Bound by a Contract, Broken by Fate

"Goddamn it! Daisy, how are you still not in love with me after six years?" He shouted in frustration.

Daisy flinched at her boyfriend's raised voice. She wore a pink and white checkered blouse, which only enhanced the bright red blush that had formed on pale cheeks after hearing his exclamation. Her flawless blue eyes rested beneath beautifully shaped black eyebrows. She bit the bottom half of her cherry pink lips as she tried to hide the tears that were forming in her eyes. Daisy looked up at the man who was standing in front of her. He was wearing a dark blue suit and an exasperated expression.

"I am sorry Edward. Really... I am. I never meant to hurt you." She whispered while tears slid down her face.

Six years ago, everything happened in rush and she didn't know what to do. She didn't even have the time to consider the fact that relationships couldn't be built without love.

"Daisy... A-are you crying?" Edward asked apprehensively.

He felt a pain prick his heart when he noticed the tears in her eyes. The guilt of what happened all those years ago was eating him alive and it was entirely his own fault. He had convinced her to date him even though she had warned him again and again that she didn't love him in that way. Seeing her cry like this because of him, he just wanted to slam his face into the nearest wall.

"I am really sorry, Daisy. This is my fault." He admitted, stepping closer to wipe the tears from her cheeks.

"You're not the one who should be apologizing. It's me who should be sorry." Daisy replied with her face buried in her hands.

She tried hard to stop crying while despising her own actions.

Inhaling a deep breath, Edward shook his head and wrapped his arms around her trembling body.

"I shouldn't have brought this up, especially now... I've messed everything up." He sighed. "Can you still make it to dinner with my parents?" He asked as he gently stroked her hair.

Daisy nodded.

"It's alright, Edward. I'm fine." She said softly.

"Let's go inside then." Edward said.

He held Daisy's hand and escorted her inside the luxurious mansion.

Daisy was in awe as she noticed the exotic plants, water features and sculptures that bespoke of the family's wealth and status. They finally found Mr. Robert and Mrs. Alina in the living room, debating current politics.

"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Daisy." Edward announced, smiling at his parents.

Edward squeezed Daisy's sweaty hand as his parents lifted up their eyes to see the girl beside their son. They schooled back their startled features and put on a passive expression.

"Good Evening, my name is Daisy Amber. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Daisy said as she bowed politely, her long hair hanging over her shoulders.

She had no idea that it would be this nerve-wracking to meet his parents. Garnering her courage, she straightened back up and handed the small gift bag that she had been holding to Mrs. Alina.

"This is just a small present. I hope you like it!" Daisy said with a big smile.

"It's a pretty crystal vase. I had told her that you appreciate things like this. She went to a lot of places to find just the right one." Edward proudly said, moving closer to his mother.

Noticing Daisy's apprehension, Mrs. Alina couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you! This is so sweet of you. I love it!" She said, happily accepting the gift.

"Don't just stand there. Please, take a seat Daisy. I promise we don't bite." Mr. Robert joked, even though his stern and straight face didn't change a bit.

All of these years Daisy had been so afraid to meet Edward's parents because of the differences in their social status. She didn't think that the Watson's would believe her to be a proper match for their son. However, on the contrary, they were exceptionally friendly and kind to her. She sensed that their warm regard could make anyone feel special. But, how long would that last after they learned more about her?

Daisy shook her head as she mentally pushed her doubts away and concentrated on the present moment. Taking a deep breath, she went to sit on the couch beside Edward.

After a few brief moments, she felt Mrs. Alina's eyes looking intently at her. Daisy shifted uncomfortably beside Edward and tried to remain calm.

Mr. Robert, noticing the pensive look on his wife's face, leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

Mrs. Alina blinked as if remembering something... or someone.

"She looks so much like..." She trailed, leaving her thought unfinished.

"Don't talk nonsense." Mr. Robert curtly responded.

Immediately, he cleared his throat, as if signaling to his wife to quickly drop the matter. Mrs. Alina nodded in understanding and inhaled a deep breath to clear her thoughts. She smiled slightly at Daisy.

"I was told that you two met in New York. Did you study at the same medical college with Edward?" Mrs. Alina asked.

Daisy's body tensed at the question and panic filled her mind. Edward took the initiative to answer his mother's question.

"No mom..." He said, shaking his head before continuing. "She studied at a community college. She worked a couple of part-time jobs to pay her way through school. No one was able to help or support her, since Daisy is an orphan. But, that is one of the reasons she has turned out to be so strong and self-reliant. Those qualities are what I love most about her." He confessed.

