CHAPTER 3- Choices

I entered my house defeatedly. I could not believe how today turned out. I honestly felt like crying. Today was rather unsuccessful—I wasn’t able to come up with the money for Dad's medicine. My parents have done and sacrificed so much for me, and I couldn’t even do this simple thing for them. I felt like a failure.

I strolled into the kitchen for a glass of water and I wasn’t surprised to find my mother in there trying not to cry too loudly. This had been a normal occurrence ever since she found out about my Dad's cancer.

“Mum,” I said softly.

“Oh Izzy, you’re home,” she said as she turned around, wiping her tears away quickly.

“Where’s Dad?”

“Upstairs, resting. The doctor gave him a new prescription, a more expensive one at that,” she said. “Were you able to talk to Noah?”

I swallowed nervously, “Yes.”

“Did he lend you the money?” She asked hopefully. "Please tell me he gave you the money."

I took a deep breath as I replied, “Well, he didn't exactly refuse...”

“So he agreed?! He’s going to help us?”

I cleared my throat, “He said he’d give us as much money as we need.”

“Really?! Oh Izzy, that's wonderful!" My mum’s eyes lit up.

"In return I have to do two things..” I said avoiding eye contact with her.

“Well whatever it is, we’ll do it!” My mother exclaimed.

"He wants me to marry him, Mum!" I snapped. "He wants me to be his wife and give him a child!"

She stood there for a moment, her face unreadable. I half expected her to be on my side to show some of the rage I was feeling. I expected her to tell me how insane and out of the question it was.

“Tell me you agreed,” my mum said.

“What?! Of course not, mum!” I scoffed.

“Well you should have, Isabela!”

"Are you insane, Mother? I can't marry him!" I yelled.

“You better keep your voice down, Isabela Amanda Coleman!” My mother hissed.

I clenched my jaw, “I’m supposed to marry someone I love, not some arrogant stranger!”

“Think of your father, Isabela. His needs should always come first,” she hissed. “This is your chance to help him.”

“Do you even hear yourself right now?!” I said, no longer able to contain my anger.

“You listen to me right now, young lady! Your father and I have done so much for you, and you can’t even do this one thing we ask of you?!” My mother exclaimed. “You’re going to marry a good and responsible person, not some nasty old man.”

“He’s a stranger, Mother!” I said. “I want to marry someone I love and who loves me just as much. I want a marriage just like yours and Dad’s.”

“And who says you can’t have that with Noah, huh?!” She glared at me. “I know that man, and he is a good person.”

"Know him?! You barely even speak to him!"

“Alright then, why don’t you go upstairs and explain to your father why you can’t help him, because you’re not willing to sacrifice anything for this family!” She snapped, “You just think about what you’re doing Isabela.”

“You think about what you’re asking me to do mum!” I exclaimed.

“I’m asking you to save your father Isabel. You'll go to Noah tomorrow morning and accept his proposal, Isabela, or so help me..." she threatened.

I clenched my jaw in anger but didn't argue further. There was no reasoning with her when she was like this.

"I'm going to check on Dad," I muttered before swiftly leaving the kitchen.

...............................................................

NEXT DAY

"Mr. Wolfe will see you now," Noah's secretary Julia said.

I followed her into Noah's office, dreading this meeting but knowing I had no other choice. My father's life was at stake.

As soon as my eyes met his, a cynical smile broke out on Noah's face.

"I assume you're here to accept my proposal?" He smirked.

I clenched my jaw as I sat down across from him. "If that's what you want to call it."

Noah just chuckled and turned to Julia. "Is the contract ready?"

She nodded as she placed a bundle of papers on the table and left.

“I had Julia whip up a contract for our arrangement.” He said.

“Really? A contract?” I sighed , “Does everything always have to be business for you?”

“Of course darling,” He shrugged, “Shall we begin?”

“If we must…” I sighed again.

“I’ll just go over the main things, because the rest is quite tedious. First and foremost , you are expected to remain loyal and faithful at all times. So you might as well get rid of any boyfriends you might have.” Noah said.

“And will you be faithful to me?” I scoffed, “It’s only fair and I will not let anyone make a fool of me.”

Noah raised an eyebrow before he replied, “Okay then, I agree, moving on.”

“The second is, wherever I go, you go.” He said, “And I must tell you, I spend most of my time in the west coast.”

I perked up at that, ready to protest.

“No need to worry, I know you want to be close to your father,” he began, “ So I’m going to fly them out to LA and relocate them there. I’ll have a nice house ready for them and most of your relatives live in LA anyway.”

I nodded, “Thank you.”

He completely disregarded my gratitude and continued, “You are also expected to share a bed with me…….wherever I want.”

I swallowed deeply.

“But since I know this is a big adjustment and sacrifice for you, I’ll give you two weeks to come to terms with everything……after that, no more waiting.”

I swallowed deeply once again.

“The third and final condition is that this marriage is final,” he said firmly, “As long as your father is getting treatment from me, you will be married to me. And even after he gets better, you will remain with me. No divorce. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes” I said softly.

“Good. Is there anything else you would like to add?” Noah asked.

“When will my dad be getting the treatment?”

“As soon as you sign that paper Isabela,” he said.

I nodded and picked up the pen. I took a deep breath as I began to sign my life away.

“Done.”

Noah smirked slightly and stood up making his way over to me. He laid his hands on the desk and leaned down dangerously close to my face, that I could smell his intoxicating cologne. He examined the contract and signature before he spoke again.

“My PA will help you plan the wedding and in a few days I’ll formally ask your parents for your hand in marriage and you will receive your ring.” He said.

“Could you please not mention anything about the contract to my father, he doesn’t know…” I said softly, “My mother knows.”

I immediately froze up as I felt soft lips brush against my cheek. It was soft and brief.

“As you wish, my gorgeous wife.”