Chapter 4 (Contract marriage)

I could feel my father's rage radiating from his face as our eyes locked, instantly, I tore my gaze away, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over me. Chewing nervously on my bottom lips, I couldn't help but acknowledge that I was in a complete mess right now.

"Yeah, we did have a great day," the man said to my father, earning a nod from him.

His gaze was still fixed on me, and the man's cold eyes darted from my father back to me before adding. " Whatever that is in that contract stays like that." And with that one word, he walked away with the other men.

I can see the hurt in my father's eyes but before I could react, his next word threw me off the edge.

"Go pack up your things, you will be getting married tomorrow to Damien Albrecht."

I shuddered again at his words, Damien Albrecht.....! There was a dead silence in the air, a silence that traveled all the way to my wounded heart. The calmness did nothing to the blood drumming heavily in my ear at the unexpected news.

I couldn't believe my ears, Damien Albrecht, the world's youngest billionaire and my crush. It was supposed to be a reason to be happy but instead, I was left confused.

"Why? What is happening?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"Damien Albrecht has extended a hand to marry you,"

"Just like that," I gasped, shocked at the news.

"You know marrying you off now that the whole world sees you as a wore will be hard."

He smiled sadly, and felt a painful tug in my heart. "So he has decided to marry you and at least remove the shame from our face but then...."

He stopped glaring furiously at me, anger and pain clouding his eyes. "In exchange of my company,"

"Dad!!"

"Get out!!" He roared, causing me to cower back in fear. I have never seen this side of him before.

**** *****

As a smartass and a manipulator, the Albrecht family have seen it as a perfect opportunity to dive in and rip everything from my father, especially now that my father seems vulnerable.

I sat beside my bed, curled up in a ball form when suddenly a knock echoed through the room. The sound sent a jolt of surprise through me and I quickly composed myself. Margret, our house servant who had taken on the role of a mother figure in my life since the passing of my mother, walked inside.

"I've been informed by Mr. Harlow to come and assist you, Miss Ashley," she said with a reassuring smile.

With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself up from the floor. The weight of my circumstances seemed unbearable, and the thought of facing my wretched destiny loomed over me.

I think I just need to face my miserable life right now.

"I need to pack," I said quietly, puffing out a sad breath. "Tomorrow is my wedding."

"Oh, really!" She grinned, not even bothering to inquire about the details. Maybe she hadn't caught wind of the Internet buzz or perhaps she assumes it's about Mason.

Either way I stick to my vague reference, not quite ready to face her probing questions. I yank out two suitcases from my closet and plonk them into the bed.

"So, what's on the packing list?" She chirped, a smile plastered on her face. Letting out a sigh, I turned away from her and made my way to the wall mirror.

"Just the essentials, Margaret," I mumbled. She strolled over to my drawer and started flinging my favorite clothes into the bed.

I ain't much into fancy dresses, preferring comfy clothes instead. But Margaret, being the thoughtful soul, pulled out some nice dresses that would do the trick for special occasions.

She chuckled them onto the bed too, I mean shouldn't I be happy that I am finally getting married to my celebrity crush? Deep down, I feel suffocating, torn, and shattered into pieces.

As I looked around my room, trying to assess what and what I needed to pack. Opening the drawer beneath the wall mirror, I retrieved the diamond necklace that Mason had gifted me on our first date in Mexico.

Gazing at it, a lone tear trickled down my cheeks, memories flooding my mind. The promise that we both made to each other and our dreams together were broken and forgotten due to that very incident.

A night that I can never forget in a hurry.

I could have understood if he had cheated on me with another person but why.... Why my sister?

Why Olivia of all the girls out there, he chose my step sister? Despite knowing that we never get along.

Did he do that just to get back to me for hurting him? A sudden question pierced through my head.

Bringing the necklace closer to my chest, I held it tightly, pain coursing through me. "Mason, I hurt you."

Yes, I know I did but you were supposed to hear from me first before taking any action. I was lost in my anguish, when suddenly a gentle hand rested on my shoulder.

"Are you okay, Miss Ashley?"

I quickly hid the necklace under my dress and instantly stood up. Ignoring Magaret, I strode toward my latrine and took out my toiletries and other necessities, tugging them inside my suitcase while ignoring the look Margaret was throwing my way.

Turning around, I let out a sigh and proclaimed, "Looks like we're done." Margaret nodded in agreement.

However, I couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me as I stared at the two suitcases resting on my bed.

Never did I imagine my life could be such a chaotic mess. I'd never felt so worthless and miserable all my life but at this moment, I can't help but confront the harsh reality that I will be marrying Damien Albrecht tomorrow in exchange for my father's company.

All this because of our reputation that I have succeeded in dragging to the mud.

This is all thanks to two she-devils, Olivia and Layla.

Looking at Margaret, a part of me wanted to run to her, to cry, and tell her how scared I am about this unknown responsibility that has just befallen me.

But then again, I couldn't dare to make a move, her sympathy at this time is going to make me feel worse.

"Thank you for coming to help me out," I muttered, my voice lacking enthusiasm. She brushed it off, chuckling softly as she gently lifted my chin.

"I'm happy to lend a hand. I'll be here bright and early to assist with the wedding preparation."

Her words served as a harsh wake up call, a painful reminder of the stark reality staring me in the face. I mustered a feeble smile as I guided her towards the exit.

Once she was gone, I carefully positioned my suitcases by the door and made my way back to the bed, where I had my tiny body curled up in the duvet.

Clutching onto my lifeless pillow, I desperately tried to push away the overwhelming pain and worries consuming me.

At that moment, a bittersweet image of my dear mother slipped into my thoughts. I knew deep down that wherever she was, she wouldn't be proud of the path I was forced to walk on.

How I wish I never left that night, at least I wouldn't be in this situation right now.

I cried hard, so hard that exhaustion finally overtook me, pulling me into a deep slumber where my sorrows momentarily faded away.