A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

THIRD PERSON POV. “Victoria, my dear, I need to talk to you about something," her father said, his voice mixed with sadness and desperation. It was a very sunny Sunday morning when Victoria's father, Rowland Greg, called her into his study. She had always known her father to be a very cheerful, hardworking, and clever man, but lately he had been acting strange. Victoria's heart began to beat faster as she sat down in the chair opposite her father's table. "What is it, Dad?" she asked, trying to sound calm. Her father hesitated, then took a deep breath before speaking."You know how the company has been struggling financially?" he asked, his eyes avoiding Victoria's. Victoria nodded. "Yes, Dad, I know. But does it have anything to do with me, or does it? After avoiding Victoria's eyes, her father’s eyes finally met with hers and Victoria saw tears in them. "I'm afraid I've made a deal with Jackson Great, a wealthy and influential businessman. He has agreed to help us by investing in our company, but in return, he wants to marry you". Victoria's mood changed immediately. Her eyes widened in horror as she felt like she had been punched in her stomach. "What? Dad, how could you? You don't have respect for me as a person. I'm not a commodity to be sold!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger. Her father's face looked like he had been defeated, and that was his word. "I know, Victoria, I know. It's not my fault nor mine, but I had no choice. The investors were threatening my life, and I didn't know what else to do. Please, Victoria, you have to understand". Victoria felt so bad realizing the extent of her father's desperation. She had always known the father was an extravagant spender, but never knew that it would land him in this. "I won't do it, Dad," Victoria said, her voice very firm. "I won't marry a man I don't know and a man I don't love just to save your company. Dad, isn't that you being selfish?" Her father's face was a mix of sadness and anger. "No Victoria, you're the one being selfish here. You're thinking only for yourself and not of the family nor the consequences of your actions". Victoria felt a sting from her father's words, but refused to back down. "I'm not being selfish, Dad. I'm just refusing to be treated as a piece of trash that does not have its own feelings and wishes or like a pawn in your game of business". The argument continued back to back until Victoria stormed out of the study room, feeling so frustrated and trapped. Her head was so full, and she didn't know what to do, but decided to leave the house for her father because as long as she was in that house, her father wouldn't allow her to rest until she succumbed to his wish. Victoria went back to her room, took her purse and her phone, and sneaked out through the back door. She did not know where exactly she was going to but because she didn't want to succumb to her father's wish, she decided to leave. She entered the street. The street was so cold, and it was very late at night. —-------- Victoria has a boyfriend, Alex, who promised to marry her and that was the main reason she refused to get married to Jackson. But, there was a challenge, Alex is poor, he’s struggling to survive but loves Victoria so much. After Victoria’s father broke the news to her, she has been contemplating within her spirit on how to break this news to Alex, because she knows it will shatter him and throw him off balance. She started contemplating whether to run away with Alex or get pregnant for him so that she won't get married to Jackson. She arrived at Alex's house but he was not around. She waited for him to come back. It was not until 30 minutes before he came back. “Babe, how are you doing?. Has it been a long time since you came? Alex asked, hugging her Victoria's countenance showed something was wrong but she tried to pretend. “Honey, I’m very fine. It has not been long since I arrived”. “Oh… But you didn't tell me you were coming, it's unlike you. Hope there's no problem. Victoria, are you fine?. Alex hardly calls her by her name but anytime he does, it signifies seriousness. Tears filled Victoria's eyes and were about to run down her cheeks and mouth. “Alex, Everything is not fine. There's a very big problem” She said amidst sobs. One of the things that breaks Alex is whenever he sees Victoria crying. He can't really help it. “My love, please talk to me.” Alex cuddled her. “It's my father! He wants to get me out of a marriage to a rich man because he agreed to invest in his company. I'm finished! We're finished. What are we going to do?” Victoria explained. Alex was so shocked down to his marrow. Confusion and frustration were clearly seen on his face. He was at the same time speechless. “Honey, you’re not saying anything” Victoria tapped him. Alex bowed his head. After being tapped by Victoria, he raised his face, looked at Victoria, and bowed his head again. Victoria was surprised seeing him act this way because since they started their relationship, she had not seen this before Victoria was still lost in thought when Alex stood up and went straight to the table “ This will not happen! Never! Not when I’m alive. Nobody would take the one I love from me” Alex screamed, hitting the table loudly. “Please Alex, take it easy on yourself. Nobody is snatching me from you. I'm with you. As a matter of fact, I’m not going anywhere till all these die off. I’ll be with you here” Alex’s mood lightened up immediately.. “Are you serious?” “Yes, I am,” Victoria responded. Alex rushed and hugged Victoria and kissed her. They had a good time together and even made love. Victoria was afraid that she would get pregnant as a result of staying together with Alex because she was ovulating. As she was about to sleep, her phone buzzed but it was an unknown number.