Edward encouragingly squeezed her hand and a smile formed on Daisy's face as her shoulders relaxed a bit. He was well versed in dealing with awkward situations, a quality she greatly appreciated. Of course, any conversation where her past was brought up made her feel uneasy. She wasn't ashamed of herself but she knew that her background was nowhere near compatible with Edward's, or his family's for that matter.

However, to her continued surprise, Mr. Robert seemed satisfied by what his son told them regarding her situation.

"There is nothing wrong with being an orphan, Daisy. As long as you are confident and proud of what you do, background and status aren't important." He stated, smiling at her.

He was also an orphan and he strictly believed that hard work always brought about success without exception.

Traces of tears gathered in the corner of Daisy's eyes. She couldn't be more grateful for the words spoken by Edward and Mr. Robert.

"I told you had nothing to worry about. I knew that they would like you." Edward whispered in her ear.

He never even doubted once in his mind that his parents wouldn't like Daisy. She was social, mature, and a loveable woman. She was absolutely perfect in Edward's eyes.

Daisy met his gaze. Edward had always been a supportive, helpful, and caring boyfriend. He provided her with a better life, love, care, support, and now a family. It was almost everything she could ever want! Well, almost...

"Thank you so much." She whispered back.

"I love you." Edward said, while lightly pinching her nose.

After a while, a woman, around thirty-five, knocked and entered the room. She wore a crisp, high collar white shirt and a pair of black suit pants. It was obvious enough to Daisy that she was the housekeeper.

The woman bowed politely and looked at Mr. Robert.

"My lord, the young master is back. His car just entered the gates." She informed.

Edward's mouth gaped open at hearing this news.

"Brother is here!? This is a joke, right?" He asked with wide eyes.

His brother never came home at this hour. It was so unusual... Did someone die? Edward looked at his mother for an explanation. Mrs. Alina chuckled at her son's reaction.

"Edward, your father asked him to come home early today. We have not sat and had a meal all together as a family since you came back two months ago." Mrs. Alina stated. She looked over at Daisy and noticing her confused expression, she further explained. "You see, his brother is a workaholic and he seldom has free time to come and visit us."

"Oh, I see." Daisy said.

"Well, that explains Edward's shocked reaction." She thought.

But, what kind of life did someone lead to never have time to come home to visit their family?

Mr. Robert's abrupt sigh cut off her train of thought and brought her back to the present.

"Daisy, could you help me out to knock some sense into Edward's brain?" He pleaded.

Daisy glanced over at Edward and Mr. Robert continued with his argument.

"He was invited to work in the Memorial Hospital. I'm sure that you know Memorial is one of the best hospitals in the world. But does he listen to me? No! He told me repeatedly that he won't work anywhere else aside from West Valley Hospital." He said looking at his son with agitation.

"I will talk with him about it." Daisy said while nodding her head in agreement.

She knew better than anyone his true reasons for working at West Valley. Of course, she was one of the reasons why he didn't want to leave. But, another reason was because of someone else... someone very precious.

Edward's lips parted upon hearing her answer.

"Really? You are on his side now? Come on Daisy, you know there's no way I am leaving West Valley." He said, pouting his lips and protesting like a little kid.

Daisy laughed at his childish behavior.

"Dad, I am back." A deep voice said, making Daisy's heart skip a beat.

Everyone, except Daisy, turned to look at the tall man who stood near the door. She didn't dare to look back at him. Hearing the familiar voice, her hands clenched into tight fists and her body started to tremble.

It can't be him.

Out of millions of people, what were the chances that he would turn out to be Edward's brother? It was impossible–right?

Edward, with a smile plastered on his face, sauntered over to his brother and stood directly in front of him to block Daisy from view.

"Alex... I have a surprise for you." Edward said with a mischievous grin.

Alex narrowed his eyes at his little brother.

"I already know. Mom told me that your girlfriend would be coming tonight." He said.

Alex gently pushed Edward to the side so that he could inspect his brother's woman.

The moment he saw her, his heart slammed against his ribs. He froze in place and his eyes slowly widened with realization. Although her face was slightly bent down, he knew it was her right away. How could he forget?

"This is Daisy Amber, Alex. Isn't she beautiful?" Mrs. Alina said with a smile, oblivious to her eldest son's state of shock.

Daisy took a moment to swallow the small bubble of hysteria rising inside her chest and glanced up to meet his eyes. When their eyes locked, her breath hitched and she felt a stabbing pain in her heart. It was him; Alex, her boyfriend's elder brother... The man she didn't want to see again was standing right in front of her.

Fate really is something.

Alex slightly held his breath. Six years had passed since that night and she still looked so beautiful and pure, yet too painful to look at. His eyes studied her closely as he walked over and stretched his out hand.

