a

ad," I said, but

ses and scrutinized

not understand the relationship between you and that boy. Haze

nothing more. I have told you thi

ething really important that your mother

s s

m. Just as we went inside, my mom, a middle-aged woman, emerged from the room

ning, ma.

ning. How are y

ust dropped me off. I g

e sit," my da

ied, and I didn't know when I drop

rything

. Let your father explain." My

ut the product was not well received by designers. As a result, the product failed. The failure had a significant impact on his company, and he lost millions of dollars. In order not to fold and lay off employees, he decided to bor

demanding his money back. He gave me two conditions, bu

ions, dad?" my heart

to marry William, his son, as colla

!!"I ex

ond conditi

d by G Textiles is paid in full within two years. If the debt is not paid in full after two

asp

ope you did not agr

oked down and

mom, who had te

are you quiet?" She looked at me,

r hands are tied at the moment and there is nothing your father can do," she said with an air

droom, and laid on my bed, sobbing uncontrollably. I couldn't belie

t? To some stranger I barely knew? The very thought of it felt like suffocation. Images of white dresses and wedding vows swam in my head, but they were quickly replace

o not know when sleep claimed me; but the next time, i opened my eyes, there was darkness everywhere. Suddenly I thought about the fix that I was in, and then my st

I croaked, my

a muffled reply. Relief washed over me,

asped, my voice bar

pecial sauce wafted through the air as she gave me a small smile. The sight of her

t down at the edge of bed, looking in my eyes wi

ely above a whisper.

face. I'm not dying." A strained smile tugged at the corners of my

. your father... I don't understand why he does the things he so

tood. My father was always an ambitious man. But t

this contract marriage will keep Dad from... losing it all... I'll d

u're always so thoughtful, so rational..." she half-whispered wi

ng, baby. I love you mor

I felt my mother embrace me, coming to terms with the helpless, pitiful state of reality. Despite the sweet little package of promises I'd been handed down