Chapter 2: An Unwanted Proposition

 

Olivia left the restaurant with a mixture of emotions boiling inside her, anger, fear, and a sensation that she couldn't quite place. Victor's proposition replayed in her mind, the possessive tone of his voice and the way he looked at her as though she were already his. It was maddening and crazy, but a tiny voice in her head reminded her of her financial situation that had pushed her to accept the meeting in the first place.

Her father’s health was changing rapidly, and the medical bills were suffocating her. She had poured every penny into his treatment, sacrificing her art to take on freelance work that barely kept her stable. The thought of Victor’s offer disgusted her, yet the security he promised was something she desperately needed. The idea of accepting such terms, however, was unthinkable. She was no one’s possession, and she refused to be bought, no matter how her circumstances were.

Back in her tiny studio apartment, Olivia sat at her desk, her hands were trembling slightly as she tried to focus on a new piece. The familiar act of painting usually calmed her, allowing her to lose herself in the flow of creativity, but tonight, her thoughts kept drifting back to Victor’s words. She hated the way he made her feel, cornered and helpless, like a mouse caught in the mouth of a snake.

Just as she dipped her brush into the paint, her phone rings on the table, driving back her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number. Hesitating for a moment, she answered.

"Hello?" she said, her voice was cautious.

"Miss Olivia," came the deep, unmistakable voice on the other end. "It’s Victor Husley."

Her grip tightens. "What do you want?" she demanded, a hint of irritation in her voice.

"I wanted to ensure you gave my offer proper consideration," Victor replied smoothly. "I believe it is in your best interest."

"My best interest?" she said. "What kind of man give proposal to a woman like that and thinks he’s doing her a favor?"

"The kind of man who can change your life, Olivia," he said, his tone calm. "You may think you can reject my offer easily now, but circumstances have a way of… changing people’s minds. When that time comes, I want you to know that my offer still stands."

The arrogance in his voice infuriates her, and she couldn’t help but speak, "And what makes you think I’d ever accept something like that? I’m not for sale, Mr. Victor."

"I never said you were for sale," Victor replied. "I’m simply providing you with a choice, a way to solve your problems. Or would you rather struggle to survive, watching as your father’s condition worsens, all because you’re too proud to accept help?"

His words struck in his heart, and for a moment, Olivia was rendered speechless. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears as she tried to give a response. But the truth of her situation loomed over her like a dark cloud, and the weight of it crushed her.

"This conversation is over," she said finally, and hung up the phone, tossing it onto the desk with a frustrated sigh.

The next few days were mixed with anxiety and anger. Olivia tried to immerse herself in her work, but the present worry about her father’s health and the mountain of debt she faced made it impossible to focus. She visited her father in the hospital, watching him as he lay in the bed, weak and tired, his once-vibrant personality was lit by the illness.

He smiled weakly when he saw her, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "You look stressed, sweetheart," he said softly, his voice was barely above a whisper.

Olivia forced a smile. "I’m fine, Dad. Just a bit tired, that’s all." She tried to keep her tone light, but the truth feels like an unspoken burden. They both knew how worse the situation was, but neither of them wanted to acknowledge it.

Her father’s condition had been worse for months, and the doctors were running out of options. The only thing keeping him alive now was a new experimental treatment, which was not covered by any insurance and came with an high cost. Olivia had maxed out her credit cards and borrowed from friends just to keep him on the treatment, but it was only a matter of time before her resources ran away.

That night, she sat in her apartment, staring at the crumpled letter of Victor that he sent her. She had kept it, for reasons she wasn’t entirely sure of. There was a check enclosed, a deposit for the supposed commission, but she hadn’t cashed it. She was too proud to accept his money, but there was a voice in her, kept reminding her of what was at the stake.

She shook her head angrily, crumpling the letter more before throwing it across the room. "I won’t do it," she whispered fiercely to herself. "I won’t."

Just then, there was a knock at her door, startling her. It was nearly midnight, too late for anyone to be visiting. Her pulse fastened as she approached the door, her hand hesitating on the knob. When she finally opened it, she was met with the sight of Victor himself, standing in front of his door, looking as calm and composed as ever.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice rising in alarm.

"I’m here because I’m not a man who waits around for things to happen," he replied smoothly, stepping inside without an invitation. "I take action. And I can see that you need help, Olivia, whether you’re willing to admit it or not."

His audacity stunned her, and she quickly moved to block his path. "You can’t just barge in here!" she snaps, but there was a tremor in her voice, that made her uneasy. He was a tall figure, his presence filling the small space.

"Calm down," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I’m here to talk. Nothing more."

Olivia backs away, her fists clenched. "I don’t have anything to say to you. Leave, now."

Victor’s expression hardened, and he took a step closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "You’re struggling, Olivia. I can see it. But I’m offering you a way out. Why won’t you even consider it?"

"Because I don’t want to be controlled by you!" she burst out, her voice breaking. "I don’t want to be a part of whatever twisted fantasy you have!"

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, there was a glow of something dangerous in his eyes. "This isn’t a fantasy," he said quietly, his tone was low. "This is reality. You need help, and I’m offering it. But don’t mistake my generosity for weakness. I’m not a man who takes no for an answer."

A chill ran down Olivia's body at the finality in his words. There was a darkness in Victor, a ruthless determination that frightened her. Yet, she could not deny that his words. The truth was, she was desperate. Her father’s life was hung in the balance, and the options available to her were none.

Victor took another step closer, his voice softening. "Think about it," he whisper. "Think about what you stand to gain... and what you could lose."

Olivia's breath was like shallow gasps as she stared up at him, her mind was racing with conflicting thoughts. She wanted to tell him to leave and never come back, but the words died in her throat. She knew, deep down, that he was right. Her problems were forcing her hand, and soon, she would have no choice but to accept the reality she had been avoiding.

Victor gave her one last look before he turned to leave. "I’ll give you time," he said as he reached the door. "But don’t wait too long. The offer won’t be on the table forever."

As the door shut behind him, Olivia sank to the floor, her legs were trembling as tears filled her eyes. She was trapped, caught between her pride and her desperation. And no matter how hard she tried to convince herself, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Victor had just tightened the rope around her.

To be continued.