"Good Evening, I am Edward's elder brother. Alexander Watson." He formally greeted.

Gathering her composure, Daisy took a deep breath and stood up. Extreme hatred filled her eyes as she looked up at him.

Alex's heart almost stopped at seeing the hatred in her eyes. He still didn't understand what happened between them.

"I mean... I know I wasn't necessarily gentle with her during our time together. But, she didn't complain! Not even once..." He thought mutely.

Right! That wasn't a reason to run away because everything started with a deal - a contract!

However, that reasoning didn't stop his throat from drying up when Daisy held his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Alex." She said through gritted teeth as a forced smile formed on her lips.

"I hope you like the dishes, Daisy." Mr Robert let out when they were all sitting in the dining room, having dinner.

Daisy nodded. "They are very delicious." She asserted as she shoved the spoon of rice in her mouth that she was holding.

Alex who was quiet all the time, stole a glance at her before he gazed at his brother. "So how did you guys meet?" He was really so curious.

Daisy stopped chewing her food and inhaled a sharp breath, retaining her patience.

"Actually, we met in New York. But luckily we met again in Canada."

When she heard Edward's reply, her pulse leaped. It wasn't going to be good. She was afraid, wanted to run away, nevertheless, she remained tight-lipped and chose to let her boyfriend continue.

"She was a student in a local college and used to work as a part-time waitress job in a restaurant near my college." He took a halt and let out a soft laugh. "Almost all of the guys were crazy about her. They went to the restaurant every day just because of her. But too bad, among all of them, she chose me. Although it was not an easy process, it took about two years to make her say yes."

Alex's face stiffened with hardness as he forced out a soft smile. "So what does she do now?"

Edward grinned proudly. "She is a math teacher in an elementary school."

Alex nodded and started playing with his food on the plate whilst a smirk curved his lips. "That's great. But will she even marry you and stay with you? Or just run away?"

This question stunned his parents and Edward, they looked at him with puzzled faces. Yes, he has been so cold and arrogant too but he was never this mean to anyone.

Edward cleared his throat and let out an awkward laugh. "I won't let her run away from me."

Daisy on the other side clenched her fists tightly. He was trying hard to play with her patience. But she can't let him win easily. "What about you, Mr Alex?" She finally let out and smiled tightly. "Are you married yet? Or I guess you have a really pretty girlfriend."

Everyone tensed up by what she asked just now. Edward immediately put down his chopsticks and held her hand. "Daisy..." He whispered in a way of stopping her.

"Did I say something wrong?" She arched a sly brow. "Why? Doesn't he get a girlfriend? I thought he would be married. He is handsome and successful."

Mrs Alina turned to her. "Let's not talk about it. You..."

"She left me. I don't know where she is." Alex's voice rose, cutting his mother words off, staring straight into Daisy's eyes.

Everyone froze with what he said just now including Daisy, she held his gaze with a victorious smile on her face faded. She didn't expect such a reply.

"My girlfriend. She ran away on our wedding day. It was all six years ago. But you are right. She is very pretty. And you... you look so much like her. Big fascinating eyes, small nose, long hair, and fair skin. I think my brother and my taste are quite similar." He paused and chuckled. It sounded pathetic although he was trying hard to hide and endure.

"Left you?" Daisy asked, eyes slightly widened. "Y-you didn't find her out?" She almost stuttered, surprised by what he had said or surprised by the new habit of lying that he had developed.

Alex chuckled again, pretending not to be affected by her questions. Swallowing the pain, he attempted to lie. "But this world is very small, so I will surely meet her again. I am really yearning for the day." He drew a fake smile. He didn't mean anything he said. All he wanted to do was to see her reaction and he successfully did.

Daisy's smile faded immediately, her eyes started getting reddened and skin turned pale.

Alex smirked and leaned slightly forward. "Her name is... Rhianna Riddles." He uttered loudly, sounding more challenging now.

Daisy quickly looked away, trying to hide the tears in her eyes that were threatening to fall. She balled her trembling hands and hid them under the table. After so many years, the name echoed in her ears and she didn't know it will hurt so much until now.

Realizing the tensed up atmosphere, Edward let out an awkward laugh. "She probably doesn't. Look at her face. By the way..." He paused and glanced at his parents. After a moment of silence, he finally earned the courage to talk again. "I want to tell you something really important and that was the reason I brought her here. I hope you will take it easy and won't hurt her."

"What is that?" Mr Robert asked.

Daisy widened her eyes, assuming what he was going to say. But hell no, she had to stop him. Alex shouldn't know about this.

