Chapter 1

Part 1         

 The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. Golden fingers of sunlight lit up the hospital room.

 Lia opened her eyes. She hasn't slept all night. Her eyes searched for the only family she had her dad, who was fighting for his life each second and somewhere she knew it he won't win.

 They had the perfect life as father and daughter despite being poor, they were happy together it wasn't same after her mom passed away, but they both supported each other and become happy again, but happiness doesn't last long for her.

 Lia's dad had a heart problem, and he hides it from his daughter and being the poor person, he didn't have enough money to treat himself.

 He does not mind, though. He has lived enough; the only worry he was having was leaving his young daughter alone in this cruel world.

 He opened his eyes and saw beautiful brown eyes starring at him: his daughter, Lia.

 "How are you feeling now? " Lia asked, still a little mad at her father for not telling her about his desires.

 " I am fine, sweetheart. Are you still mad at me ?? hmm?"

Not getting any reply from her, he chuckled sadly.  

"Can you call your Smith uncle for me and tell him to pay a visit? " Mr Miller said. 

He knew he won't live long enough now and his friend, Andrew, was his only hope.

 " Okay. " was the only reply she gave.

 ___________________________

 After about an hour, Andrew walked in, and Lia bowed at him.

 " Sweetheart, Can you leave us for a minute? I need to talk to Andrew. " Mr Miller said, making Lia frown but she followed her dad request.

 Once she was out, Edward turned to Andrew," Long time no see? " Andrew said with a sweet smile.

 " Why didn't you call me earlier, Edward. I would have helped you. " Andrew said as tears were about to leave his eyes.

 " I don't wanna burden you. " Andrew said with a small voice.

 "  seriously? " We have grown together. I have always considered you as my brother. Why?" Andrew cried while holding Edward's hand.

 "I need a favour, And. Please, don't deny. " Edward pleaded.

 " Whatever you want. Tell me. " Andrew urged.

 " As you can see, my Lia is young and innocent. She hasn't seen the cruelties of this world. I can't die, leaving her alone. " Edward whined, he hates the idea of starting his only daughter alone.

 "Don't say it like that, please. Nothing is gonna happen to you." Andrew said more like a sob.

 "I want you to take care of her. Take her under your guidance, please. " Edward cried.

 Andrew was silent for second thinking really hard.

 " You know, I have a young son and keeping a young girl and him together, not a wise choice. " Andrew explained.

 " I am sorry. I shouldn't have forced you. " Edward said his voice barely audible.

 " I didn't mean it like that. I want your permission for something. " Andrew said with a small smile.

 " What is it? " Edward asked.

 " I want your permission to marry my son,  Andreas, to your Daughter,  Lia Miller. "

The offer sound so much sincere that Mr Miller almost immediately said yes. Not thinking about getting an answer from Lia. She is 18, She doesn't know what's right or wrong.

 That night when Mr Smith left, Mr Miller called Lia to his hospital room. The sight of Lia was devasted. Hair messed up as if she has been pulling onto it, eyes red undoubtedly the girl has been crying her heart out. Mr Miller's heart ached at sight.

 "Lia, I want to talk to you about something. But promise me you'll do it. "He said.

 " Of course, daddy. I'd do anything you want" Lia said immediately.

 "I want you to get married to Uncle Smith son, Andreas," he said casually.

 Lia's eyes went wide." What!? Dad, what are you saying? " she asked, confused.

 " You are my precious little girl. I can't leave this world knowing you are all alone. I want to die peacefully, Lia. Please do this for me. It's my last wish" Mr Miller was in tears. 

 Lia's heart ached. She would gladly die in place of her father. Lia doesn't have many friends, mainly because she is low, and kids at her college were rich and arrogant. It was a miracle that she has a friend who is, Betty. They are diaper buddies. 

 She knew her father was thinking practically.

 "Okay. " was the only word that left her mouth. 

                                      

 Meanwhile, at Smiths house, Mr Smith directly dialled his son's number calling him immediately at home. 

 Andreas was 28 years old CEO of Smith corp. He started living on his own since he was 

 Andreas immediately came to his dad.

 "Dad, what's wrong," he asked, concerned.

 " Andreas, do you remember your uncle Miller? " he asked.

 Andreas looked at him, confused. 

 " Your childhood friend right? he said, curiously.

 "Yeah. he is on his last stage. "he said as a tear ran down his cheek.

 " what! " Andreas gasp.

 " I have never asked anything from you, but I am asking you for a favour now. Will you do it?" he asked.

 "Is it about money. I can take care of all his hospital bills. "Andreas said confidently.

 " No no, it's not about money. He has a young daughter who is still very young and innocent," he said.

 " What about her? " Andreas asked, completely confused.

 " I want you to marry her," he said at last.

 Andreas was beyond shocked. Never in a million years, he thought he would get married to someone who doesn't know.

 " What are you saying, dad. I can't do this. I don't even know her. " he said hurriedly, he was damn panicked.

 " Please Andreas. My friend is in death bed.

 He wants his daughter to be in safe hands.

 Please agree with me. I am begging you. " Mr Smith was literally begging in front of him.

 " Okay"

 The smile was immediate on Mr Smith's

 face. 

  

 "Promise me, You will take care of her. Consider her as your partner. Lia is a sweet girl. I am sure she would take care of you too. " he said. When he didn't hear any response from Andreas, he asked again. " Promise?"

 Andreas's brain had stopped working. Getting married? Really? 

 Marriage brings lots of baggage together. He was not ready for that. But again, he doesn't have any choice, does he?

 Therefore he nodded with a single word,

 "Promise."