Dominance & Subjugation

"It's all your fault! I told you I don't want to get married and here I am stuck in an undesirable situation!"

"Are you going to tell me what happened or not?"

"I told you He won't let me love anyone. He doesn't want anyone to have the same fate as her. He refrained me from destroying lives and you are pushing me in the fire."

"He won't let it, Father... I just told him I have begun to like Ester and that's what he did."

"He will use Ester against me. I cannot love her. I can't."

"Do you love Ester?"

"I DO! That's the problem... I love Ester. But I can't. I have to hate her..."

***

Hi. I am Ester Willows, the only child of James Willows and Danielle Willows. I am the most loved child of our family. I have Semi Curl Black hairs which fall on my back, accompanied by Blue eyes. I have recently turned 22. My height is average. I have a scar on the back of my left shoulder, But it never bothered me that much. I don't like revealing dresses, So, It's covered most of the time.

I was walking merrily in the garden. I closed my eyes as the cold breeze greeted me, I smiled to myself and inhaled the sweet scent of beautiful flowers around me. I plucked a Yellow Rose. It looks so beautiful and Unique. I smiled when I looked at it. Everything is beautiful in its way. Every flaw has a beautiful side too. That's why I never felt insecure about my scar. I am sure someone is gonna love it. I removed the thorns carefully. After removing them, I tugged it behind my ear. It looks so graceful. I smiled as Sarah; Head Maid came and called me,

"Miss Ester!"

I look behind and smiled,

"What is it, Sarah?"

"Ma'am is waiting for you in the main hall." I sighed and went to see Mother. Looks like my sweet moment in this garden has to wait.

I entered the hall and saw Mother as well as Father.

"Mother! Father! "I ran towards them and hugged both of them. They smiled back and father kissed my forehead.

"You have called me?" I asked as I took a seat beside my father.

"Yes Sweetie," Mother smiled.

"Look, Ester, Do you have a dream? That you wanna fulfill badly?" My father asked. I put a finger on my chin and began to think. But nothing came to my mind, I do have an aim but not a dream. I sighed and began to say,

"Not a primary goal but an aim ...Well ... I want to become a motivational speaker .. Nothing Else... But, It's not the primary goal of my life..." I trailed off.

They both laughed and looked at me,

"Well ...If, You don't have any goal. We want to talk to you about something." Father said rather nervously.

"Is everything all right?" I was concerned. This time mother began to say,

"Ester do you like someone?"

"N-No!" I shudder while blushing.

"See. I told you." Father told the mother as she sighed and continued,

"Well Sweetie, We are getting old and we want to see our daughter getting married." I blinked.

"Come again?" I asked again, thinking I might have heard wrong.

"We want you to get married." Father tried to say a little sternly but failed.

"BUT! If you don't want to, It's alright." Father reassured me. I smiled.

"Anything for you. Your Wish is my wish." I told them as their faces lit up with happiness. I just couldn't say no to them. They have done so many things for me and if I can't even fulfill their one wish, then I won't be able to look at myself again. They never asked for anything, this is the first time they asked for something. Even though I don't think I am ready, Still, It's alright.

They both hugged me.

"Thank you very much, love." Mother kissed my forehead.

"What kind of daughter would I be, If I can't do that much for my parents." Upon hearing this, Mother eyes teared up as she said,

"May God bless everyone with a daughter like you." I smiled and replied,

"I am sure there are other daughters who are more of a blessing than me."

"But, You are our blessing," Mother said, releasing me from the hug.

"But, If you don't want to, it's alright," Father said.

"It's alright." I smiled.

"Well, Since you don't have anyone in your mind, I have chosen Mr James La Corte's only son, Desmond La Corte." I looked at my father as my heart began to beat faster. I felt like my cheeks were heating up. I looked down as father continued,

"If you don't mind, They can come over for dinner. If you liked him, then, we'll talk further."

"Okay.."I shyly said. Father laughed as I excused myself and went to my room.

Oh My God! I don't believe it. I am getting married. I am blushing just at the thought of it. I wonder what he looks like? Desmond la Corte. Just saying his name makes my heart beat faster.

I was standing in front of the mirror. I was wearing a red knee-length dress with a black belt and black net sleeves. It was simply classic and elegant. I smiled to myself. My hair is falling on my back. I just love my semi curly hairs, They don't need any curling or straightening. I took a deep breath as the door knock,

"Miss Ester, Our guests have arrived," Sarah said.