She felt a lump in her throat when he continued. "She has a past. Back then maybe she made a mistake, but the outcome was never one. It was a blessing. And it is..."

"Edward." She cut him off, almost shouted.

"Yes?" He replied, alarmed.

"Can you please take me outside? I am suddenly having nausea." She pleaded. She learned it quite well that he would never avoid her request.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go."

* * *

"This is our garden. Al and I used to play here a lot. I will show you some pictures of our childhood that I have on my phone." Edward paused as he searched his pocket to find his phone out but when he didn't, he sighed and looked up at Daisy. "I think I forgot it in my room. Wait a moment here. I will be back soon." With that, he made his way inside the mansion.

Daisy sighed and stared up at the dark sky mindlessly. Why must she condone all these shits? She thought everything was over and now she can start a new life. Or, a better life with the person who was the most important for her now. For whom, she was here again. She hated herself because of being so weak.

Whilst she was immersed in her deep thoughts, someone came by and stood beside her. "Waiting for your boyfriend?"

Hearing upon the familiar voice, she looked at the person beside her with no interest and as expected, it was Alex. "Yes." She replied and immediately averted her gaze. She was afraid that if she looks into his eyes for a while, she won't be able to control herself.

"What? Are you scared to look into my eyes now? But you were very brave in front of everyone earlier." He smirked.

Daisy let out a deep sigh. "I don't know what are you talking about. But if I have offended you by mentioning your girlfriend. I am sorry."

Alex leaned his back against the car and shook his head. "It doesn't matter. By the way, choosing my brother was a nice move. But don't you think a golddigger like you will be badly dumped by him when he will know about your secret past? And as long as I know my brother... he will be very hurt when he will know that his girlfriend...." He paused and moved closer to her. "slept with his elder brother."

Daisy's eyes welled up immediately. How could he be so mean? She lifted her hand to slap him but he was fast enough to grab her hand. "Think before you do so. I still have the contract and don't forget you still owe me three weeks. And you have to pay for that."

She hung her hand back at the side and looked away. Alex sighed when he noticed the tears falling from her eyes. He wasn't sure if she was hurt or angry but he had always hated to see her like this. He turned to her and lifted his hand but before he could touch her face, Edward's voice chimed in.

"Al, what are you doing here?"

Alex drew his hand back to its place as he looked at his brother in front of them. "We were just talking about your childhood." He lied. Whatever it was, he didn't want to hurt his brother's feelings.

Edward narrowed his eyes to slit. "You didn't say anything funny, right?"

"Of course, I did. I talked about your underwear policies. And look, she has tears because of laughing too much." Alex replied, shoving his hands inside the pockets. "Anyway, I have too many works. I will go. You guys enjoy."

"Yeah, let me find those pictures." Edward said whilst scrolling his phone, searching for the photos in the gallery.

"Remember... the three weeks." Daisy who was fighting her tears until now heard Alex say in his lowest tone before he made his way to the mansion. She felt her heart started bleeding as all the Goddamned miseries of six years ago started replaying in her mind.

6 years ago...

"It takes a lot of money!"

These words had kept Daisy's head occupied the entire night. An idling haze of sleep was stiffened somewhere at the back of her mind but was too far away to reach.

The night wore on, thoughts tumbled through her mind in rapid succession. She pulled the blanket up and rolled to the opposite side of the small divan.

The blackness had wrapped the room with suffocating silence, but still, there was the least partially light that was propelled from the windows of the hospital room.

The only thing she needed now was money. How to earn it overnight? How to arrange everything and save the one last person she had? Countless questions, but no answer.

'There is always hope, even in the bleakest moments' - She didn't believe this quote at this moment. There was no hope left, but she was still trying her best. And if there was any possibility to fetch the least hope, she won't let it go no matter what.

After a tortured eternity the room began to get brighter and the birds chirped, Daisy threw back the blanket and stumbled out of it.

She needed to arrive at her workplace on time. Her job was the last wealth she had.

Inhaling a deep breath, Daisy fumbled in the dark of the washroom to put on her grid-patterned blue-and-white cotton blouse with jeans. She was quiet the entire time, tried not to clang around with her toothbrush and all the other morning ablutions.

After getting freshen up, She hastily made her way out of the room and rushed to the exit of the hospital.

Daisy was panting so hard and trying to catch her breath when she reached the hotel she was a hostess at. She quickly opened her locker and changed into her uniform, a black button-up robe, wrinkle-free, black slacks, and a black shoe.

"Hey, Daisy."

Daisy heard her friend's voice when she was standing near the reception. She turned around and a smile curled her lips. "Shua."

"Overtime?" She asked with a sympathetic look.

