Shattered Illusions

Chapter Two

Amelia's POV

I stepped back slowly and let Ellie comfort my mother. If I was going to lose my dignity, then so be it but one thing is for sure, I wasn't going to sit back here while my brother dies in agony. My family has already lost its dignity, what more could happen. I have to go to him. That was the only solution.

I stepped into my red Ferrari, the only property of mine that I haven't considered selling. Even though I did sell it, it wasn't going to get me up to half of the money for my brother's treatment.

As I drove to his office, I couldn't help but recall what had happened the last time I was at his office. He clearly spelt it out to me that I had to get married to his disabled son before he could consider helping me out. I had told him that I wasn't going to get married to someone I don't love let alone someone who could never walk again. It was too devastating to think of but I guess I have no choice. I stepped down from my car and looked at the tall building in front of me. Here I am again. I am here to swallow my pride and succumb to his will. If that is the only way to help my brother get well and find the person who had dared poison him and put my family in this unholy situation, then I will gladly do it even if it means keeping aside my own happiness.

I am going to find that culprit out and when I do, I will make sure that he or she doesn't go unpunished. I will make sure that he or she get it that, Stanton family isn't just any family you can trample over and get away with. He or she will regret his or her existence on earth and I will make sure that their family members cry the same way we have been crying for the past six months.

I breathed in and took a bold step into the building. It took me a while to get to the last floor where the boss and my soon to be father-in-law placed his office but it was long enough to help me gather momentum and build my self confidence.

"Hi, is Mr Caldwell in seat right now?" I asked the blonde haired secretary and she stared at me like I had grown two heads.

"Do you have an appointment with him?" She asked me, her gesture not friendly at all.

"No.. but.."

"Go home if not." She said and went back to whatever she was typing when I first walked into the office.

"Look, it's really important, it's a matter of life and death I swear. Please just…"

"Mr Caldwell made it clear to me on my first day here that he doesn't entertain whores." As much as I wanted to grab her by her hair and beat her to pulp, my brother's life was in line and I had eight hours left to do something.

"See, I understand but I really need to see him now or…"

"If you don't leave now, I may be forced to involve the security personnels." She said, I contemplated begging her again but her mind looks like it's made up already. An idea popped into my head. I have watched it in several movies and it always worked. I hope it works in real life too.

I watched her closely and when she saw that I wasn't bulging, she picked the telephone on her desk probably to call security or whatever and that was when I made my move. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me with the secretary trailing behind me, I pushed the door and to my greatest surprise and happiness, the door opened.

"Sir, I am so sorry. I know you like your privacy, I will escort her now." The skinny secretary said breathing heavily and I turned to the man in the seat for help, holding my fingers crossed.

"Let her be. She's with me." He said and it took everything in me to not stick my tongue at the dejected looking skinny secretary.

"Okay I'm sorry sir I didn't know that…" She said her knees pointing to the ground.

"I understand. Use the door." He said in a commanding voice and she bowed down a couple of times before she left.

"Have a seat Ms. Stanton."

"No, I won't take much of your time I promise. I just need you to listen to me." I said clasping my hands together.

"The floor is yours Ms. Stanton." He said with a smirk. I took in a deep breath and breathe out heavily. I have to swallow my pride. I have to do this for my family.

"My brother's condition is getting worse by the day and the doctor gave us a speculated time or we could lose him. Please I need your help." I said and looked at his face for response but his face was blank as always.

"I kind of knew you would come back but you of all people should know that there is nothing in this world that is for free. My offer still stands."

"I know and that is why I am here Mr. Caldwell." I said staring directly into his eyes.

"So you accept to marry my son in exchange for your brother's health?" He asked with a raised brow.

"That is right Mr. Caldwell." I said and a smile broke out on his face.

"Oh cut the formality dear. Call me dad." He said and I rolled my eyes mentally. I reminded myself that I was only doing this for my family.

"Okay, where is the contract and when is the wedding so I can prepare myself."

"Oh,there is no contract. The wedding is in three months. That is enough time for you to come to terms with it." He said, surprising me.

"What about my brother's case? The doctors said…"

"Leave it to me daughter." I stared at him disbelievingly. Maybe this marriage isn't a bad thing at all.