THE DECISION
1451 Words
SELENA'S POV
"A marriage contract," he said, his voice flat, like he didn't just drop a bomb in the middle of the room.
For a second, I thought I heard wrong. Then the words settled in my head, and I laughed. A dry, disbelieving sound slipped out before I could hold it back. This man had to be joking. I knew he was arrogant, but I didn't know he was also a clown.
I lifted my head, still half laughing, and looked at him again. His face didn't change, not even a little. No smirk, no irritation, nothing. Just that same calm, cold expression, like this was the most normal thing in the world.
My laughter slowly died in my throat.
"Wait… are you serious?" I asked.
His eyes met mine without blinking. "Do I look like someone who has time to play?"
His tone was so level that my stomach tightened without warning. I studied his face for a long moment, searching for even a trace of humor.
Nothing.
"And what made you think I want to get married to you?" I asked, folding my arms.
"You don't have a choice," he replied, glancing at his watch like I was the one wasting his time.
That did it. Anger shot straight through my chest. Who the hell does he think he is? I'm not one of his employees. I'm not some woman he can order around.
"Well, Mr. Blackwood," I said, my voice sharp, "I'm not interested in whatever madness you've crafted here." I tossed the file on the table and turned toward the door.
"If you walk out that door," his voice came calmly behind me, "I'm going to sue you for trying to get rid of my child without my consent."
I froze, then turned back slowly, rage burning in my chest. "It's my f*****g body," I snapped. "I don't care what anyone thinks, and don't think you can threaten me into an agreement."
He didn't even react, just sat there, legs crossed, calm, like everything I said was background noise.
"Five hundred thousand dollars," he said casually.
My brows pulled together. "That's for attempting to terminate my child," he continued. "And that's not all. I will make your life miserable. You can ask your father about the law."
My mouth dropped open. How did he know about my father? My heart skipped. He must have done a background check..of course he did.
His gaze slowly lifted until his eyes locked with mine again. "Or…" he said, and that single word made my chest tighten.
"You can be my wife. Only on paper. After one year, and after you give birth, you leave, like you never existed." I opened my mouth, but he raised his fingers slightly, shutting me up without even touching me. That alone made my fists curl. "And a settlement of five hundred million dollars will be paid to you," he finished calmly. "The choice is yours, Miss Selena."
His words echoed in my ears. Five hundred million. Like my life could be priced. Like my feelings didn't matter. Like I was just another deal.
Pain rose in my chest before I could stop it. Why does everyone think money can buy everything? Why does everyone think I'm that cheap?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced my voice to stay steady. "Not everyone can be bought with money," I said quietly. Then I turned and walked toward the door.
This time he didn't stop me. His voice came from behind, calm as ever. "You know how to reach me when you're ready."
I didn't answer. I slammed the door harder than I meant to, the sound echoing into the quiet evening outside. The neighborhood was almost too silent, just trees, a long road, and the fading light of sunset.
I took a deep breath and started walking, his arrogant voice still ringing in my ears. Marriage contract. Five hundred million. Sue you. My child.My head hurt just thinking about it.
I pulled out my phone to book a ride when a car stopped right in front of me and the window rolled down.
The PA.
"Miss Selena," he said politely, "Mr. Blackwood asked me to take you home."
I rolled my eyes. "It's fine. I can get home myself."
"He insisted, ma'am. Please get in."
Why is he so dramatic? "I said I'm not interested in hitching a ride in his car."
The PA Greg…hesitated for a second, then said calmly, "One hundred thousand dollars."
My brows lifted. "What?"
"He said he would sue you if anything happens to his child on your way home."
I blinked. "What the f**k is his problem with suing people?" I muttered.
Greg chuckled. "That is Mr. Blackwood for you."
I stared at the car for a moment, sighed, and got in. That man didn't look like someone who joked about anything.
The car drove off smoothly and I leaned back against the seat, already tired. I didn't even bother asking how he knew where I was staying, nothing about him made sense anyway.
After a while, the silence started getting to me. "Why is he so rude and arrogant?" I asked.
Greg glanced at me through the mirror. "Who?"
I rolled my eyes. "Come on. Who else?"
He chuckled. "You don't know him well. He's not all that bad."
"He's worse," I muttered. "He might even sue me for not eating."
Greg laughed but didn't reply.
The car stopped in front of the hotel. I got out and closed the door. "Bye, Greg," I said, and he nodded before driving off.
I walked inside slowly, greeted the receptionist, and went up to my room. The moment I stepped in, the tiredness hit me all at once. I dropped my bag on the bed.
I can't stay here anymore. Too expensive.
I picked up my phone and noticed a message from yesterday, unknown number. I opened it. A location. A resort. I frowned. Wait… he sent this? Like an order?
My head circled back to his words. Marriage contract. I just got out of one marriage, and now he wanted to tie me to another. Not happening.
"Selena, get that crazy man out of your head," I muttered.
I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, but sleep didn't come. I texted the agent, checking the apartment tomorrow, then ordered food, too lazy to shower, and just lay there until my eyes finally closed.
***************
The next morning came too fast. I left the hotel early to check the apartment, and now I stood outside the building after making the payment, letting out a long breath.
Finally. My own space.
Small, but mine. I walked back inside and looked around, living room, bedroom, kitchen. Not fancy, but comfortable. I opened the cabinet. Empty. I needed groceries, and my bags were still scattered everywhere, but that could wait.
I grabbed my purse and headed out. The grocery shop wasn't far, so I walked in and started picking up what I needed..bread, milk, noodles, eggs, simple things, until my eyes landed on someone near the drinks section.
Calista.
Like she felt someone looking, she turned. Our eyes met, and everything froze. Memories flashed through my head..Kelvin and her, that betrayal,and my fingers tightened around the basket.
She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, but then someone stepped up beside her.
Kelvin.
His arm wrapped around her waist like it belonged there. "Are you done, love?" he said, and pecked her lips. My heart skipped. My chest burned. Calista looked uncomfortable and glanced at me, and Kelvin followed her gaze. His eyes met mine.
I waited, for an apology, regret, anything. But there was nothing. Just that same cold look, like I meant nothing. Like I never existed.
My eyes filled before I could stop them.
They looked away. The salesgirl started chatting excitedly to Calista about her new movie, then laughed and said, "You two look perfect together. His ex-wife must have been really dumb."
Kelvin chuckled. Calista smiled awkwardly.
Something inside me snapped. The basket slipped from my hand and hit the floor. I turned and ran out of the store, tears blurring my vision, my chest burning like something was tearing inside.
I thought I could move on. Pretend nothing happened. I gave up everything for Kelvin my dreams, my time, my life. And this is what I got.
Then the pain shifted into something else. Something hotter and darker. Not sadness. Not hurt.
Revenge.
I stopped walking and wiped my tears. No more crying. No more running. They won't see me like this again.
At that moment, I made a decision.
- Writer
