Chapter 3 The Proposal

The cold wind tugged at my hair as I stood on the edge of the riverbank, my gaze fixed on the dark, churning waters below. Each ripple seemed to echo the turmoil in my heart, the weight of betrayal and shattered dreams pressing down on me like a leaden cloak.

"I can't do this anymore," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible over the roar of the river. "I thought he loved me... I thought we had a future together."

My fingers clenched the railing tightly, knuckles turning white with the effort as I fought against the overwhelming urge to let go, to succumb to the icy embrace of the river below.

"What's the point?" I murmured, tears welling up in my eyes. "My dreams are shattered, my heart broken... There's nothing left for me here. Where do I go from here?"

As I stood there, the bitterness and anger within me began to boil over. "And my parents..." I seethed, my voice rising with emotion. "They didn't even think about me, about my happiness. All they cared about was their selfish gain. 'Let Amanda take her place,' they said, as if I were nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed for their own selfish gain."

"Could it be because I am the adopted daughter?"

The sound of rushing water filled my ears, drowning out the whispers of doubt and despair that echoed in my mind. I felt as though I was teetering on the edge of a precipice, one step away from oblivion.

"Maybe it would be easier this way," I thought, my chest tight with anguish. "No more pain, no more heartache... Just... peace."

Before I could gather my thoughts and take that bold step, strong hands gripped me from behind, wrenching me away from the railing.

"What the hell? Let me go!" I struggled against the iron grip of my assailants, panic rising in my chest as they dragged me away.

"Shut it," one of the men growled, his voice harsh and commanding. "Our boss isn't happy with you."

"Which boss? What boss?" I demanded, my voice shaking with fear and confusion. "What boss are you talking about? Let go of me!"

But my questions went unanswered as they shoved me into the waiting car, the door slamming shut behind me. Alone and disoriented, I could only wonder what awaited me at the hands of this mysterious "boss."

As the car sped through the winding streets, I sat in tense silence, my mind swirling with a million questions and fears. Who was this mysterious "boss" they spoke of? And what did he want with me?

Finally, the car came to a stop outside a towering mansion, its imposing facade illuminated by the soft glow of lamplight. With a sense of dread gnawing at my insides, I was led inside by Damien's men, their silent presence a constant reminder of my captivity.

As we entered the opulent foyer, I caught my first glimpse of him - Damien. He stood tall and imposing, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

Recognition flickered in his eyes as they met mine, and for a moment, I felt a surge of panic.

"Oh no," I thought to myself, my mind racing to make sense of the situation. "This guy from last night... What could he want with me?"

But there was no time for answers as Damien began to speak, his voice smooth and controlled. I listened intently as he outlined the events that had brought me here, his words stirring up a whirlwind of emotions inside me.

Before I could respond, Damien's expression darkened, his frustration evident as he addressed me. "Do you think dropping $150 is some sort of solution?" he demanded, his tone sharp and accusatory. "Do I look like I'm in need of your charity?"

I swallowed hard, my throat constricting with fear. "I-I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know what else to do. I just wanted to say thank you."

Desperation poured from me as I spilled my heart out to Damien, recounting the events that had led me to this moment - the betrayal, the heartache, the shattered dreams. Tears welled in my eyes as I spoke, my voice trembling with emotion.

To my surprise, Damien's expression softened, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "I see," he murmured, his voice gentle yet commanding. "You're in need of more than just money. You're in need of a solution. I'll offer you a way out, that's if you'd take it."

Me, curious to know what the offer was, quickly asked, "What is it?"

"A contract marriage and the promise of an heir to my fortune! It's that simple!"

My heart skipped a beat as Damien's words hung in the air, the weight of his offer sinking in.

I felt a surge of shock and disbelief wash over me. "A contract marriage and an heir?" I echoed, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "Isn't that just the fairy tale ending I always dreamed of?"

"Well, Seraphina, it seems we have much to consider. Take some time to think about my offer. Meanwhile, I'll have my people prepare the necessary paperwork."

"And what if I refuse?"

"Then you go back to your old life, and I go back to mine. But something tells me that's not what you want."

"You don't know anything about what I want."

"Perhaps not. But I do know that you're not happy with the way things are. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be here."

I fell silent, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Damien's words struck a chord within me, stirring up a whirlwind of uncertainty and doubt.

"Think about it, Seraphina. You have until tomorrow to give me your answer."

"Tomorrow!? That's too soon!"

"A week?" A brief silence between us

"There you go!" He broke the silence..

I let out the heaviest sigh

"Look Ms, I understand you may not have anywhere else to go. You're welcome to stay here until you make your decision."

"Oh! How generous of you. A temporary stay in your palace of luxury. I feel truly blessed."

Damien raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"I aim to please."

I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself.

"Well, aren't you just a regular saint?"

With a chuckle, Damien gestured towards the grand staircase.

"Follow me. I'll show you to your room."

And with that, I found myself reluctantly following Damien, my mind filled with uncertainty about the road ahead.