EPISODE 9
1085 Words
A CONTRACT I.
After her talk with her father, Isabella went to her room. She had just escaped another round of insults from Helene.
She closed the door behind her and leaned on it.
Just then, her phone rang, but she was not in the right frame of mind to pick up the call.
Isabella's phone rang again, and she hesitated for a moment before answering it. She wasn't in the mood for another confrontation with Helene or another creditor calling to demand payment.
"Hello?" she said, her voice wary.
"Isabella, this is Robert Miller," a deep, smooth voice said. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Isabella's mind raced as she tried to place the name. Robert Miller... wasn't he a billionaire or something?
''Uh, no, Mr. Miller. What can I do for you?'' she asked, trying to sound calm and collected despite the rage going on inside of her.
''I am not one to beat around the bush or entertain too many questions, so I will go straight to the point. I know all that has been happening in your life. My brother told me about you…how Sebastian hurt you and how your father owes me…so I want to make you a proposal.'' Robert said.
Isabella’s inner voice told her to be cautious. "What kind of proposal?"
''A contract marriage, Isabella. I want you to be my bride, and in return, I'll cancel your father's debt and provide for you and your family for the rest of your lives.''
Isabella's mind reeled as she tried to process his words. It seemed staged and too good to be true.
''But what's the catch, Mr. Miller?'' she asked, her voice wary.
''Ah, there are always conditions, Isabella. And I'll be upfront with you. I require complete loyalty and honesty. You'll be expected to attend social events with me, support my business ventures, and, of course, be a faithful wife. And in return, I'll provide for you and your family beyond your wildest dreams.''
Isabella felt her blood run cold. This was like a dream… no way it was happening in real life.
''I need some time to think about it, Mr. Miller,'' she said, forcing the words out of her throat.
''Of course, Isabella. Take all the time you need. But remember, this offer won't be on the table forever.''
As she hung up the phone, Isabella felt a sense of fear. What had she just gotten herself into?
“Dad! He should be able to help me.'' With that, she ran out of her room, her eyes scanning for her father.
Isabella found her father in the living room, staring at the TV but not watching it. She sat down next to him and took a deep breath.
"Dad, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice low.
Her father turned to her, his eyes red and swollen. What is it, kiddo?"
She hesitated for a moment before saying it out. ''Robert Miller just called me. He offered me a marriage contract.''
Her father's face changed from concern to shock. ''What? That's...that's unbelievable!"
Isabella nodded. ''I know. He wants me to be his bride, and in return, he'll pay off your debt and provide for us. You owe him and … he is the only way out.''
Her father's face turned sad, and he looked away, his eyes welling up with tears. ''Oh, Isabella. I don't want you to have to do that. I don't want you to sacrifice your life for me.''
Isabella took his hand, her voice steady. ''Dad, it's not a sacrifice. It's a chance to save our family. And who knows, maybe it'll be okay. Maybe I'll even find happiness with him.''
Her father looked at her, his eyes filled with tears. ''But what about love, Isabella? What about finding someone who truly loves you for who you are?"
Isabella smiled sadly. ''Love is afoot. We can't afford it right now, Dad. But maybe someday, after we're debt-free, and our lives are stable, I'll find someone who loves me for real.''
Her father nodded slowly, his face sad. ''If this is what you want, Isabella, I'll support you. But promise me one thing you'll always remember, that you deserve to be loved and happy, no matter what happens.''
Isabella hugged him tightly. ''I promise, Dad. And I'll make sure to get the best lawyer to go through the contract before I sign anything.''
Just as Isabella was talking to her father, her stepmother, Helene, walked into the room, a wicked smile spreading across her face.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The sacrificial lamb, offering herself up to save the family from debt. My bad, the two goody shoes are always trying to fix her parents' mess.''
Isabella's father stood up, his face showing anger. ''Helene, that's enough. This is none of your business.''
But Helene just laughed, her eyes shining with malice. ''Oh, but it's very much my business. After all, I'm the one who's been supporting this family for years, while you're just a drain on our resources.''
Isabella felt a rise of anger, but she kept her peace. ''That's not fair, Helene. And it's not true. Dad has always worked hard to provide for us.''
Helene scoffed. ''Worked hard? Ha! He's never done anything but make foolish decisions and get us deeper into debt. And now you're going to marry some rich promiscuous man to save his broken ass and him out? How pathetic.''
Isabella's father took a step forward, his jaw clenched. ''That's enough, Helene. You're not going to talk to Isabella like that in my presence.''
But Helene just laughed again, her voice mocking. ''Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. You think you can protect her from the truth, but you can't even protect yourself from your own mistakes.''
Isabella felt like she was slapped by Helene's words, but she refused to let her. She stood up, her eyes shining with defiance. ''I'm making this choice to help our family, Helene. And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we're safe and happy.''
Helene's smile froze. "We'll see about that," she said, her voice dripping with hate. ''You're not as clever as you think you are, Isabella. And you'll soon find out that you are biting off more than you chew.''
With that, she turned and walked out of the room, and Isabella reached out for her phone.
“Hello, Mr Miller…”
- Writer
