Kabanata 1

Shock is an understatement after hearing him. Is he out of his mind? He just dropped it like a normal thing to do for goodness sake!

"Pardon Mister?''

"William. I'm William Cavanaugh," he answered. I am not asking for your name, dumbass!

"Marry me and I'll help you."

"And when did the marriage become the solution to resolve my father's problem?" I asked frustratingly.

"How naive." he taunted. "You do not know how lucky you are to my proposition. And besides, how can you just trust a man? Does your father forgot to tell you to never trust just anyone?" his eyebrows creased.

"You mean, including you?" I sarcastically answered. A sly smile came out on him. Oh, shit! Why does he have to look so hot? This is not good.

"Unfortunately, I am not just anyone Miss Magno. I'm gonna be your husband so soon and gonna be the father of your children."

"You're unbelievable Mister! And how sure are you that I will accept your ridiculous offer?"

"Let's just say that you don't have any choice but to get married to me to free your father. I have my means and power to do that," he said casually.

"Why me? I mean, we just met and now you're asking me for a marriage."

"Oh! Don't flatter yourself, Miss Magno," he said and gave an insulting laugh. He looked at me from head to toe while arching his eyebrow then grinned. Now I feel conscious! What's wrong with this man? How disgusting his attitude is! Grr! I badly want to give him a hard blow straight to his jaw.

"Frankly speaking, you're not that hot Miss Magno. And you're too young and look so naive for my liking," he said while shaking his head. Did he just insult me?! And who's naive, huh?! "But I need a wife and an heir. And I just can't pick on one of my harems. They're not suitable to be a mother. And I'm sure that f*cking old man won't just approve a city girl to be his daughter-in-law. He's f*cking picky. What a headache." he said in a firm voice, wearing a crease on his forehead.

"So, you see? It's a win-win situation. You're gonna help your father and I'll gonna get that old man his last wish." I blink upon hearing all the words he said.

"Do I still have time to think?" I was surprised by my answer. I don't have a choice, do I? This is giving me a headache. I didn't know life was so hard until this time.

"Unfortunately, none. And besides you don't have any other choice, frankly speaking. Either you agree or let your father suffer. " he ruthlessly said. I closed my eyes in defeat and slowly nodded my head in agreement. I just can't let my papa suffer. Not in a million years. I am calling the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus for help!

"Good. Drink that wine and I shall call my lawyer."

After that night, I'm already Beatrice Leigh C. Magno-Cavanaugh. I didn't know how he managed to do that. All I remember was there were papers that I signed held by a lawyer. And after an hour I received a call from my papa saying that he was alright. I also heard that Arthur was the one who helped Mr. Chang to blame my father. I didn't know why he'd do that. He's my papa's apprentice and I treated him as a family! Now, he's in prison with that sneaky businessman.

William did not let me go home. Instead, he let my papa go to his mansion.

"Belle!" papa screamed my name when he saw me waiting on the porch of the mansion. William's men picked him up. I don't know where and I didn't bother to ask. I am still adjusting to their intimidating aura!

My papa's too emotional. He hugged me tightly and said his apology. "I thought I wouldn't see you again my Bella. I'm sorry for making you worry," he said as he lovingly caressed my face.

"It's alright papa. I'm fine. I'm glad that you're here beside me." I said as I hugged him back as tight as I could. William's just standing in the corner watching us like we're in some kind of ridiculous movie. This man doesn't have any sympathy! Goodness!

I don't want my father to know about my current situation but I don't want to hide it as a secret either. So I don't have a choice but to tell him the truth.

"P-papa, I have something to tell you." I nervously said,

"What is it, Belle?" he asked with an assurance in his voice that it was alright.

I was going to tell him the whole story but William cut me off.

"Excuse me, but I think I should be the one to tell you. Let's go inside my library to have a serious talk." he guided my father but before that, he turned to me, "Go upstairs, your room is ready." he said. He motioned his right hand to one of his house help. The housekeeper immediately went to my side and took the lead upstairs.

"Belle? What's happening?" papa asked confusedly. He then started to panic and came towards me.

"Papa, it's alright," I said as I gave him a genuine smile. I held his hand and slightly squeezed it.

"I don't have the time of the world. Enough with your drama and let's get it over with before I lose my string of patience." the beast said in his most irritating voice.

"No. My daughter shall go with me." papa said in a stern voice. "You can take all my business away but not my Bella."

"Don't test my patience." William in his serious voice.

"Papa! I'm fine. Just go and talk to him. I promise that I'm going to be alright." I said in a pleading tone. Papa looked at me with hesitation. "I'm gonna call you from time to time, I assure you that," I added.

"Time is running." the beast in his menacing voice. Oh gosh! How I want to kick his gut!

"Alright." papa answered. I sighed in relief.

"Make sure to bring my papa home safely," I said about the beast who just cocked his eyebrow. "Please," I added.

"Fine. Whatever. Let's go, old man. You both are wasting my precious time." he said as he dragged my father away from me. Beast!