"Coming!" I said and walked out and asked Sarah,

"How am I looking?" I asked, showing my dress. She smiled and said,

"Exquisite ."

"Thanks" I went with her. My heart began to pound loudly. I think it's gonna leap out of my chest. I felt strange sensations in my stomach. My hands were cold as ice. I felt nervous. I entered the hall. All eyes fell upon me. I smiled a little as I walked in and greeted,

"Good Evening." Everyone smiled and replied with a 'Good Evening'. Then an old man smiled and said,

"Hello My child, I am James La Corte. She is my wife Lenny La Corte. He is my son, Desmond La Corte." He introduced them to me. My heart stopped when I saw Desmond. He was simply Handsome. I felt like my cheeks were becoming red. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met.

He has gray Eyes. His Raven hairs are perfectly combed. His skin is perfectly tanned by the Sun accompanied by a triumph beard.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled; Despite those strange sensations I am feeling. Mrs Corte smiled,

"Nice to meet you too, my child," Mrs Corte sweetly said. I felt like I had gained some courage. But, then Desmond stood up and walked towards me. He stood in front of me. My breath became heavy. I felt like I'm gonna faint from nervousness. He extended his hand as he smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Ester," I felt like my heart fluttered with happiness when he said my name.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr Desmond," I can't believe it! I have said his name. My heart is beating so fast. I shook his hand. They are so rough. Then, I noticed, He has a perfectly toned chest too. I flushed and faintly smiled at him.

He then went back to his seat. I also sat on my usual seat and dinner began.

They asked mine about my education, my hobbies, traits and all. However, During the dinner, Desmond's stare makes me so nervous. My hands and feet are freezing.

After dinner, Mother suggested,

"Ester. Desmond. You should go and talk alone somewhere."

"Yeah. You guys go and get to know each other." Mrs Corte agreed. He nodded and asked,

"Where should we go?"

"Rooftop," I said without thinking. I stargaze a lot so I said it without thinking. He stood up and walked toward me, I also stood up.

I am so nervous. My heart is racing so fast. My lips were dry. We were standing on the rooftop. He was leaning on the railing. I was thinking to ask him something, But he spoke up,

"How old are you?"

"22. And you?" I asked.

"26."He replied. Four years gap.

"Do you have a lover?" He asked again as I blushed,

"No! Never. You?"

"Many. But, never had a serious one." He replied monotonously and I felt like my heart was being stabbed. Hmph! Player.

"I see." I turn around and look at the stars. His stare was driving me insane.

"Why do you agree to this marriage?" He suddenly spoke up. I looked at him, he was dead serious. I smiled nervously and spoke up,

"Father's choice."

"What about your choice?" I was shocked but, then I smiled widely,

"Their wish is far more important than anything else" But, He didn't like my answer at all. He looked at me with anger as he took a step closer. I took a step back. I felt really scared, right now.

"Now, Listen to me, Miss Ester Willows. I have no intentions of marrying you. Be good and tell everyone that you don't want to marry me either." I felt heartbroken as well as scared of him.

"Why? Can't you say no." That was my only reply.

"If I could, I would have said that." He looked irritated. I looked away.

"I am not going against my father's wish," I said sternly.

"Is that so?" His glare was piercing my soul. A shallow breath escapes my lips. He leans in and said in a low voice,

"If we got married. Then, I'm gonna make your life Hell"

"If you don't want to marry, do it yourself. Don't force me to do what you want." I said slightly angrily. "I can't." He replied. "Then so do I." I closed my arms at my chest and turned away.

He backed away and leaned on the railing again.

"The choice is yours, Ester Willows. Either say no to this marriage or else be prepared for Hell" He said in a calm tone, but his voice is lingering with seriousness.

What should I do?

I can't break my father's heart. But, I don't wanna marry him either. I turned away and looked at the moon. I closed my eyes to escape from my current world. I just couldn't bear to stand beside him. The man, who was supposed to be my love at first sight, is now My terror of his real side.

I opened my eyes and growled, "Do it yourself." I was about to walk away but he held my wrist,

"You are not going anywhere." I look at him. His looks are so strict. I lean on the railing beside him and look at the floor. He is using his phone. I don't wanna marry him but...

After a while, he walked away without saying a thing. I also walked behind him. We walked down the stairs. He smiled at everyone and so did I.

