Chapter 3 Doomed

Lauren's mind reeled as her father's words echoed through her thoughts, freezing her in shock."F-father, what did you just say?"

Mr. Tate's sobs increased. "Lauren, I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry, but this is the only way we can save the company. Lauren, I failed to protect your mother. I can't also fail in protecting the company I built in her name."

"B-but father, why can't we do something else. Borrow money? Sell the houses? Get a loan? Father, I'll do anything, just don't make me marry!" The words rushed out of Lauren's mouth as tears rolled down from her eyes.

"Lauren, I promise I have tried everything, but the bank has stopped lending us money. The money we owe is too much, but Ethan has agreed to pay off the debt in exchange for a wife."

Tears fell like rain from Lauren's eyes as she mourned about the loss of her freedom, dreams, and her chance at true love. Losing her job and her boyfriend was devastating, but being forced to marry a stranger was the final blow. Her heart sank into the depths of despair, instantly shattering the illusion of a happy future.

With trembling lips, Lauren asked. "B-but why does it have to be me? Why can't Lisa marry Ethan?"

Mr. Tate shifted his gaze from Lauren's face to Lisa's, then back to Lauren's. "L-Lisa is still too young to get married; she needs to finish college first." Mr. Tate said.

Lauren let out a disdainful snort, wiped her runny nose, then turned to face Lisa, who stood beside Mrs. Celine in a corner. Her expression grew sour as she remembered Lisa's earlier words about sleeping with an old man to get her fired. She turned to her father, ready to tell him that Lisa wasn't as young and innocent as he thought. However, Lauren closed her mouth. She couldn't bring herself to tell her father such a thing, as she knew it would only break his heart.

"F-father, I'm sorry. I can't marry a stranger because of money. I just can't," Lauren grabbed her father's hand in hers before she added. "But don't worry Father, I'm going to do everything to make sure I pay off the company's depth."

Lauren's words struck a chord in Mr. Tate, and he started coughing uncontrollably. Alarmed, Lauren began rubbing his back until the spasms subsided. "Lauren, where are you going to get seventy billion dollars from?" Mr. Tate's hoarse voice rang out.

Lauren's face turned pale upon hearing this; it was as if all the blood had drained from her body, and her heart began racing within her ribcage. Even if she sold herself, she wouldn't be able to gather such an amount of money.

Meanwhile, Lisa couldn't stop smiling as she stared at the father and daughter duo. She thanked the heavens for being on her side because Lauren was going to marry a billionaire who was rumored to be a ruthless, ugly beast. The thought that Lauren was going to suffer at the hands of an ugly beast made Lisa so happy.

"Lauren, I know that you prefer working for small companies because you are not ready to handle the affairs of my company right now. But please, Lauren, you have to do this for my sake, for your mother's sake, and for your future's sake. Y-you can get a divorce in a year if you no longer want to be with Etha." Mr. Tate explained.

"Lauren darling, I understand this is difficult for you, but please listen to your father. If you do this, you will not only save your father's company, but he might have a chance to recover in time," Mrs Celine said in a soft voice as she tried to reason with Lauren.

Lauren's face contorted in anger as she forcefully removed Mrs. Celine's hand from her shoulder. Her eyes blazed with fury as she shifted her gaze from her father to Mrs. Celine. "You witch! Aren't you tired of pretending to be nice? Stop acting sweet just because father is here!" Lauren yelled, her hands rigid by her side as her body vibrated with suppressed rage.

Mrs Celine tried to speak but Mr. Tate beat her to it. "Lauren, please calm down. I don't want you guys fighting. it's the last thing I need now-"

"Father!!!!" Lauren's eyes widened in horror as her father suddenly began coughing out blood.

"Father, calm down please!" Lauren cried out as she rubbed on her father's back, but the cough increased, and his body convulsed with each spam. "Call the doctor now!!" Lauren yelled, but to her shock, neither Lisa nor Miss Celine moved.

