CHAPTER 2- A BRIDE FOR CLYDE'S

MAADIAH

*

*

Tommy was getting better, at least he was strong enough for us to leave by noon today. I didn't tell them what happened last night, I was still trying to process everything and wrap my head around what happened.

  I was about to be killed by Riccardo's men.

  Who was that man?

  How did he stop them from killing me?

  Why did they obey him?

  And how does he know my name?

  He said he knew everything about me, so he must know about my father, and he'll also know that we're on the run.

  "I'm gonna miss this place; this has to be the longest we've stayed safe," Tommy said.

  "Well you know the rules, don't get too attached and don't make any friends", I said as I helped him up and handed him a clutches that I stole from a nearby medical store early this morning.

  Don't ask.

  My dad opened the door.

  "We're ready to leave", Tommy said.

  "Uhm, there's been a change of plans", he said.

  "What change?", I asked.

  "Can you follow me to the living room?", he asked.

  We did; three men were standing in front of us that looked like Russian mobsters.

  I immediately pulled out my safety gun from my back pocket and pointed at them, there's no way I'm letting them get all of us at once.

  "Maddy, it's okay; please relax. They're not a threat," my dad said.

  "We're old friends from your father's ", one of them said.

  "Well, you know Riccardo's men caught up with you and all, and he's raking the entire city looking for you all, so there's no way you're going to leave this city alive, "another said.

  "And how are we sure Riccardo didn't send you?" I asked, still not dropping the gun.

  "Because we're here to help".

  "How?", Tommy asked.

  They exchanged glares.

  "Do you know The Clyde's family?", one asked.

  "Yeah, they're like royalties in the society, "Tommy said.

  "Well, their father just recently died, and their son is supposed to take over,r, and he cannot because he doesn't have a wife. He needs a wife; he can get anyone he wants, but his mother specifically stated someone that they can control and someone that they can have hold over, like to pay a debt for or something. Someone who will never betray them or leave because the person's life is in their hand. And that was when we remembered you had a daughter ", they looked at me.

  I scoffed, "You want me to marry this Clyde's son that I do not even know?".

  "He's going to clear off your father's debts and you and your family will be free, and as a member of the Clyde's family no one will hurt you, you've said it yourself you'll be like Royalty, his late father was my boss, I could have given up my daughter but I knew your family needed him more than we did", he said again.

  "This is insane ", Tommy said.

  "Do you want to go back to running again? Do you want to go back to fighting for your life? Look at your brother; he can barely walk. Riccardo's men are raking this City looking for you, and they will find you. Be wise, Madiaah ".

  I dropped the gun and raked my hair.

  What the fuck is this? What am I going to do? Marry someone I don't even know? 

  I've heard so much about arranged marriages in society, but mostly, it's basically about the exchange of power or strengthening relationships and all, but a relationship based on this kind of sacrifice to a rich, wealthy family is hell, worse than the one I live in.

  And the things I've heard about this Clyde family, it's nothing but pure evil.

  I looked at Tommy.

  "I don't think you should do this, Maddy; this is a little too much responsibility you're carrying for the entire family", he said.

  "Yeah, but if I don't, we won't have a family; you heard what they said? Riccardo's men are after us; we would barely leave this place alive," I said.

  He hugged me, tightly.

  I took a deep breath in.

  "Can I have time to think about this maybe?", I asked him.

  "If they don't kill you before you decide", he said.

  I paused to think, "I want to talk to the family. First, I need to talk with my own family and make sure the deal is spelled out well," I said.

  He nodded 

  I turned to my dad, I didn't even know what to feel toward him

  Hating him wouldn't change a thing, it never will.

  I'm not doing this for him, I'm doing this for Tommy. I want him to have a normal life and not have to be running every day of his life for fear of being killed.

  "Let's go".

  *

  *

  I was standing in front of a castle, an actual castle I kid you not. 

  "Welcome, Miss Maddy, we've been expecting you," the very friendly maid said as she ushered us into the house.

  **castle, I meant to say castle.

  The entire house was made of marble, actual marble.

  You know I used to live this life, enjoy these things.

  I've been in wealth before, seeing it again now feels so different.

  "Madiaah?", Someone called from the stairs.

  I turned immediately and met the guy from that night, hell no way, no actual way.

  "What are you doing here?", he asked.

  "I..I uh..", I didn't know what to say.

  "She's to be your bride Anthonio", one of my dad's friends said.

  He chuckled, "You all must have lost your minds; you took this bride thing seriously? You are all completely insane and crazy; there's no way I'm getting married. I took an oath, and I'm not breaking that ", he said.

  "Son, please, "a woman I assume to be his mother appeared from the other stairs; yes, there are two stairs in different directions of the house.

  **Castle, a castle!

  "You need to have a bride so that you may get an heir ", the mother said.

  He scoffed, "I thought I made myself loud and clear?", he said with his voice thundering.

  "My Clyde's family lineage ends with me ".