He smiled and kissed my hands before leaving that startled me. I watch him with faze, how can a person be that fake? This scares me. He is scaring me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ester" He smiled before leaving.

"L-Likewise," I said in a shudder. Such a fake person.

After they left, Mother asked,

"So..How's he?" I looked away as my smile faded.

"We are not forcing you. Tell us if you don't like him." Father smiled reassuringly. I forced a smile. I felt stuck; what should I say?

"Uh... Father... I am tired... Good Night!" I hugged them and left.

What should I do? I don't want to break my mother and father's heart. But his words are scaring me,

"If we got married. Then, I'm gonna make your life Hell"

I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

I just couldn't sleep. What should I do? He's just a stranger. I can never break my parent's hearts just for him. My parent's wish is far more important to me. And what does he mean he can't do it?

I am sure he'll change his thoughts after marriage. After marriage, people change. I am sure he will too. But, maybe I should not force him. Maybe he is forced into this marriage and can't say no. I shouldn't be selfish. I'll try.

Being delusional like always.

My mind mocked me but I ignored it because I know it's true.

1 Week Later:-

It's been a week. I tried to speak to my father about it but he is really busy. On the other hand, mother, She just doesn't listen. She tried to comfort me saying things like marriage is a big step and you are nervous and we have asked you about it already.

The problem is whenever she asked for a valid reason, I remained speechless. I have none, What should I tell you?

I saw my father talking with Mr Corte. I took a deep breath. It's alright, I am saving someone from being forced into a loveless marriage.

"Father!" I called entering the room. Mother, Father and Mr Corte looked at me.

"I can't marry Desmond," I announced; too much to everyone's surprise.

"What?" Father asked. What am I thinking? I am falling low in my own father's eyes just for someone.

"I like someone else," I said firmly. What an excuse, idiot. Everyone was shocked and the mother asked, "I-I mean, I don't want to." I quickly changed my words. Why am I so awkward?

"When we asked you back then you said that you don't have a love or fine with it." Father reasoned.

"I lied," I said.

"Tell me his name, the guy you like." Mr Corte joined the conversation. We all looked at him, then everyone looked at me. I opened my mouth to say a name but I couldn't think of one. I looked down. How am I supposed to tell them? I have no one. Only if I have a friend. But to no avail.

Mr Corte sighed and stood up. He walked toward me and patted my head.

"I am so sorry." I looked at him in shock. "What? Why?"

"Ester, You are a perfect match for my son. He doesn't get it now. But, after your marriage, he will." He reassured me. I smiled nervously at him.

"Can you tell us about it too?" Father asked.

"Well you see Mr Willows, Not everyone is blessed with a child like yours. Desmond must have told her that it's an arranged marriage and he didn't want to marry." Mr Corte explained.

"But, If he doesn't want to then, you can't force him," Mother said.

"He has to get married one day. And Ester is perfect for him" He smiled at me.

"Please forgive me, I shall take care that something like this won't happen again ... So, Are you still against this marriage, Ester?"Mr Corte asked.

I blushed and shook my head like 'No' and looked down. If Uncle is saying I should trust him that it won't happen. I can trust him, can't I?

"No," I said shyly. Everyone laughed,

"I knew it. My daughter will never disgrace my name." Father exclaimed proudly.

"I am really glad." Mr Corte went back to his seat.

"Ester. The marriage is next month. I hope you don't mind." Father asked.

"Okay," I said and left.

I can't believe I am getting married in one month. They are right. After marriage people change. He'll change too. If not, then I'll change myself for him. I smiled when I remembered him, But, His words suddenly scared me. I gulped from fear. Is this the right decision?

Desmond POV:-

I had just returned from work and was working in my study room. I'm really tired. I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes. But, my moment of calmness was taken when father entered. He looked furious. He slammed his hands on the table in anger.

"What the hell have you told her!?" Father hissed. I stood up.

"Didn't she tell you about it?" I asked in a calm tone.

"Like hell, she will!" Father walked to me and stood in front of me. His determination for my marriage is pissing me off. Why is he snagging me about it? I don't want to get married. I don't want to ruin a girl's life by loving her.

"Now listen, Desmond, You'll marry her," Father said firmly before I could protest he continued,

"Of course, I won't force you..." He is not that good that he's gonna let me do what I want. I am waiting for him to continue with a 'but' and he did,

"But, If in my testament I gave all my money to charity, then don't blame me." He threatened. How could he? He can't force me to marry any girl. Why can't he understand I can't do it?

