Chapter 1: A dangerous proposal

BETH’S POV :

 New York City, the city for flashy broadways, exclusive shops, expensive apartments and high flying business tycoons is where the land of opportunity lies. Or so people think.

To me it’s the city for depression, unaffordable rent, unbearable traffic, screaming people, bustling roads, gamblers and many more.

And in this concrete jungle lies one of the most world famous multi national telecommunications company; The Marino telecom. I looked at it in awe letting my eyes roam the gigantic building as the taxi I boarded drove past. People were walking in and out , everyone looking so busy and professional.

I wonder what it’d feel like to work in the corporate world ,what it’d be like to work under a man like Vitali Marino. I have heard stories of his ruthlessness and how he never hesitates to get his staff fired at the slightest act of misconduct but a part of me felt it was all exaggerated, the stories of his ruthlessness and all, surely no one could be that evil.

The taxi driver honks furiously at another driver and that brings me back to reality. Soon I was at my stop, I worked at a coffee shop and then after my day shift, I would go work at a night club. I worked two jobs so I could afford rent, food and also save up money for my fees .

I was a high school graduate but I couldn’t go to college because my father had no money, since then I decided to take destiny into my own hands and work hard to send myself to college one day.

 I was a sucker for education, I had always been that perfect straight A student .

 “Good morning Mr jade “ I greet my boss

 “You’re late again!!” He scowls at me

 “I’m sorry” I apologize honestly, these past few days have been difficult for me. I haven’t been getting enough sleep because I had to work extra hours at the club just to get a little extra pay. Our rent is due soon and my father wastes all his money on drinks and gambling .

“A sorry won’t save you tomorrow “ he warned and walked away

 Letting out a deep sigh, I get behind the counter and put on an apron ready to serve.

 The smell of freshly baked croissants hit my nose and my belly rumbles reminding me that I haven’t had breakfast.

 “There’s a couple who just got here , I think you should go get their order “ Mae my co worker alerts me as she puts together another customer’s order.

 I simply nod.

 “What would you like to order ma’am and sir “ I say giving my brightest smile .

The lady looks at me with contempt

 “Why are you smiling at my husband? “ she queries

 “What?” I asked utterly bewildered.

 She cocks a brow

 “I …I’m sorry “ I quickly apologized while looking at the floor .

 “Get out of here and have another waiter serve us instead . Idiot! “ she spat

I looked at her husband for help or a little defense but got none. I tried to fight back my tears and as I nodded and walked away.

 I hated myself, I should have said something , she didn’t have to make me feel so small, I should have defended myself .

 I didn’t know how to defend myself, I always let people walk all over me because I was too scared to say something.

 **************

 After what seemed like forever I was done with my shift at the coffee shop, I was to go home, have lunch and freshen up for my night shift at the club .

As I stepped into the front porch , I could hear voices in the sitting room, these weren’t the usual voices of happy drunk men talking boisterously and laughing. It sounded like voices of conflict.

 I pushed open the door.

 “Be…th” I hear my father’s labored voice call my name. There were three men in the room. One was seated and smoking a cigarette with no emotion on his face , he seemed like the boss to the other two who were hitting my father .

 “Dad” I scream and I rush to his side .

 I kneel down and start to plead with the men begging them to let my dad go .

 “Shut up” the one smoking thunders and everywhere falls silent ,even the men stop. I feel myself shaking , my courage was really running thin.

The man stands up , our sitting room is dimly lit ,the doors and windows were closed so I could barely see his face but I could feel his dark commanding aura.

 “Your sorry excuse of a father, owes me money and I’m going to kill him” He stands in front of my dad but he refers to me .

 His voice was silky and deep ,I could feel chills travel up my spine .

 “P…please don’t kill him sir, I would pay you the money . I would raise your money in no time .I work two jobs ,one at a coffee store and the other at a……”

 “ If you don’t shut that mouth up ,I would shut it for you…….permanently “ he said slowly but firmly making sure to pass his threat in a subtle yet terrifying manner.

I swallowed hard .

 “Does your silly ass really think you could pay me back? Your stupid father owes me a million dollars. Even if you worked your entire lifetime you would never be able to raise that” he seethed.

 I was dumbfounded .

 What could my dad have needed such money for ?

 A million freaking dollars???

 Even if I worked in two lifetimes I’d never be able to raise that.

 “But since you’re willing to pay. There’s a way you could pay me back “ he smirked deviously at me

and I shuddered in fear.

 Good lord ! What did he mean by that.

 “Vitali plea..se” my father’s weak voice was heard

 Did he just say Vitali? As in Vitali freaking Marino?

 What on earth was my father thinking borrowing money from such a man ,a man that reeked of danger. How did this even happen, how did my father even get the connections to meet such a high and mighty man, let alone borrow from him. Surely it had to be another Vitali .

 What did he do with all the money , he didn’t put it in the household development neither did he pay the rent or send me to school. Did he use all of it to gamble and drink?

Many questions reeled in my head and I couldn’t find answers . What was going on?

 “What do you want ?” I asked shakily .

 “You are going to go with me “ and then looking at my father, he said “ we will sign a contract and you would sell your daughter to me . She would be my slave for one year”

 “Noo … dad please “ I shrieked . My father loved me, surely he wouldn’t do this, I was sure but the next words coming out from my father’s mouth had me transfixed to a spot .

 “Kill me”.

 Before anyone could say anything he added ;

 “I know that would be the other option , either you take my daughter or you kill me . And I’d never give my innocent precious daughter to a man like you”

 “ I wasn’t asking David . You would give your daughter to me for one year,I will draw up a contract and you would sign it and since you’re so eager to die, that won’t be a problem” he said with a straight face and then pulled out a gun and pointed it at my dad .