CHAPTER four

What!!! 

 

What the heck are they talking about? 

 

Getting married? To whom? Why? When? 

 

“How can I get married when I haven't brought anyone to you guys yet?” I play pretend, refusing to believe any word they say. 

 

I know they hate me, but this is just so much. I mean, what did I ever do to deserve this? 

 

“Do you need to bring someone to us, huh?” Mum sneers, raking her eyes over my body like I am the dirt beneath her feet. 

 

“Like someone will ever willingly want anything to do with you.” Annie chips in, using her palms to cover her nose. 

 

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, wanting nothing more than the group to open up and swallow me. 

 

I don't smell; they are just trying to hurt me. I know this, yet my eyes still burn with tears. 

 

“I don't smell.” My voice makes everything worse as I sound so unsure of my words. 

 

“Yeah, right!” Shane snorts, rolling his lips between his fingers. 

 

Shane is the oldest and only chimes in when I am being mocked or abused, while Dwayne also stays silent, the same as Dad. 

 

But being silent doesn't mean they defend me or talk to me, so they are all the same. 

 

“We arranged a marriage for you with the Stones.” Dad says for the first time since the meeting started. 

 

I can't help the gasps that tear out of my lips; my eyes widen in shock as I try to form words that refuse to come out. 

 

The Stones are the wealthiest family in the whole of New York. They run different companies selling different things. 

 

Is it cosmetics, technology, malls, or groceries? They literally sell everything and anything, which makes them so prosperous. 

 

It's unbelievable that they would want to give me to such a family. 

 

My parents are equally rich but are nothing compared to the Stones. 

 

If the Stone family is interested in an arranged marriage, why won't Mum give Annie instead of me? 

 

“Why not her?” I finally ask, squinting my eyes at them. 

 

There is no way in hell something good is coming out of this marriage if they are willing to give it to me. 

 

“Oh well, the son in person is useless now. Annie wanted him before, but now he is crippled, so she is no longer interested.” Mum starts, cringing her nose as she shivers. 

 

“I mean, he can't walk or do anything by himself, so you are practically supposed to do everything for him, no questions asked.” Annie adds, scoffing in mockery. 

 

“And the family knows we are good for business, so they asked for one of our daughters, and we feel you are the best for it.” Shane finishes off. 

 

Unbelievable!!! 

 

They want me to be a slave to him. They are selling me out to him for their business, knowing that all I will be there is a slave who is just there to take care of him. 

 

“What about college?” I ask meekly, my eyes twitching as I await a response. 

 

“It will be totally up to your husband to decide if he wants you to continue college or not.” Dad says, placing a stick of cigarette in between his lips. 

 

My eyes go red as I grind my teeth hard to control myself. 

 

What world do I live in? He gets to decide for me. Why? 

 

“But what if he doesn't want me to continue? Does that mean I will stop going to school?” I gape with my jaw slacking open. 

 

“I knew the money being paid for your fees was a waste. 

 

If he says you can't go to school, then fine, but if he says he is willing to pay for your fees, which I see no point in if you can't understand a simple question, then good.” Shane barks, his tone so hard it brings tears to my eyes. 

 

A look of pity passes through Dwayne’s face before it goes back to normal. 

 

My throat bobs as tears drop down my cheeks. I don't object, as I know it will only lead to a beating. 

 

“Now get out.” Dad barks, causing me to scramble up to my feet as I rush away with tears running down my eyes. 

 

 

*

 

It's been two days since I was told of my unfortunate fate of getting married to a cripple that I don't even know. 

 

“This is the last time I am going to tell you to stop blanking out.” Rose snaps, throwing a chip at my face. 

 

I groan, stretching my fingers. I grab two chips from her plate and throw them back at her. 

 

“Will you stop? I am not blanking out; I am just thinking about something.” I defend, smacking my lips. 

 

“What exactly are you thinking about? You have been thinking the same thing for two days?” Rafael chips in, looking at me through his lashes as he stuffs his mouth with his sandwich. 

 

“It's nothing of great importance.” I shrug off the topic like I have been doing for the past two days. 

 

I know I am supposed to tell my friends, but I can't have them worrying about me. It's more like I am yet to come to terms with the fact my family is selling me off. 

 

Are they really my family at all? 

 

I doubt so. 

 

“Fine, keep it all to yourself then. But remember, a problem shared is a problem half solved.” Rafael presses, staring at me like he could see that I am troubled even when I say I am not. 

 

“Just let her be; she will tell us when she is ready.” Rose comes to my rescue, making me smile. 

 

I push open the door to the house, stepping in. I just want to sneak into my room without any eyes on me. 

 

School was tiring as it is; I don't want any of Annie's trouble this sunny day. 

 

“Oh, Reena dear. Welcome! Come over here, your husband-to-be is here,” Mum squeaks, rushing over to me. 

 

My eyes widen as my jaw drops to the floor. 

 

My what??