CHAPTER THREE:A CHOICE BETWEEN TWO FUTURES
457 Words
Amara barely remembered the journey home.
The contract rested on her lap as the bus rumbled through the evening traffic. She stared at the gold lettering on the cover, wondering how one document could hold the power to change her entire life.
When she opened the door to the small apartment, she found her younger brother, Noah, sitting at the kitchen table with his books spread out before him.
"You look exhausted," he said, forcing a smile.
"I'm fine."
He knew she was lying but didn't press her.
Their mother's room was quiet. The medicine on the bedside table was almost gone.
"Did you find a job today?" Noah asked softly.
Amara looked away.
"Not yet."
She couldn't bring herself to tell him about the strange proposal.
Not yet.
---
The next morning, Amara visited the hospital.
The doctor greeted her with a sympathetic expression.
"I'm sorry, Miss Collins. We can't continue the treatment unless the outstanding balance is paid."
"Please... give me a little more time."
"I wish I could."
The doctor's words echoed in her mind as she walked out of the hospital.
She was running out of time.
---
Across the city, Adrian Kingsley stood in the boardroom of Kingsley Holdings.
Around the long table sat the company's directors.
One of them, Victor Hale, leaned back in his chair with a smug smile.
"So, Adrian," Victor said, "have you found a wife yet?"
Silence filled the room.
"The deadline is in two weeks. If you're still unmarried, the board will vote for new leadership."
"I know the deadline," Adrian replied calmly.
Victor smiled.
"I hope you do. Because this company deserves a CEO who can fulfill even the simplest condition."
Adrian met his gaze without flinching.
"I'll handle my responsibilities."
"You'd better."
As the meeting ended, Victor watched Adrian leave.
Then he pulled out his phone.
"Keep an eye on the girl," he ordered. "If she agrees to marry him, I want to know before anyone else."
---
That evening, Amara sat alone in a quiet park, the contract open in front of her.
She read every page again.
A year of pretending.
Financial security for her family.
A chance to save her mother's life.
But at what cost?
A cool breeze swept across the park.
She closed her eyes and whispered, "What would you do, Dad?"
There was no answer.
Only silence.
Finally, she picked up her phone and dialed the number on Adrian's business card.
It rang once.
Twice.
Then his deep voice answered.
"Have you made your decision?"
Amara took a slow breath.
"Yes."
The line fell silent.
"But before I sign," she said firmly, "I have one condition."
For the first time in days, Adrian smiled.
"This just became interesting."
- Writer
