Chapter 3: The Marriage Proposal

“A what?” I ask in shock

“Marriage proposal,” I thought about this for almost a month before I agreed to that dinner.

"It is more of a contract marriage. The deal is such that if we agree to the marriage proposal the business deal will automatically be ours." Bryan tried to explain further.

I thought he was joking. But I looked at him and I discovered. 

Lord! He was serious.

I bite the inside of my cheeks still trying to understand what he just said. I couldn’t say no right away because I knew what was at stake.

Isn’t there any other way… I’m not ready for marriage and I’m still in school, tears were already rolling down my eyes as I spoke to Bryan.

I could see the look of defeat in his eyes and I did not want that as he has always been like a real brother to me and not just a stepbrother.

“I want time to think Bryan,” I said pressing my lips together.

“Sure. Take your time; I won’t force you; if you don’t want to get married. He said with so much hope in his eyes.

Giving him a nod I walked out of the office towards the direction of my room.

“You better say yes to this marriage, Amelia.” A sharp and agitated voice came from behind me making me jump in motion. I turn around to find my stepmother at the door, her eyes staring deep into my soul with so much anger. I bit my lower lips out of fear but I also stared back.

“Say yes and get the hell out of this house and out of our lives... or else I will make your life a living hell.” She started with clenched jaws, just as I was about to climb the stairs thinking of what Bryan said in the office “Think of your father's condition don’t be greedy, it is obvious that no one wants you here ” my stepmother said before finally leaving the room.

Living hell?

What else is remaining? My life is already the definition of a living hell.

I got to my room and shut the door with tears in my eyes, flowing down my face. I never thought my life would go down this way. I thought at least I would marry out of love and not based on a contract. I wish my mum was still alive.

I sat on my bed and wondered what my father would think about such a proposal, if he knew the business was going bankrupt or if he even knew the Holland family, with all these thoughts in my head I drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up I decided I was going to take the marriage proposal, so I got out of bed and went on to look for Bryan. When I told him my decision he screamed for excitement and went on to make a call. I was happy that he was happy.

 Just then a question dropped in my mind.

Which of the Holland men am I getting married to?