Chapter 1

THE BARGAIN.

Williams POV.

 “Williams, you have to understand, Leadership Gold Mine is all I have. It's my legacy, my daughter Mabel's future. I can't let it crumble like this." He pleaded.

“And what do you expect me to do about it? Your misfortunes are not my concern.” I leaned back, a smirk playing on my lips.

 “But your father and I were like brothers. He always spoke highly of you, saying you had a heart beneath that tough exterior. I need your help, Williams." He said, his voice crackling with desperation.

My gaze was drawn to him as he continued.

"Please, I need a loan of $5 billion to save my company." He said with a trembling voice.

“I've got nothing to do about it, it's none of my business, pops. I have enough on my desk right now" I said angrily.

For a moment, silence filled the room. I considered the gravity of Antonio's situation; his company was all he had left. I remembered the many times Antonio has been there for my late father, the advices, support they gave each other during rough times. It was a connection that went beyond mere friendship.

"Ah-choo!" Antonio coughed discreetly, trying to get back my attention.

“Erhmmm… I thought about your request, pops, and I am not ready to let go of such a significant amount. I can only grant your request on one condition…"

“On what condition? I'll do anything." Antonio said eagerly. 

He could hardly allow me to finish my statement. 

I smirked and leaned forward, “Unless you offer me something I want in return. Your daughter, Mabel, will marry me. It's a business deal, pure and simple. In exchange, I might consider saving your precious company."

“Marry my daughter? You can't be serious.” Antonio was shocked to hear this from his late friend's son. 

 “Oh, I'm serious, Antonio. If you want my help, you'll have to pay the price. Your daughter becomes my wife, or your company goes under. Your choice." I replied without remorse.

“I can't believe I'm doing this… but… but if it's the only way… I agree, Mabel will marry you." He stammered.

"The marriage will be based on a contract and would only last for 5 years until you're done repaying the loan." I said, my eyes were fixed on him with a piercing gaze.

"Alright, it's fine. I'll make the arrangements." He said,

Antonio Mariano, in his desperate, and breaking voice, reluctantly agreed.

"That's what I'm talking about." My lips curled into a triumphant smile. I was pleased and proud of myself for being successful. I believed that this clever plan had not only helped him stop his company from being ruined but had also helped me find a wife, who will bear me a son that will take over my company.

Even though it was only a formality, this marriage would guarantee my legacy and solidify my position.

*****

Mabel's POV

"Mabel, you're 27, and I'm almost 69. You know I'm not getting younger, neither are you. You need to get started with other things other than those petty menial jobs"

I almost rolled my eyes at my father. "Dad, what do you mean? By being involved with other things, you mean men?"

He laughed, his eyes crinkled at the other side making him seem more older than before. He jingled his empty glass of wine, signaling the maid for more red wine.

"You know I have the best intentions for you my dear, you've to understand Leadership Gold Mine is the most indispensable thing that has been passed down to us from our ancestors. It is like a lifeline for our family. I couldn't stand to watch it fall apart. I believed I was making sure that your future was safe, even if it meant giving up your happiness." He said,

The maid poured a small amount of wine into his cup, but once my father requested for more and she filled the big glass to the brim again, she curtsied low, then ran off, closing the door on her way.

Clasping my hands together, I said, “Get married to him? Dad, you really don't have to meddle on my affair. I'm happy alone for now, precisely, I don't know him! Why would you make me do this? Love should be the main thing in a marriage, not just a transaction for profit.” I couldn't hide my feelings.

My father's forehead turned a wrinkled map of lines. "Mabel I know you're not happy about this decision to accept such a ridiculous offer. Antonio promised to call off the marriage once I'm able to repay the loan of $5 billion". He said through gritted teeth.

I stood faintly, I could feel the pain within. I looked down at my Gucci watch and frowned. "Dad, what do you mean? I know you've got the best intentions for me. But I need to decide for myself. I can't be with someone I barely know. Are you trying to sell me off just because of your company's reputation?" I said, looking at my dad's feet.

"What! Have you gone out of your mind?" He yelled. 

"I'm not going to marry him, Dad." I made it clear to my father.

"But, Mabel, Why? With a shattered heart, my father inquired.

"Because I don't……" "I mean, I don't know him, Dad."

"I know that you really don't know him, but I know with time you'll get to know him much better. Williams is a good man," he smiled, trying to draw me into his words.

"No, dad, I'm so sorry, but I'm not going to marry him no matter what. It's a matter of my future, a matter of life and death. How can we possibly live happily together if we don't even know each other so well?" 

"What's the big deal? Not every marriage is a love marriage!" He is not ready to listen to anything I am saying. "We barely knew each other when I married your mother. Ours was an arranged marriage, but love flourished after we were married," he chuckled, " and I love your mother so much." His eyes glistened with moisture.

"But there's no assurance that I'll live happily ever with him," I said faintly.

He carefully leaned forward on the couch so as not to wrinkle my finely pressed suit as the leather seat squeaked beneath him. "I am very sure, he will keep you happy."

"Dad, how?"

"Mabel, he is one of the wealthiest and affluent businessmen in Georgia and you're asking how? With that money, he can buy you the entire world's happiness. All your problems will be resolved."

"Dad, this is not correct. You have failed to understand me. My happiness doesn't rely on his money." I replied. 

"Enough!" He yelled angrily.

 At this point I've to be careful with my words. "Dad, please I've got to go, I've a lot of chores to attend to." I said faintly.

"No, not now. It's late! Leave aside whatever you planned on doing." He motioned for me to sit back down and then I could recognise the look on his face. He was going to fill my ears with words I wasn't gonna like. "We are not done talking."

"Mabel, you're my first child and my only daughter. I really want the best from you. I've invested a lot in this company, and this is where the family wealth lies. Since you were little, till now, I've been the one taking care of you. Now that my company is at stake, I need your help." He said with a deep trembling voice.

"Dad, you are aware that I want to marry a man who cherishes, cares and loves me. The true meaning of love isn't money, this is my future." I said softly.

"Mabel, it's enough. And it's my final decision." He said with a deep voice.

"Dad, I understand everything, please can you give me some time to think about this?" I pleaded, my eyes welling up with tears

"I give you a week. No more, or less. I'll send you his number now. In a few weeks, you must meet Williams and get back to me immediately." He said. As he sipped through the glass of wine, picking up his phone.

Oh, my gosh! Then, what ought to I do? I'm not brave enough to refuse my father's decision, and I don't want to marry that guy.

The idea of getting married to someone I don't love is unbearable to me. With both my future and my heart at stake, how should I handle this?