Chapter 11: Sharks in the WaterThe stress in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Adrian's mother, a statuesque lady with neatly coiffed silver hair, stared at me like I was something she'd scraped off her Gucci shoe."Adrian, darling," she began, her voice dripping with scorn, "surely you can't be serious about this... arrangement."I held the blankets closer, feeling uncovered and vulnerable. Adrian's jaw tensed, a muscle moving in his cheek."Mother, Father," he continued, his voice calm but with an edge of steel, "I'd appreciate it if you'd give Vianne and me a minute to get dressed. We can address this civilly over breakfast."His father, a distinguished-looking guy with hard eyes, mocked. "Civilly? There's nothing polite about this situation, son. You've made a joke of our family name!"Adrian's eyes flared dangerously. "I replied, we'll handle this over breakfast. Now, if you'll pardon us."He nearly rushed his parents out of the room, locking the door firmly behind
CHAPTER ONE OLD NEW SCARSI stood at the door and held my breathe and looked around, the whole place reeked of alcohol, I can't remember the last time it didn't, mom was away again, I breathed in slowly I needed to go upstairs but I just came back from my night shift and I'm very hungry, I can't go to the kitchen and risk waking Dad up after today's work I don't feel like been beaten up so I decided to skip dinner and head upstairs it's not like the first time it happened anyway, I held my backpack tightly as I tiptoed to go upstairs but it seems as though luck is not on my side as I stumbled upon an empty bottle making me fall to the ground, I hissed immediately at the impact but I was more worried about someone else, my fears came to pass as he stirred awake before his eyes turned to me his facial expressions frowning not quite grabbing the whole situation but his expression immediately turned to annoyance then anger as his gaze settled on me.I stepped back as his figure loomed be
CHAPTER TWO Falling apartIt's been exactly three hours and I'm still staring at the piece of paper, I was trying to wrap my head around the whole message, since when did she plan to leave and what did she mean by debts I need to pay, I was already having a headache just by thinking about the whole scenario So I just dropped the whole thing and went to sleep, I needed to clear my head, maybe it's just a prank, because what kind of woman leaves her child impromptu and apparently an alleged debts, so I left everything and went to sleep.I woke up with a massive headache, it turned out sleeping was not really a favourable decisionI checked the time, 9:00 shit it's already time, I need to go to work nevertheless in the midst of everything I need work especially now that it seems I have been deserted.I went out and took a taxi to the the cafe shop I'm currently working on, I don't want to be fired, the cafe is an elite 24 hour cafe, I don't know how I was accepted there, considering my
CHAPTER THREEFalling apart IIIt's been a week since the loan sharks visited and I still can't shake off the feeling of fear gripping me anytime I hear any sound around me, I couldn't even go to work, because I'm afraid they'll follow me, I have been cooped up at house, only stepping out to get something if it's really necessary and coming back as quickly as possible, I haven't been able to go to work which means that I'm likely already fired.I woke up this morning and I wanted to go out at least, the reality has dawned on me, I was really alone for real now... Staying cooped up in the house won't solve my problems either, I have to go out, maybe even go and check out my place of work maybe I have not been fired, if I'm not so unlucky I washed up and I'm standing at the mirror right now staring at my reflection, we were not allowed to let our hair down at work, I tied it up and covered it with a scarf, I was feeling cold anyway.I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket I picked it up wi
CHAPTER FOURBetrayal I sat on the couch with Chelsea I managed to calm down after some time, I told her about the situation and thanked her for saving me, I don't know what I would have done without her help, she just smiled and nodded" I'll help you pay the debts" she suddenly said " What!!" I exclaimed " Yeah I will, it's not a big deal, but I want to ask for a favor from you" she said , I nodded immediately " Whatever it is, I'll help as long as it's what I can do "" I want to invite you to a party, it's my a vip party but I need to go with a friend, I just want you to show up and stay with me through out the night" " Ooh.. it's not a problem... But I don't think you should clear my debts, if you can lend me the money I promise I'll pay back". I said looking at her" Don't worry about it, just wear this dress and come to this venue by 7:00, " she said and gave me a box she came with and then handed me a card" That's your VIP pass to the party" I looked at the golden card a
Chapter 5Chapter Title The Fantasy of authority If I had known that Chelsea was up to something, I sure wouldn't have honoured such invitation to get humiliated..I stood at the corner of the door feeling completely lost, with the shameful dress I wore to this club.."I wish I can just run away from here". I muttered to myself in shiver of shame and discomfort.As I looked, the people present in the party all stood laughing and chatting so loudly, I couldn’t help but feel the uncomfortable knot of tense in my stomach. "I don't belong here. I'm not like this people—i need to leave here before I get drifted apart by shame and disgrace". I thought to myself loudly.“Vianne, darling!” Chelsea’s voice slid through the noise, sharp and sugary like sweet honey. I turned, forcing a smile as Chelsea drew closer, her every step a statement of authority.Chelsea was captivating, as always. Her dress, a sparkling gold that sticked to her every curve, made her look like an idol that came down fr
