Chapter 2 The Price Of Debt

Elara's pov

“No!” “Please!” I exclaimed, trying to free my hand from the man's grip, but it felt so strong. I dipped my toes firmly on the floor with every ounce of strength in me, dragging myself out of his grip.

Just as I had freed myself, I ran back to where my father was. I wouldn't dare go so close to him so I stood beside him. He glared at me like I was a ticking time bomb that would ruin everything.

The man stepped closer to me, but as he drew nearer to me, I backed away, taking a step backward for every step he took forward, but there was nowhere to run to, he caught me in his grip again, and turned me toward someone else—the boss who had spoken with my father earlier.

He stepped closer, and I almost peed on my underwear. I had almost fainted when he reached for something in his pocket–a barrel.

“Remind me,” his voice soft and mocking. “What’s your name again?”

I hesitated, my throat tightened with fear. “Elara,” I managed to whisper.

“Elara,” he repeated slowly, as if tasting out the name. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers through my hair. 

I flinched a bit but he continued, playfully twisting a lock of it between his fingers.

“How old are you, baby girl?”

“Um…Nineteen,” I stammered.

“You’re quite bold, Elara,” he remarked with a sly smile. “Do you know how much your father owes me?”

I shook my head, my eyes gleaming with tears.

“It’s a lot,” he said, gently letting my hair fall from his hand. 

“And unless you can pay me back…” He paused, deliberately rotating the barrel slowly, the polished metal shining brightly in his hands–its surface unblemished.

I took a sharp breath as he tilted his head, observing my reaction. “Do you have that kind of money, Princess?”

“No,” I replied softly.

“Then it looks like we’ll need to find another solution.” His smile disappeared, and his tone became serious. He leaned in a bit closer, speaking slowly. “Because if we can’t work this out, things could get complicated. You… or your father might be in a very tough spot.”

“Do you understand that?”

I swallowed hard and shook my head.

His words settled heavily on me, and I felt a chill. My father was silent, not arguing or defending me. It seemed things were working out in his favor.

The don straightened up, his demeanor calm as he signaled to the man beside me. “Let’s get her settled.”

I wasn't fighting it again; I had accepted the reality; as he dragged me through the front yard, I spotted my father standing in the doorway. He remained silent, his face partially hidden behind one of the men.

He didn’t look my way or try to intervene, and it hurt deeply.

I raised my voice in desperation, hoping to reach him. “Father, please! Don’t let them take me!”

As my plea cracked with emotion, he hid his face further.

I was led forward, taken out of the house where I had spent my life. 

I fell silent as we arrived at the sleek black car waiting on the street.

I found myself in the backseat, sandwiched between the don and one of his men. 

The atmosphere in the car was tense, the don’s commanding presence filled the air.

I curled up slightly in the seat, my heart racing as I glanced at the man beside me. 

His silver eyes held a sharp intensity, and the small smirk on his lips showed he was having a bit too much fun with my nervousness.

The other man next to me shifted, his size taking up space, but his expression was neutral. I watched as he rested his hand on his belt, ready for anything I might do.

The car hummed steadily through the night, but it wasn't my problem.

“How could I possibly cover up for all the money my father owes him?” He isn't the type to settle for losses, he took me for a reason.

But I couldn't comprehend his intentions—is he going to make me his house girl, his personal servant, or wait... is he going to sell me to the highest bidder? My thoughts screamed.

I shook my head slightly and then mustered the courage to speak, my voice shaky. “Please… don’t do this. I beg you, let me go.”

The don turned slightly, a wider smirk forming on his lips, “You’ve already been bought, Princess. There’s no turning back now.”

His words felt final like a door shutting firmly. My chest tightened as I realized that this was my fate and tears began to slide down my cheeks, but I couldn’t find the words to say anything more.

The minutes ticked by, but it felt like an eternity. Finally, the car stopped in front of a large, imposing building. The night air hit me unexpectedly cool as I was guided out. It felt like I was walking into a different world–one I didn't belong in.

Every step felt heavier as I was led through the long stairs. 

My heart raced with anxiety, thoughts of my father’s betrayal echoing in my mind.

The don paused as we reached the large living room.

“Keep her in the room close to mine, I need to keep a close eye on her.” “To make sure she won't try anything stupid,” he said as he smirked at me.

One of his men then grabbed my arm, dragging me through a dimly lit hallway.

As we arrived at a small door, “Welcome to your new chapter,” he said, a playful tone in his voice.

He swung the door open, and before I could respond, I was pushed inside. The door clicked shut behind me.

I stood there for a moment, scanning the little space with my eyes. 

The room was simple. A small bed sat against the wall with a well-arranged thin blanket. A small wooden table stood next to the bed. A small lamp ornament stood at the other side of the bed. The moonlight made its way through the window.

I walked over to the window, pulled back the curtain, and gazed outside.

At that moment, the garden I saw got me carried away. It was filled with a stunning variety of flowers, their colors dancing in the breeze. 

I stood there longer, feeling the cool breeze from outside. And for a moment, It felt like I had forgotten my situation.

But is it even possible to forget? The pain and fear. Forgetting that I've been dragged away from the only place I've known my whole life to this place–where there is no trace of warmth.

My father’s choice felt like a heavyweight, leaving me feeling alone and uncertain about what was next.

Yet, I recalled his cold words: Accept your fate or one of us dies.

I was distracted by footsteps from the hallway, which stopped in front of my door.

My heart skipped a bit as I fixed my eyes on the door.

“Here comes my fate.”

Just then, the door creaked open, shattering the silence. A figure appeared at the door, his voice firm yet calm.

“It’s time to prove you are useful.”