Lauren saw her father's life flash before her eyes, and she quickly blurted out. "Father, I will marry him! I will marry Ethan to save the company!" Lauren screamed desperately, and almost immediately she noticed her father trying to catch his breath. It took a while, but eventually, he stopped coughing.

Tears brimmed in Mr. Tate's eyes as he said. "T-thank you Lauren. Thank you." Lauren pulled her father in for a hug and she began sobbing uncontrollably on his chest.

"Lauren Tate?"

Lauren felt a chill as she turned to face two burly men who had suddenly barged into the room. Their presence radiated an unnerving aura as they loomed in the doorway, dressed in matching black suits and sunglasses, exuding an air of authority and intimidation.

"Are you Lauren?" One of them asked in a stern tone and Lauren nodded quickly. "Who are you?" She asked.

"Miss Lauren, you have to come with us now. Mr. Ethan is waiting for you."

"What!!" Lauren yelled. She then turned to face her father. "Father, did you already agree to marry me out before waiting for me to make a decision?"

Mr. Tate's gaze faltered and he closed his eyes in shame. "I'm sorry Lauren. I was desperate." Lauren felt her heart sink into her stomach upon hearing this. "F-father, you didn't wait for me to make a choice before you met Ethan? W-what if I had disagreed?"

"I am sorry Lauren." That was all Mr. Tate could say as tears streamed profusely from his eyes. Mr. Tate hated himself so much for putting Lauren in such a situation. He really wished there was something else he could do, but there wasn't.

Lauren heaved a sigh. She hated the situation she was in, but she understood her father. He was just trying to save the company for his late wife's sake, as it was always Mrs. Rose's dream to see Mr. Tate's company grow. Lauren then turned to face her stepmother and sister; they had a smile on their faces that they didn't try to hide.

"Miss Lauren, we have to leave now or we'll have to drag you out. Mr. Ethan doesn't tolerate tardiness," one of the guards warned strictly.

Lauren bowed before the guards in respect as she said. "Please, give me time to bid my father farewell."

Lauren turned to her father and planted a kiss on his cheek. As she was about to pull away, her father stopped her and whispered, "Lauren, always remember that I love you." Lauren slowly pulled out from the hug and replied, "I love you too, Father," she then turned to face the guards and said, "I am ready to leave now."

Throughout the ride to Ethan's mansion, Lauren was crying widely. She marked that day as one of the worst days of her life because of everything that had happened. She lost her boyfriend, got fired, and then was forced to marry a stranger all in one day. What's worse, the man she was to marry was an ugly, ruthless billionaire.

"We are here ma'am" Lauren snapped out of her thoughts as she heard the driver say. One of the guards exited the car and helped her open the door. "T-thank you." Lauren greeted as she cleaned her face with her palm.

As Lauren stepped out of the car, she gazed up at the breathtaking estate before her. Its grandeur took her breath away. The grand estate stretched before her, with its white walls and tall columns shining in the sunlight. Large windows sparkled like diamonds, and a beautifully manicured lawn stretched out on the sides

"Follow me." The guard said, snapping Lauren out of her reverie, and then she followed the guard into the mansion.

Lauren thought the exterior of the mansion was insanely beautiful until she got inside. Her heart stopped for a second as she entered the massive living room. She couldn't hear what the guard was saying as she toned his voice out, more focused on the luxurious living room, its creamy white walls, dark hardwood floors, plush leather couches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a stunning crystal chandelier that sparkled from above.

Lauren didn't know when the guard left until she turned around and saw that no one was in the living room with her. Oh snap! What had the guard said?! Why did the guard suddenly leave her?! Where is Ethan?! Damn, she could have paid attention to what he was saying.

Just as Lauren settled into the couch, a firm voice called her name from behind her. "Lauren Tate?"

Lauren's head snapped to the side, her eyes widening in shock as they landed on a man's stern face. Her gaze lingered on him for a while and her mouth fell open in stunned silence. "I'm doomed!"