All Chapters of The Marriage Bargain: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7

7 Chapters

The Wedding

I needed a smoke or an alcohol perhaps? I was selling my soul, my body, for a fat check and a wedding ring was the price tag, forgive me if I say I need to drink something to dull the emotions. The bridal room buzzed with a dull murmur, the kind that felt more like static movement than the excitement of a wedding. My wedding. I stood in front of an ornate mirror in the bridal suite, adjusting the lace on my wedding dress for the hundredth time. My hands trembled slightly, not from excitement, but from the nerves gnawing at my insides. I bit my lips in fear, again I was scared. I should be happy right? I was getting married to the man that I have crush on for years. But I wasn't. Because he didn't love me. No, he hated me. He looked at me as if he wanted to strangle me. But yet, here I am, getting married to said man.“Remember, Remi,” Aunt Victoria's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and cold. “Behave yourself. This is your chance to make something of your miserable life. Don’

The Flashback

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

The café bustled around me, the clatter of cups and the hum of conversations creating a familiar din that normally brought me comfort. But today, it was just a distraction from the storm brewing inside me. I wiped down the counter for the third time, my mind wandering back to Rowan and the events that had transpired. It had been a few days since the wedding, but the shock still lingered, refusing to wear off like a bad hangover. The memory of his betrayal, the feel of Aunt Victoria's grip on my arm, and the weight of my newfound responsibilities all swirled together in a toxic mix that left me feeling nauseous and trapped. I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, but my eyes kept drifting to the door, half-expecting him to walk in and shatter the fragile sense of normalcy I was trying to maintain.Though he did keep to his promise, money was paid to my aunt's account immediately after the wedding and Jules, she was stable now. "Hey, dreamer, you're at it again," Nina’s voice

The Nightmare

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

Four years later. "I want a divorce," I said to Rowan, my voice firm but shaking slightly.Rowan snorted, puffing smoke from his cigar right into my face. "You think you're in a position to ask for a divorce?" he sneered, his eyes glinting with contempt.I coughed, waving away the acrid smoke, but Rowan just kept blowing it in my direction. His expression was cold, like he'd just sucked on a lemon. He sat cross-legged in his chair, his black suit looking like it was tailored to perfection. His white shirt was crisp and bright, and his silver tie sparkled in the light. His dark hair was slicked back, showing off his sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes that seemed to be staring right through me. Those eyes were like ice chips, chilly. "You don't love me. I don't love you. It was a contract marriage and I think it's time for it to end," I informed.He chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "From what your aunt said, this marriage is supposed to go on for at least two more years," he said,

The News

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

The harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway cast long shadows as I hurried to Jules’s room. My heart pounded with every step, fear tightening around my chest. The news had come suddenly: Jules’s leukemia had worsened, and she had slipped into a coma.I burst into the room, my eyes immediately finding Jules’s small, frail form lying motionless on the bed. Machines beeped rhythmically, each sound a reminder of how fragile her life was.Aunt Victoria ’s voice cut through the silence. “You’re finally here. Took you long enough.”Ignoring her, I rushed to Jules’s side, taking her cold hand in mine. “Jules,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I’m here.”Uncle Jacob loomed behind me, his expression as hard as ever. “We need to talk.”I turned to face him, dread pooling in my stomach. “What now?”“You can’t get a divorce,” Aunt Victoria said bluntly. “Not unless you want Jules to die.”I stared at her, horrified. “What are you talking about?”“Rowan just sent money for her surgery,” sh

The Future

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

Six years LaterI adjusted the drip for Mrs. Isolde, who let out a soft cough. She was a frail but sharp woman in her eighties, her onyx eyes still bright as she stared at me. Her crowfoot clenching together with her warm smile. I had grown fond of her over the past few months that I started working as her personal doctor. "There you go, Mrs. Isolde," I said, smoothing the blanket over her legs on the wheelchair. "Thank you, dear," she replied, her voice raspy but affectionate. "You're such a blessing to have around."A smile spread across my face. Balancing my career as a surgeon and raising my twins, Larry and Sally, was no small feat, but moments like this made it all worthwhile. "It's my pleasure. You remind me of my own grandmother."Mrs. Isolde chuckled softly. "You're too kind, Isolde. Always so kind."As I tidied up her bedside table, the television in the corner of the room caught my attention. A news anchor's voice filled the room, announcing the day's headlines."...and

The Bargain

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

I rushed to her side, grabbing her hand. "Mrs. Isolse, what happened?"Her voice shook as she spoke, "My... my grandson. He's been in an accident."Her heart rate monitor beeped frantically, matching the panic in her voice. I quickly adjusted the IV and took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Mrs. Isolde I need you to take deep breaths. We need to keep you stable."She nodded, but her breaths were shallow and quick. "Remi, please..Rowan…my grandson he is all I have left. I am sorry that I deceived you. I am sorry I didn't tell you that the man in the TV was my grandson. I am sorry I lied about my identity but please Remi, please help me.""I promise, I'll do everything I can," I assured her, squeezing her hand. "Let me call the hospital and get more information."I acted cool. I really tried to. But I wasn’t. The woman I had come to admire was my worse nightmare grand mother. The woman I cared for was the matriarch of the Vaughn family. My hand shook as I dialed the hospital, l

The Accusation

The Marriage Bargain/Daisy_D

Gigi face fell as she stepped back, “What…what do you mean?”I tried to keep my face indifferent as I saw the hurt that passed through her face. It was hard to, especially knowing the man in there used to be the man I loved. “It means, he might forget you and every situation he was in.”“No…no…that's not…I don't believe…it can't be.”I wondered if she was going into shock, “Unless,” she shrieked, her voice slicing through the air like a blade. “You did this! This is your fault!”I blinked, the words hitting me like a slap in the face. “Gigi, calm down. I did everything I could to save him. He’s stable now, but—”“Stable?” she cut me off, her hands trembling as she pointed an accusing finger at me. “You call this stable? He could die! Or worse, you said he might have amnesia! How could you let this happen? You were supposed to be a surgeon, a doctor, and you couldn’t even do your job properly!”I stood there, trying to maintain my composure. I knew this wasn’t about me. Gigi was scare