Chapter 2: The Debt

Her vision became blurried and she was beggining to hyperventilate. The elevator doors opened and she hastily stands up pushing away the person who was waiting for the elevator. 

Amber has just finished working at the coffee shop and she was not feeling well. 

"Amber? Are you alright?" Evan Cadmyn asked. He used to be Gavin's bestfriend and cut ties with him when he cheated on Amber. 

She couldn't speak. She couldn't think clearly. She clung to Evan, her vision slowly darkening as she fainted in his arms. 

Love is something that must be cherished for life. It can save those whose hearts are dark and cold. Amber did not succumb to the harsh treatment of the Miller family. She didn't want to drown in the sorrows and despair of her life. Love is like her life line. The only thing that can save her from this misery. 

She never experienced real and genuine love. Someone who truly cares about you and will do anything just for you. And that is what Amber wished for so long. A person who will love her no matter what. 

Ever since the betrayal and the announcement of their engagement. She was traumatised to the point where sadness nearly becomes her death bed. She couldn't eat properly and was too broken to continue living her life.

"Miss Miller, please take your medicines now." The nurse called out to her. 

"I have prescribed to you anti-depressants, Miss Miller. If you want we can send you to counseling therapy for further treatment." 

"Amber, do you want the counseling therapy?" Evan asked. 

"No need I don't have enough money to afford it." she refused the offer.

After that day Amber was confined in the hospital for a week. No one visited or worried for her. Only Evan took care of her and she appreciated his kindness.

She recuperated in the hospital and she can't help but feel indebted to Evan. The man was stubborn and paid for her hospital bills.  

"How do you feel right now?" Evan asked. He is currently a doctor and studied in a medical school despite his family's wishes. 

"I feel okay. However, my heart is empty. I can't feel anything at all." 

Evan held her clenched hands, offering support. "That's because a part of it is still waiting to be thrown in the recycle bin. The numbing pain is slowly healing your heart from danger. Restoring what you once have and saving you from the edge." 

For the first time she actually smiled from Evan's words. Amber sighed in relief. Hopefully, she can flush out the memories and pain out of her system. So she can finally move on.  

"Thank you, Evan, for everything." Amber teared up.

Once Amber got discharged she went back to the Millers and begins planning. She has enough money to leave this family for good and live somewhere peaceful. Staying here is unhealthy. 

After careful planning she needed to go to work and left the house. 

Stephanie caught Amber sneaking in the house even though she disappeared for a week. She became suspicious and waited for her sister to go to work. 

"You disappeared for one week and came back as if nothing happened. I wonder what you were doing during that week, Amber." Stephanie said with full evil intentions. 

She made a mess of Amber's room, looking for anything useful. Then a piece of paper hidden within the pillowcase slowly dropped down on the bed. 

Stephanie smiled. Grabbed the paper then ran to her mom. Amber is planning to leave and she won't allow that. 

Arnold and Valencia were seated at the living room when a maid suddenly came in, breathing heavily. 

"M-Master Miller! Draven Harvy is demanding to see you!" 

"Mom! I need to show you something!" Stephanie said at the same time.

Arnold's hand fisted. "Get Stephanie into her room," he tells Valencia. "Make sure she is well-clothed to meet Draven Harvy." 

Valencia nodded and pushed her daughter out of the room.

"Daddy, why is Draven Harvy here? Isn't he the assistant of the biggest company in Aurum City? The Easton family?" Stephanie asked. 

Arnold ignored his daughter and went to the main hall to meet Draven Harvy. The truth is, he is scared. He feared facing the Eastons for years and tried his best making hundreds of promises. 

The Miller family's businesses is at the edge of bankruptcy. Arnold had no choice but to seek help from the Eastons, the wealthiest family in Aurum City. And because of this he is in a huge debt. That is the reason why Draven Harvy has come to his home. 

"Draven! I'm pleased to see you here." Arnold greeted. "Do you want a drink? Food? Snacks?" 

"Let's cut to the chase, Arnold Miller. You know what I want and why I am here." Draven's tone was sharp. His cold blue gaze sent shivers to Arnold. 

"I-I see." Arnold replied anxiously. 

"It has been five years now, Arnold. When will you pay all of your debts? My master is tired of waiting and demands payment now. The Easton family is stronger than your's and filing a court case against us won't do. We have the top lawyers behind our backs, if you ever dare to go against us." Draven is a ruthless man and did not hesitate to threaten Arnold. 

"I will pay the money I owe as soon as possible!" Arnold promised. 

"Unfortunately, the words 'as soon as possible' does not fit what I want." Rowen Easton appeared. 

Arnold's body froze. Why is the head of the Easton family here? The Millers isn't ready to welcome him yet! 

"M-Mr. Easton! I was not expecting you to be here." Arnold laughed nervously. He gestured to the maid to call in his family to greet Rowen Easton. 

Valencia and Stephanie scurried over to the main hall. "Good day, Mr. Easton." they greeted. 

Rowen nodded then comfortably sits down on the couch. "If you do not pay your debts then I must take every assets the Miller family owns. I saved you from bankruptcy and you must pay every cent back." 

"P-Please! If possible are there other ways for me to pay you back?" Arnold pleaded. 

Rowen moved his sights to Arnold's daughter, Stephanie. She is beautiful but the girl lacks something else and probably spoiled all throughout her life. 

He stands up, ready to leave. 

"I am looking for a bride for my son. I request to arrange him to a marriage with your daughter. I have given you a way out, Arnold. I won't change my mind. I'll be expecting your answer tomorrow." Rowen said with finality. 

Once Rowen Easton left, Arnold breaths out in relief. He's been sweating for a while because of Mr. Easton's presence. However, his request is hard to fulfill. He heard of his son, Max Easton, and how he is a dangerous man. There is no choice! He is only given the time today to decide!

"Daddy! Don't tell me you'll accept his conditions! You never told us that our family is bankrupt!" Stephanie protested.

"I've got no choice, Stephanie! The Easton's are stronger than us and you must marry Max Easton!" 

"Max Easton!? Dad, I've heard he is a dangerous man and a cold-hearted one," Stephanie cried. "I have Gavin Westley already. Isn't he the same level as the Eastons? He is the man I love and will marry." 

"Then you have to break up with him. You have no choice but to save our family, Steph." 

Valencia watched her family argue over the ultimatum given by the Eastons. Even she herself was heartbroken that her daughter will be taken away to be married, a marriage that is full of unhappiness. 

An idea came up in her mind.

"Rowen Easton didn't exactly specify which daughter he asked for. Stephanie isn't the only daughter you have, my love." Valencia smiled wickedly. 

"What do you mean, Valencia?" Arnold was confused.

"Why don't we replace Stephanie with Amber? I'm sure Mr. Easton won't mind. Biologically she is still your daughter and all of us know that we don't want her here. She is just a useless object in our home." 

Arnold grinned. "You're right. I will tell Draven Harvy right away of my decision. Amber will be the one to marry Max Easton."