Love by Contract

The unbelievable proposal

"Mary my son". The old man said to me.

"What?!".

I couldn't believe my ears.

Somehow, my heart stopped beating, and I almost began to choke.

And for a complete minute, I sat motionless, and helpless.

I felt like I had just been handed my death warrant.

Marriage?

Does the old man understand what marriage entails?

If he does, why would he offer a marriage proposal for someone I do not know?

I don't know these people.

"Keisha?!".I heard a voice call my name.

The sound of the old man calling me brought me back to life.

And immediately, the lump in my throat that was choking me left, and I regained my tongue.

"I cannot marry your son". I blurted out without thinking twice.

I couldn't bring myself to say otherwise, I cannot marry a total stranger.

He chuckled.

It seemed he was expecting my response, and he was ready for it.

"I am sorry to disappoint you Keisha, but you don't have any other choice but to either marry my son, or pay me back my 500 million dollars now". He said seriously.

This time, his tone was changed. And the little smile that was dancing around his face, gone.

This man must be crazy!

I mean, who still does arranged marriage in exchange for a debt in this era?

"Please sir, I will work and I will pay you the money. Every dollar of it! But please, I cannot marry your son. I cannot marry someone I have never met before; he is literally a stranger to me". I pleaded.

He was about to say something when his phone rang. And without excusing himself, he got up and walked to one end of the large room and spoke in a hush tone.

And, no matter how much I strained my ears to hear who.he was talking to, and what they were discussing, I didn't hear anything.

But whatever it is, doesn't sound good as I noticed his countenance fell when the call ended.

Somehow I became scared.

What is he going to say, or do to me now?

I wondered, as I watched him return to his seat.

"I'm afraid Keisha, things aren't getting any fair to you today". He said to me.

My body began shaking. How many bad news was I going to get in a single day?

"I just got informed that your grandfather had a heart attack, and is being rushed to the hospital. And they feared, he might not make it alive if an urgent major heart surgery is not carried out on him as soon as possible....". The old man was still saying when I involuntarily stood up, and said in panic.

"Grandpa? My grandfather must not die, please. I have to go and see him, you have to let me go and see my grandfather, please!". I was speaking and crying at the same time, as all the pains of what I have been experiencing that day came weighing on me at once.

I will not live if anything happen to my grandfather, he is my only surviving relation.

"Not so fast Keisha, we still have an unfinished business. Remember?". The old man said to me coldly.

"I can't believe you! We are talking about an old man whose life is at stake here! Where is your conscience?!". I said to him, almost in a yell.

I totally lost it.

The urge for me to save my grandfather took away every fear I had for the mafia lord.

"And we are talking about my money here. 500 million dollars Keisha, just say yes to my proposal and I will let everything go. I will even take care of everything about your grandfather and his little heart". The old man replied me.

This time, his mischieves smile had returned.

"Yes, Yes! I will marry your son! I will do whatever thing you want me to do. But please, take me to see my grandfather, I need to make sure he is okay!". I said.

At this point, I didn't have anymore choice but to say yes. I felt utterly helpless.

"Not so fast Keisha, you'll have to sign to an agreement for this proppsal". The old man said as he opened a drawer chest beside him, and brought out a file.

In the file, he brought out a document already typed and addressed, and place it before me.

On the large office table was a box of pens of different colours. And from there, he took out a beautiful gold colored pen and hand it over to me to sign at the designated place in the document where my name was already inscribed.

I was already impatient watching him took time to prepare the agreement document for signing like he had all the time in the world.

To me, every tik from the clock is draining life away from my grandfather, and I never wanted to loose anymore time than I had already wasted sitting here.

Quickly, I took the pen from him and signed under my name in the document.

"Can we go now? I have done all what you want me to do. Haven't I?". I said to him, looking him straight in the eye.

"There will be no point of you going to the hospital now, the doctors and nurses on duty are there to take care of your grandfather. You will remain here in this house, and get ready to meet your husband". The man said to me, as he stood up and was making to leave the room.

"Someone will come, and take you to your personal chamber soon. And, be sure to be your best tonight because your wedding with my son is tomorrow morning". He added as he walked out of the door without giving me the chance to say anything.

I fumed, and swore.

I couldn't believe what just happened.

I felt like a prisoner, trapped and held behind bars with little or no freedom of my own.

What have I gotten into?

I have agreed to the old man's proposal, and have signed a contract to that effect. Yet, I was not allowed to leave this place, even if it is to go and see my dying grandfather.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I sobbed.

I have never felt this helpless before in my entire life.

I thought about everything and everybody, and wondered who could help me out from that situation.

I thought about my late parents, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

I didn't know who to blame at this point now.

Soon, I heard the door open, and I heard footsteps coming in. I didn't bother looking back to see who it was.

I was so grieved, and felt betrayed.

"Miss Keisha, I have been instructed to take you to your chambers and get you prepared for a meeting with young master. My name is..... ". The personal maid assigned to me was still talking when I stood up, and without taking a second look at her, I walked towards the door and she followed me...