CHAPTER SIX CHANGE DAD I arrived at the hospital thirty minutes later, I shifted my gaze on the hospital's name written boldly at the top of the building "ST VITNAME HOSPITAL" I sighted heavily and immediately head straight into the hospital, my heart was pounding hard in my chest as I walked around the hospital looking of where I could ask questions.Different thoughts and questions was on my mind and I just could not answer any of them and this made me more curious."Why does dad suddenly wants to see me ?" I asked myself but I could not answer the question.He had never considered me as his child and always wished that I was dead every single day and still he asked to see me ? What the hell is going on ? Why his he in the hospital ? The last time I heard about him he had not been released from the prison and now he his at the hospital ? The whole thing is just so confusing and I did not even know what to think about right now.I just have to see him myself and ask him this qu
CHAPTER SEVEN WAYS OF FATEI have no other choice now, it more like all things is working for my bad ever snice I got the offer from the pyhcopath billionaire, Adrain. I just can not understand why every thing isn't working, I have just one day to raise the money for the debt repayment I know nothing about and now dad as a kidney diseases and needs surgery. How the hell would I get money for his treatment ? He needs surgery in order to save his life. No matter how much I hate dad he was still my father and I just can not ignore him and let him die just like that. As far as I have known about it I have to do something to get money.Adrian, maybe I should really take his contract and ask him for assistance, he promised to pay off my debt but I could still ask him for some money for my dad's surgery right ? He his crazy rich and since he was willing to do anything just to make me his bride why don't I just take the opportunity ? What the worst that could happen anyway ? There must
Chapter 11: Sharks in the WaterThe stress in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Adrian's mother, a statuesque lady with neatly coiffed silver hair, stared at me like I was something she'd scraped off her Gucci shoe."Adrian, darling," she began, her voice dripping with scorn, "surely you can't be serious about this... arrangement."I held the blankets closer, feeling uncovered and vulnerable. Adrian's jaw tensed, a muscle moving in his cheek."Mother, Father," he continued, his voice calm but with an edge of steel, "I'd appreciate it if you'd give Vianne and me a minute to get dressed. We can address this civilly over breakfast."His father, a distinguished-looking guy with hard eyes, mocked. "Civilly? There's nothing polite about this situation, son. You've made a joke of our family name!"Adrian's eyes flared dangerously. "I replied, we'll handle this over breakfast. Now, if you'll pardon us."He nearly rushed his parents out of the room, locking the door firmly behind
Chapter 11: Sharks in the WaterThe stress in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Adrian's mother, a statuesque lady with neatly coiffed silver hair, stared at me like I was something she'd scraped off her Gucci shoe."Adrian, darling," she began, her voice dripping with scorn, "surely you can't be serious about this... arrangement."I held the blankets closer, feeling uncovered and vulnerable. Adrian's jaw tensed, a muscle moving in his cheek."Mother, Father," he continued, his voice calm but with an edge of steel, "I'd appreciate it if you'd give Vianne and me a minute to get dressed. We can address this civilly over breakfast."His father, a distinguished-looking guy with hard eyes, mocked. "Civilly? There's nothing polite about this situation, son. You've made a joke of our family name!"Adrian's eyes flared dangerously. "I replied, we'll handle this over breakfast. Now, if you'll pardon us."He nearly rushed his parents out of the room, locking the door firmly behind
Chapter 10: Chains of GoldUnder the cover of darkness, Adrian's car raced past the hazy glow of the city lights. The adrenaline rush from our tight escape was still running, and my pulse was racing. I quietly glanced across at Adrian, who was dead focussed on the road with his mouth rigidly set."Where are we going?" To break the awkward pause, I asked."Somewhere secure," he said, his voice strained. "We need to talk."The vehicle climbed slowly into the hills until it came to a halt in front of a contemporary home that offered a stunning panorama of the city below. As Adrian led me inside, a shiver ran up my spine as his palm brushed against the small of my back.The inside was all slick lines and simple décor, but I barely noticed. The events of the previous night were still crashing into my head.Adrian led me to a luxurious couch, then poured two glasses of amber liquor from a crystal decanter. He gave one to me before taking a seat across from me."Drink," he urged softly. "It'