Daisy nodded. "Yeah. From now on, I will be assigned to VIP room no 9 as well. I need the money, you know."

The playful smile Shua always carried had vanished now. Every timee she saw Daisy, her heart pained for her. "How is everything going on in the hospital? How is your grandmother?" She managed to withstand the sadness.

A long sigh escaped Daisy's lips. "The Doctor said he can't do anything except for doing surgery and start with the chemotherapy as soon as possible. But the fees are very expensive. I can barely pay the hospital bills now." She closed her eyes and dared not to even think about the line-up bills at home that were waiting for her to settle. "Anyways... You..." Before she could finish her sentence, the sensor box in her pocket vibrated and almost made her jump.

Shua let out a soft chuckle. "You better get back to work. I will see you later."

Daisy pressed her lips together and nodded before she made her way to VIP room no 9 and knocked on the door.

"Come in." As a manly voice faded across her, she faked a smile on her face and entered the room. The walls of the room were white but seemed red by the scarlet dim light and the jazz he played was as audible as background noise.

She inhaled a deep breath and looked at the guy who was sitting on the couch with a mini table in front of him and on it, there were three empty bottles of wine, cold in its tranquillity.

His face was not visible but by the hazy features, she guessed that he is in his mid-twenties. She trudged forward and bowed politely. "Hello, sir. How can I help you?"

"Can you heal wounds?" Alex asked, without looking at the woman in front of him.

Daisy's face went blank. "Sorry, sir? I didn't get it." His voice was husky and she was conscious enough to understand that he was drunk.

"You asked... how can you help me." Alex mumbled whilst he pressed the button on the remote, turned all the lights on just to take in the surface of the beauty in front of him. His eyes immediately widened in awe. "Rhia?" The name slipped out of his mouth. He didn't know if it's because of alcohol or not but she reminded him of her.

They were totally different persons and didn't look alike a small bit but still, something about her made him feel like he was near the person he wanted to be with.

"I think you are drunk. I am not Rhia. I am Daisy." She said, this time irritated by the drunk man.

Alex exhaled a sharp breath and nodded. "Right, you are not her, you just feel like her." He replied a sadness crossed over his face.

The pain in his voice was what made Daisy curious. "But... sir... Who is she?" She braced herself to ask.

Alex's face darkened, he swallowed a gulp. "I need wine."

Presuming he wasn't interested to answer, she let out a soft sigh. "Alright, I will bring some." With that, she left the room and after a while, came back with two bottles of wine and placed them on the table.

"Can I help you with anything else, sir?" She asked.

Alex nodded. "Sit down."

Daisy tilted her head. "Pardon, sir?"

"You wanted to help me, right? So I said sit down." He repeated but as he noticed the hesitation on her face, he chuckled. "Just for ten minutes. I won't do anything. I promise. And I will pay for your minutes. So don't worry."

Money. That she needed the most.

Daisy sighed and found herself unable to resist his offer. So without protesting, she walked over and sat beside him on the couch.

By such close distance, she could now see his features clearly.

Her heart skipped a beat when he settled beside her and their eyes locked. He was so good looking that defining him as handsome would be less, an understatement and almost insulting. His grey eyes had a dazzling effect, the glossy pink colour of his lips was alluring in its way. His silky dark hair was combed behind by his nice fingers, the few strands of hair that were stroking across his forehead made him look cooler. He had fine jawlines and a highly defined face.

"Do you know who I am?" Alex asked with his softest voice and Daisy was forced to jerk her thoughts away.

Swallowing her own breath, she shook her head. She didn't lie. She really didn't have any idea about him. To be exact, she never had any idea about the customers who come to this hotel. No matter who was he/she, she never recognized them.

Alex chuckled. "Even about a week ago, my news was almost in all the newspapers. How is it possible that you don't know me?"

"I don't get the time to read the newspaper," Daisy replied.

Alex tilted his head, wondering about her age. She looked so young. "How old are you? 19? 20?"

"19. I turned 19 this year."

"Do you study? Are you in college?" He asked.

She looked away as warm waters started pooling in her eyes. "I quit."

"Why?"

"Because I need money." She replied, this time her voice sounded shaky, yet stern.

"How much?"

"A lot." Daisy let out and chuckled sadly at herself. On this earth, she had no one who can help her. Guys like him would show sympathy for a while and then forget about her. She didn't even understand why she was answering his questions. Letting out an exaggerated sigh, she stood up. "I guess. Ten minutes are over. I need to finish my other duties. You can call me when you need me. For now, may I leave, sir?"

Alex nodded and she took her leave through the door. Her absence made the emptiness flock around him. A similar pain ate at him but felt heavier.