Chapter 1: Proposal

Amelia stared at the papers laying at her table. It was a simple document, yet it held the power to change her life forever. She traced her fingers over the words, while her mind raced with thoughts and questions.

She looked up at the man sitting across from her. His eyes were steady on hers, his expression unreadable. He was offering her a life of comfort and security, but at what cost?

Amelia could no longer bear Raize's physical abuse. It was a painful reality she had been living with, a secret she had been carrying for far too long. “Why did you do this? To save our family’s debts? This won't work and you know it, Raize!” Amelia said with a doubt.

Raize looked at Amelia. His eyes filled with a mix of emotions - hatred, confusion, and a hint of revenge. “I don't care,”he said, his voice was too hard to swallow.

"But marriage is the same as loving,” she replied, Amelia's voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “I deserve someone who loves me, not someone who treats me as trash like what you did years ago."

Her words hung heavy in the air, a stark truth that could no longer be ignored. She had been silent for too long, enduring the pain in the hope that things would change. But now, she was done waiting. She was done hoping. She was ready to take control of her life.

"I am not your property, Raize," she continued, her voice firm. “I will no longer tolerate your abuse."

Raize was silent, taken aback by her sudden assertiveness. He had underestimated her, thinking she would always remain silent, always remain his to control. But he was wrong.

Amelia was stronger than he had ever given her credit for. She was ready to fight for her freedom, for her happiness, and for her right to be treated with respect. And as she stood there, her resolve unwavering, Raize knew that he had lost. Amelia was no longer his to control. She was free, but not fully.

“Sign it or you'll regret it.” Raize said, his voice firm and unwavering. The document in front of Amelia seemed to glare back, a stark reminder of the choice she was being forced to make.

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze head-on. “And what if I regret signing it?' Amelia asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. “What then?”

Raize didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, studying Amelia's reaction. “Then,” he finally said, “you'll have to live with the consequences, just like the rest of us.”

Raize words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the reality of the situation. This wasn't a game, it was her life. And the decision he made now would shape the course of my future.

With a deep breath, she picked up the pen. Whether she would regret this or not, only time would tell.

Suddenly, the door opened.

“Am I interrupting something?” Mr. Laurier asked, father of Amelia. His voice is smooth and composed while his eyes flicked to the document in front of Amelia, then back to her face, a curious expression was painted on his face. But he already knew that it was a marriage proposal between his daughter and Rage, son of his business enemy.

Amelia quickly folded the document, tucking it away. “Not at all,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “We were just finishing up.”

Mr. Laurier nodded, his gaze still on his daughter's face, “okay” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Because I have something important to discuss with you two.”

Amelia looked at Raize, her gaze filled with a mix of emotions. She had known him for years, but the thought of marrying him had never crossed her mind until her father brought it up.

The Laurier family was known for their diverse business portfolio. From real estate to hospitality, technology to manufacturing, they had investments spread across various sectors.

Rodolfo, Amelia's father, was a shrewd businessman with a keen eye for profitable ventures. He had built their business empire from the ground up, his hard work and perseverance turning it into a success story.

The sound of the creaking hinges echoing through the room. Everyone's attention was drawn towards the entrance as a figure stepped into the room.

It was Amelia's mother, her face flushed and her eyes wide with panic. But when find her daughter sitting calmly on her table, she felt at ease. “I'm sorry to interrupt,” she stammered, her gaze darting between them. “But there's an urgent matter that requires your attention.”

They exchanged puzzled glances before rising from their seats. “Lead the way,” Mrs. Laurier said, their curiosity piqued.

They followed her down the grand staircase and into the main hall, where a crowd had gathered. At the center of it all was a woman, disheveled and shouting Raize’s name, her desperate eyes scanning the room until they landed on them.

“I've been trying to find you, babe.” She panted, her chest heaving trying to touch Raize. “You don't have to save that filthy b*tch.” Raize pulled away, his expression unreadable. " Stop with your drama, Charlotte!" Raize asked, his tone filled with disdain and disappointment. His eyes bore into hers, a clear challenge in his gaze.

A sense of unease washed over me. Whatever was happening, I had a feeling it was going to change everything.

Her words echoed through the hall, a harsh contrast to the elegant surroundings. The crowd fell silent, all eyes on them.

Charlotte has been his girlfriend after he broke up with Amelia. Amelia could still remember the sting of rejection, the heartache that followed.

While Raize stiffened beside Amelia after Charlotte slapped her, his face hardened. “Enough, Charlotte,' he said, his voice cold and firm. “Stop with this drama, and why are you here?”

Charlotte's face reddened, her eyes flashing with anger. “You're choosing her over me?” she spat, pointing an accusing finger at Amelia.

“I'm not choosing anyone,” Raize replied, his gaze steady. “I'm standing up for what's right. And if you can't respect that, then maybe you don't know me as well as you thought.”

“You'll get the prize you deserve to have," Charlotte said to Raize, her voice filled with conviction. Her eyes met his, a determined glint in them.

The room was silent as Charlotte stormed out, her exit as dramatic as her entrance. As the crowd slowly dispersed, Amelia turned to Raize, her heart filled with confusion.