alone, Melinda. I'm here if you need someone to talk to."

As they continued to walk through the garden, Melinda found herself opening up to Ethan. "Ethan, there's something I need to talk to you about," Melinda began, her voice tinged with a mix of nervousness and determination.

Ethan turned to her, his eyes attentive. "Of course, Melinda. You can talk to me about anything."

Melinda hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I... I'm fed up about my marriage to Dag, and I desperately want out. He cheats on me and he practically treats me like a slave. I mean... I feel less than a wife! The Willie family hates me as well!" She said as she burst into tears.

"Melinda, it's alright..." Ethan sighed. He could see that Melinda was heartbroken and depressed, and he needed to say soothing words to her at this point.

He was never in support of her marriage to Dag when he found out the basis of their relationship. It was bordered on a debt which was yet to be paid, and not on love. Now, he knew that the only thing he could do was to encourage Mel.

"Everything will be fine. You just need to be patient. I'm sure Dag will change for the better..."

"No, Ethan. I doubt it. He gets worse every passing day. I just need to feel like every normal human; to have a sense of purpose beyond what I do now. I want freedom! I want to work and earn a living! I just want to live."

"Hmmm..." Ethan sighed, regarding Melinda with a thoughtful expression and taking a moment to process her words.

"What if I talk to Dag about you working? You see, Mel. Let me be honest with you. Your marriage to Dag cannot be dissolved, since the entire Willie family is involved. But I can help to influence Dag's decision to make you work."

"Thanks, Ethan. I need to be something much more than this."

"I can understand that, Melinda," Ethan said gently. "You were working before you met Dub, and I know how much you loved your job. It's natural to want to have a sense of identity and purpose beyond your family roles."

Melinda nodded, grateful for his understanding. "I miss the joy and fulfilment that brought into my life. I feel like a part of me has been lost since I left my job to focus on being a housewife. Perhaps I could gather the money needed to pay my family debts gradually if I'm allowed to work."

Ethan placed a comforting hand on Melinda's shoulder. "I'll talk to Dag about this, Mel. I'll try to help him understand your perspective."

A sense of relief washed over Melinda, knowing that she had someone in the family who was willing to listen and support her. "Thank you, Ethan. I really appreciate it."

As the event was drawing to an end and the guests dispersed, Dag's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it to see a call from his brother, Ethan. "Please, excuse me," Dag said to those around him, excusing himself from the group.

Walking away from the commotion, Dag answered the call. "Hey, Ethan, what's up?"

"I need to see you before you head home," Ethan's voice sounded serious and urgent.

"Is everything okay?" Dag asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"It's important," Ethan replied cryptically.

Dag's curiosity piqued, and he headed towards the secluded spot in the garden where Ethan had asked to meet.

When Dag reached the designated spot, he found Ethan. "What's going on, Ethan? You said you needed to see me."

Dag said as he looked at his brother, curiosity mixed with a hint of wariness. "What's on your mind, Ethan?"

"Dag... I called you here because of Melinda."

"And what about her?" Dag asked looking curiously.

"I think you should reconsider Melinda's desire to work," Ethan said, his gaze earnest. "It's clear that she misses having a career. I think it would be good for her to have that sense of fulfilment again."

Dag's eyes narrowed his expression hardening. He could sense where this conversation was heading, and he didn't want to hear it.

"Ethan, this is none of your business! Stay out of this. She made this agreement with our family, before getting married to me." Dag retorted, his voice clipped.

Ethan persisted, his concern for Melinda outweighing his fear of his brother's anger. "I just think it's important to support her dreams and aspirations. She could get off the family's hook by paying her family's debts gradually if she's given the chance to work."

Dag's patience wore thin, and he slammed his hand on the table close to them amid the garden, causing it to shake slightly. "Enough, Ethan. I said it's none of your business!"

Dag's outburst was unexpected, and the tension in the air was palpable.

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Dag, I don't mean to intrude, but I can see how much this decision is affecting Melinda. I just want what's best for her."

Dag glared at Ethan, his anger simmering. "And I want what's best for her too. You have no right to dictate to me how I run my family. Melinda can be nothing more than a housewife, so you can't force anything else on me!"