Chapter 9: The Devil's BargainI woke up with a start, my heart pounding. The ring box on my bedside seemed to tease me, a sparkling reminder of the choice I faced. Adrian's proposal resonated in my head, intriguing and horrifying in equal measure.One year of my life for financial freedom. It seemed easy, but nothing involving Adrian could ever be simple.I pulled myself out of bed, my body hurting after a sleepless night. As I made coffee, my phone rang with a text from the hospital. Dad's health has worsened overnight. They needed to work soon, but without cash, they couldn't continue.My hands shook as I read the message. The walls of my little apartment appeared to close in, crushing me with the weight of my worries.I needed air.Grabbing my jacket, I stepped out, meandering mindlessly around the busy downtown streets. People raced by, wrapped up in their own lives, ignorant to the rage blazing within me.My feet brought me to the park where Mom used to take me as a kid. I fell
Chapter 8: A Dance with Destiny"Don't you think this is fate?" We keep bumping into each other," Adrian said, his grin bright and fascinating.I scoffed, my thoughts racing. Fate? What a joke. This guy was the last person I wanted to see right now."What are you doing here?" I demanded while walking down from the podium. My pulse raced, fueled by wrath and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on.Adrian's eyes never left my as he approached. "I came to hear an angel sing," he said quietly, his voice low and sweet. "I just didn't expect the angel to be you."I felt my cheeks heat up, but I refused to be swayed by his appeal. "Cut the act, Adrian. "What do you really want?"He grinned and ran his fingers over his carefully groomed hair. "You're always so honest, Vianne. "It's refreshing." His expression became harsh. "We need to talk. Privately."I gazed around the café, very aware of the curious stares of other patrons. Wiz caught my eye and nodded, indicating that it was acc
CHAPTER SEVEN WAYS OF FATEI have no other choice now, it more like all things is working for my bad ever snice I got the offer from the pyhcopath billionaire, Adrain. I just can not understand why every thing isn't working, I have just one day to raise the money for the debt repayment I know nothing about and now dad as a kidney diseases and needs surgery. How the hell would I get money for his treatment ? He needs surgery in order to save his life. No matter how much I hate dad he was still my father and I just can not ignore him and let him die just like that. As far as I have known about it I have to do something to get money.Adrian, maybe I should really take his contract and ask him for assistance, he promised to pay off my debt but I could still ask him for some money for my dad's surgery right ? He his crazy rich and since he was willing to do anything just to make me his bride why don't I just take the opportunity ? What the worst that could happen anyway ? There must
CHAPTER SIX CHANGE DAD I arrived at the hospital thirty minutes later, I shifted my gaze on the hospital's name written boldly at the top of the building "ST VITNAME HOSPITAL" I sighted heavily and immediately head straight into the hospital, my heart was pounding hard in my chest as I walked around the hospital looking of where I could ask questions.Different thoughts and questions was on my mind and I just could not answer any of them and this made me more curious."Why does dad suddenly wants to see me ?" I asked myself but I could not answer the question.He had never considered me as his child and always wished that I was dead every single day and still he asked to see me ? What the hell is going on ? Why his he in the hospital ? The last time I heard about him he had not been released from the prison and now he his at the hospital ? The whole thing is just so confusing and I did not even know what to think about right now.I just have to see him myself and ask him this qu
Chapter 5Chapter Title The Fantasy of authority If I had known that Chelsea was up to something, I sure wouldn't have honoured such invitation to get humiliated..I stood at the corner of the door feeling completely lost, with the shameful dress I wore to this club.."I wish I can just run away from here". I muttered to myself in shiver of shame and discomfort.As I looked, the people present in the party all stood laughing and chatting so loudly, I couldn’t help but feel the uncomfortable knot of tense in my stomach. "I don't belong here. I'm not like this people—i need to leave here before I get drifted apart by shame and disgrace". I thought to myself loudly.“Vianne, darling!” Chelsea’s voice slid through the noise, sharp and sugary like sweet honey. I turned, forcing a smile as Chelsea drew closer, her every step a statement of authority.Chelsea was captivating, as always. Her dress, a sparkling gold that sticked to her every curve, made her look like an idol that came down fr
CHAPTER FOURBetrayal I sat on the couch with Chelsea I managed to calm down after some time, I told her about the situation and thanked her for saving me, I don't know what I would have done without her help, she just smiled and nodded" I'll help you pay the debts" she suddenly said " What!!" I exclaimed " Yeah I will, it's not a big deal, but I want to ask for a favor from you" she said , I nodded immediately " Whatever it is, I'll help as long as it's what I can do "" I want to invite you to a party, it's my a vip party but I need to go with a friend, I just want you to show up and stay with me through out the night" " Ooh.. it's not a problem... But I don't think you should clear my debts, if you can lend me the money I promise I'll pay back". I said looking at her" Don't worry about it, just wear this dress and come to this venue by 7:00, " she said and gave me a box she came with and then handed me a card" That's your VIP pass to the party" I looked at the golden card a