Chapter Three

“I want to leave,” I said bluntly. “I can’t stay here. This... this isn’t a life i want.”

A flicker of something—amusement, maybe—crossed his face before disappearing. He didn’t answer immediately, and the silence grew heavier with each passing second.

“Amelia,” he said finally, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of something darker. “And where would you go? You have no home, no money, no protection. Out there, you’re vulnerable. Here, you’re safe.”

Safe. The word from Alessandro felt hollow. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my frustration in check. “I don’t feel safe here,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly, betraying my anger.

He raised an eyebrow, an unreadable look crossing his face. “You misunderstand the situation,” he said slowly, almost condescendingly. “This isn’t about what you feel. It’s about what’s best for you.”

Alessandro’s words stung, but I wasn’t about to back down. “You don’t even know me,” I shot back, my voice growing louder. “How could you possibly know what’s best for me?”

Before he could answer, the door opened, and Ashton strolled in. His presence filled the room with a tension that made my stomach churn.

“Dad, something happened with our delivery.” Ashton stood only a foot away from me, and I felt like I was starting to be ignored. Alessandro instantly turned annoyed and frustrated.

“Take care of the problem, I’ll call Louise to talk about this mess. Well, Amelia you can leave it’s not a good time to argue.” Alessandro looked at me with his uncompromising gaze, and I couldn’t help but contain my anger and leave the room.

I went to the mansion’s backyard, which has a swimming pool and sat on the edge of the pool, soaking my feet in the water.

“Don’t even think about leaving here before your father’s debt is paid.” Ashton’s voice made me turn my head and look up. The tall man stood beside me with his gaze staring unblinkingly ahead.

“Are you okay with this marriage? You must already know.” I intended to discuss this with Ashton; we were the ones doing the wedding. I looked down at my feet, which I had lifted from the water.

“It’s just a formality. You can decide how long we should stay in this marriage, just until all your father’s debts are paid off.” Ashton’s tone sounded calm, while I thought this was unfair. Everyone already knows and is prepared, while I feel like I’m being trapped by this.

“Why don’t you just take my inheritance and pay off my father’s debt? That way this marriage will never happen.” I twisted my fingers and looked at him angrily.

“It was originally intended to be like that, you just had to sign over the assets, but your father didn’t want that from the beginning. He thought that if all of his inheritance went to you, you’d really be left alone, without any protection.” Ashton’s answer surprised me.

So, Dad had been deceiving me all along? He had planned this from the start? Is that so?

My head ached at the thought of this betrayal.

“If you care about your life, you have to accept this deal. If you want something in this marriage, I might be willing to help you realize it.” Ashton’s words made me have a glimmer of hope.

I could use Ashton to gain my freedom.

“I want the marriage to just be an agreement without involving any feelings between us later.” I turned my head and looked up at Ashton, who was smiling briefly, but he looked charming when seen in this fashion.

“That’s easy, after all I accepted this marriage for a purpose. My father promised to authorize his entire business to me if I’m willing to marry you.” Ashton then squatted down beside me. I don’t know why I could hardly look away from him.

“Don’t you have anything to lose?” It’s an unfair deal. Ashton shrugged.

“Everything in the world has a price, Amelia. I think that’s the price I have to pay to achieve my goal.” Ashton turned to me, and for the first time, I saw the beautiful blue eyes of a man. I was taken in for a moment by Ashton’s blue eyes.

“If you want your freedom, you must be willing to pay a heavy price for it, Amelia.” Ashton brought me back to reality with his words. For a moment, it was like I was absorbed into his blue eyes. I turned away to hide my blush.

“I didn’t think you’d entice me with the thing I want most. That’s cheating.” I smiled and laughed at myself for being so naive. I thought that I could have everything I wanted after my father died—no more burdens—but in fact, I had to face another reality.

“I assume you accept this marriage. Our wedding will be held in two days. See you at the altar.” Ashton left my side and walked away. I looked back at him as he walked away. I wondered about this man who seemed to have so many secrets.

After dinner, I stood on the balcony of my room, enjoying the evening breeze. The decision had been made, and I could still vividly imagine Alessandro’s smile when I went back to see him that afternoon and said I would agree to the marriage.

From the balcony of my room, I could see the swimming pool below. Ashton was swimming with only a pair of tight boxer briefs on. For a moment, he was a sight to behold. His tall, athletic body and not-too-big muscles made Ashton look more masculine.

However, when Ashton caught me watching him, I hurriedly averted my gaze. I also chose to move into my room immediately to hide the strange feeling I felt.

**

My mom came to see me in my room when I had just finished getting dressed. I honestly didn’t know what to do with her. Everything had felt foreign from the start.

“I’m glad you finally accepted the marriage. It’s better for you.” My mother stepped onto the bed and sat on its edge. I smiled scornfully at her words. There was no point in her acting concerned.

“Just like you know me, you even left me and Dad during that difficult time and ran into Alessandro’s arms. Is it because of you too that my father owes Alessandro?” I looked at my mother in the mirror and saw that she was shocked.

“Are you accusing me? I did it because your father really needed the money. Alessandro was the only one who wanted to be the donor; after all, it was your father who told me to go.” My mother turned away from my gaze, and I saw a look of sadness and anger on her face. I wanted to believe her, but I didn’t.

“Well, everyone can make excuses for their mistakes. I’m accepting this not because of anyone, but rather for myself.” I confessed and proceeded to dry my hair with the hairdryer.

“I never betrayed your father, Amelia. That is one thing you should know.” My mom got up from where she was and left my room. Everything seemed to make no sense. My father seemed to be the mastermind of this whole mess. My father, who I had thought of as a hero and role model, was tricking me into carrying out his plans.

I sat down with all my bones, feeling like they were turning into jelly. I wanted to cry, but my tears seemed to have dried up.

“Dad, is it true that you made all these plans? You tricked me, Dad?” That question made my tears gather in my eyes. Then, I cried like a fool, hoping it was all a dream.