Caught In The Web Of Love

Chapter 2

Mr. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his tone casual as he explained the situation to Lisa. “You see, Lisa,” he began, “...his boss offered me a reasonable amount in exchange for you.” His words were measured as if he was discussing the weather rather than a life-changing decision.

Lisa’s eyes widened in shock, her mouth opening slightly in disbelief. She looked at her mother, who was still trying to comprehend what she just heard, before turning back to her father. “Dad! What do you mean?” she asked, her voice louder than she had expected.

Mr. Sebastian shrugged nonchalantly as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “Well, he offered me a sum of money in exchange for you,” he explained again, his tone devoid of any emotion. “Who, in their right mind, would turn down such a juicy offer from a billionaire?” he asked rhetorically, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

Lisa felt a surge of anger and betrayal rise within her. She clenched her fist, as she struggled to swallow the lump in her throat. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could her own father sell her off like a piece of property? She stood up abruptly, her hands trembling with rage. “How could you do this, Dad?” she exclaimed, her voice cracking with despair. “How could you sell me off to someone I don’t even know? Is that how much I mean to you?”

Mr. Sebastian’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes meeting hers with a cold indifference. “It was a business decision, Lisa,” he replied calmly. “I thought it was best for our family.”

“Best for you, you mean!” Mrs. Sebastian interjected, her words laced with disappointment and disbelief. She shook her head, clearly disappointed in her husband. She couldn’t contain the heartache that struck her at his words. “You didn’t do this for the family,” she continued, her voice filled with irritation. “You did it for yourself...your pocket! Just as you’ve always done.”

Mrs. Sebastian looked at her husband, her expression filled with a mix of hurt and frustration. She had always believed in him and had always stood by his side even amidst his crazy stunts. But at this moment, just like many other times, she wondered how she had ended up with such a selfish, irresponsible, and reckless man.

Mr. Sebastian’s demeanor remained unchanged. He looked at his wife and rolled his eyes lazily. “If you know what’s best for you and your daughter, you would start helping her pack her things right away,” he said after letting out a noisy yawn.

The room was filled with tension as the Sebastians grappled with the aftermath of Mr. Sebastian’s revelation. It was as if they had forgotten that Ryan was there, his presence almost fading into the background amidst the family drama unfolding before him.

Ryan, however, seemed unbothered by the emotional turmoil playing out in front of him. He shifted slightly in his seat, his eyes briefly flickering towards Lisa, who stood frozen in anger and disbelief.

After an outburst of frustration, reality finally dawned on Mrs. Sebastian. She realized that it was her husband, Philip, who doesn’t mind sacrificing other people’s happiness just to have his way. The weight of this realization hit her hard, and she felt a wave of sadness wash over her.

Mrs. Sebastian looked at her husband, her eyes filled with sadness and disappointment. As the reality of the situation sank in, Mrs. Sebastian couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She turned away from her husband, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. It was clear to her now that there was no way out of this.

Ryan’s expression remained impassive as Mrs. Sebastian’s sobs filled the room. He checked his wristwatch again, a subtle gesture that indicated his impatience. His focus remained solely on the task at hand – to take Lisa to her new residence. To him, this was just another job to be completed. He was indifferent to the family drama, his only concern was to execute his assignment efficiently.

Finally, Ryan broke the seemingly long silence, “I understand this is a difficult time for you,” he began, his voice neutral. “But we do need to proceed with the arrangements. Lisa, if you’re ready, we can leave now.”

Lisa, who had been silent for a while, felt a surge of defiance rise within her. She looked at Ryan, her eyes blazing with anger. “I’m not going anywhere with you,” she declared, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “I want answers, and I’m not leaving until I get them!” She added, emphasizing every word of hers.

“We’re running out of time, Lisa,” Ryan replied, his voice calm but firm. “You’ll get the answers you seek when you meet Austin.”

Lisa chuckled incredulously, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Can you hear yourself?” she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Austin? Who is he, and why do I have to meet a stranger before I get answers to my questions?” Her eyes filled with defiance as she stared at Ryan.

Ryan sighed, his patience wearing out. “Austin is... actually, it’s just better for you to meet him first,” he replied cryptically. “He’ll explain everything to you. But we need to leave now.”

Lisa shook her head, her resolve hardening. “I’m not going anywhere until I get some answers,” she insisted, crossing her arms defiantly.

Before Ryan could respond, Mr. Sebastian interrupted, “Young lady, I’m afraid you don’t have a choice,” his expression hardened, his tone becoming more assertive. “You’re going with him, whether you like it or not,” he added as he struggled to get up from the chair.

He turned away, making his way out of the living room. He paused halfway and looked back at Lisa with a cold, unapologetic gaze. “By the way,” he said, his tone devoid of any remorse, “if you must know, Austin is his boss whom I spoke about earlier.” And just like that, he left the room, leaving Lisa to deal with her new fate.