6. ENGAGEMENT

 I remain paralyzed, staring at them, unable to believe what they are saying. I look at Luis, who smiles like an angel, accepting everyone's congratulations while holding one of my hands in his and kissing me from time to time. And suddenly, he kneels before me and shows me, with his cynical smile, an engagement ring.

"Bella, since we were children, you have been a fascination to me, and you still are. As you promised me back then when you confessed your love, I have waited all these years for you. Because I have also loved you all my life and I intend to continue doing so. Thank you for accepting me as the man who will make you happy for all eternity," Luis says while placing the ring on my finger, amid everyone's applause. He doesn't even ask if I accept him, he takes it for granted.

 I feel trapped, unable to react or say a word. I can't find words to express my desperation; I remain frozen and at a loss for what to say. I know I can't voice my opinion; it has always been this way. I look at my happy parents and resign myself to my fate. I let my body fall into the chair, my hand still trapped in Luis's, who doesn't stop expressing his love and kissing me, causing me enormous discomfort and disgust. I don't remember what happens afterward; I felt like an object that could be sold to the highest bidder regardless of who they were or what they would do to me.

 After another hour of suffering, during which I learn that my engagement will save my father's company, we finally leave. Luis says goodbye by kissing my hand, which I snatch away as quickly as I can. How can they do this to me?

 Throughout the journey, I'm tempted to ask questions, but my mother talks happily non-stop about the wedding preparations, and I just sigh. My father occasionally observes me through the rearview mirror but says nothing. Upon arriving home, I run upstairs and lock myself in my room. I don't want to see or talk to anyone. I cry inconsolably. I could ask my grandparents for help, but my relationship with my father is already tense, so I prefer to resign myself.

 This must have been my mother's doing, she hates me, that's why dad asked me so seriously, and I stupidly said yes without knowing what he was asking. What's this about his company being on the brink of bankruptcy? Why doesn't he ask my grandfather for help instead of Luis's father? Why does he have to sacrifice me? If I tell him no, that I'm not in love with Luis, will he break off the engagement? No, surely he won't, he must have agreed with mom on this. What a misfortune to have parents like them! I fall asleep crying.

 The sound of the alarm clock pulls me from my deep sleep. I remember the previous night. If only it were just a nightmare! That Luis is unbearable. I have an exam today, so I get dressed quickly. I look at the engagement ring on my finger and sigh; I'm trapped, I can't escape. I still can't believe it. I sigh in resignation and make a decision. I'll do it, I'll help dad get out of this mess, but only for three years. After that, I'll divorce that arrogant man and live my life.

 Dad said he would give me my inheritance during his lifetime, just as my grandfather did with him, in exactly three years. Well, I'll endure that time to be free and owe them nothing. I will have fulfilled my duty as a daughter. Then I'll leave and live my life as I decide.

 I look at myself in the mirror and sigh. I'm a girl of five feet seven inches tall, slim but with a well-formed figure. I have a small waist that makes my hips appear wider than they are. My breasts are somewhat prominent, which is why I usually wear loose blouses. My hair is dark brown, and I always wear it in a ponytail; my mother hasn't allowed me to cut it. My eyes are dark green, contrasting with my long black eyelashes, and my skin has a copper tone.

 My grandfather tells me I'm beautiful, though I can't believe it. I don't feel that way at all; on the contrary, I consider myself ugly. That's why I always hide my body in loose clothing and my eyes behind glasses. It really bothers me when people ask if I'm wearing false eyelashes.

 I run down the stairs, have my breakfast, and get into my car, a gift from my grandfather. A brand new red Ferrari! Although I protested about how flashy it was and how it didn't suit my reserved personality, he ignored my protests and forced me to accept it. I always try to park it as far as possible from the institute and run to arrive on time. I have no friends and always sit at the back tables, alone. That's how my days pass between classrooms, the library, and my home.

 The engagement party night arrived sooner than I expected. I was dying watching how Luis smiled at everyone and acted like the most in-love person ever, imagining what he would do to me when we got married. I couldn't help but sigh constantly, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't smile happily; on the contrary, I looked like I was being led to slaughter. After dinner, Luis took me to my room and said:

"Look, Bella, change that suffering face. I don't like you; I'm doing this so my father won't disinherit me."

 Upon hearing this, my soul returned to my body, and I paid attention to enter into a beneficial arrangement for both of us. If things were like this, this marriage might even be convenient for me, I thought.

"What do you mean?" I asked.