"I am your son and I have rights on your money," I said angrily.

"The fact remains that it's MY money, MY property and it depends on me whether I give it to you or someone else." I grit my teeth in anger.

"Why are you going that far just to get me married?" I seriously don't get him.

"Because She's perfect for you."

"That's for me to decide," I scoffed. "Meaning you'll not marry forever?" he questioned.

"You know it, I cannot love anyone still you are forcing me?" I scowled exasperatedly.

"Because I want to eradicate the fear inside your heart."

"It's not a fear. It's the truth. I. Cannot. Love." I declared. He didn't listen and turned away from me. "I know. But you cannot stick on something which happened years ago, Desmond." Father said sternly.

"It's etched in my soul. It was all my fault." I said, remembering all those agonizing moments I have suffered. "Father, Please. Don't. It will ruin both of our lives. She'll break apart." I tried to make him understand.

"She won't." Father said. "How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"I know light can kill darkness but you are different, you need darkness as your salvation." Father said, taking a seat. "What are you trying to say?" I asked.

"Ester is a painfully delusional girl. If she swore to love you, she'll do it till her last breath." Father explained. "But it will break her from inside. If I broke the trust she put on me, she'll be shattered, Father. She might be like this but if break her illusions by pushing her away, she'll never recover from the pain. Please, Don't push her into more darkness. My darkness will kill her." I said, desperately, hoping Father might understand how toxic I am for anyone and it would be better if we forget about it.

"You are not getting it, Desmond. Let her love you once. I am sure you'll be liberated."

"I can't." I whispered, looking away.

He sighed and shook his head and handed me some papers.

"If you are not listening, I'll make you. Sign them." He said deadpanned.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Read it and give it to me tomorrow." He said as he left. Judging him, he must have made a contract. I opened it and began to read it.

I grit my teeth in anger.

How could he?

I pulled my hair in frustration. He really knows how to play games. He didn't leave me with much choice. I have told him I cannot do it. Why is he dying so much for me to marry that woman? I don't even like her. My love is deadly, it will take her life.

I don't want to destroy neither her nor my life.

I sighed and sat on the sofa. I am struck. The only thing I can do is to agree. I signed the papers and threw the vase on the table in anger. I will never forgive him for this. If he came to know about it...

No... It sends shivers down my spine to think about it. My love is lethal, I am not allowed to love, I will never love anyone. He'll never let me love her. And if by any chance love arouses between us, he'll break it. I cannot let it happen. I will never love her.

The important features of the contract are hitting my nerves.

*You have to get married to the girl of James La Corte's choice.

*The moment you get married all property of La Corte will belong to you.

*The moment you sign the marriage papers, You'll become the owner of every La Corte Property and Enterprises

*You'll be abided by your duties as a husband and infringement will cost the property granted to you.

*This marriage won't be annulled unless your wife wants to.

The deal isn't overall bad. But, I have to get married to someone just to get what should belong to me. I don't know why he is so obsessed about it but, It can work to my favor.

I can marry her and make her hate me. So, she asked for a divorce. It's not that bad.

After meeting her I know that she's not my type. She is a sweet and kind girl. Girls like her are difficult to break but, I will do it. But one thing is clear- this girl and I can never become one.

I will never let it happen and for it, if I have to break every boundary, I will.

The next day, I went to my father. He was sitting next to mother. I greeted them and hugged my mother as she kissed my forehead. I smiled. My smile faded as father smiled,

"Welcome Son, Have you signed the papers?"

"You didn't leave me much choice," I frowned.

"Believe me. In future, You're gonna thank me."

"I doubt that," I handed the papers to my father.

"What's this?" Mother asked.

"A business deal," We said at the same time. He smirked as I scoffed and turned to left,

"Wait Desmond!" Mother called and I looked at her.

"Yes, Mother?"

"Son, Do you like Ester? You don't have any objections to our choice, right?" Despite my urge to tell her the truth, I simply smiled and kissed her forehead,

"I don't have any doubts on your choice," Mother smiled and I left.

Ester POV:-

It's been a week since I last saw him. I was humming to myself, Mother came and smiled,

"Ester, Desmond is coming to take you out for dinner. It's important to know each other before marriage," Mother said. I felt my cheek heat up. It's like a date and I have never been on one. Hope he makes it a normal date and not some intimidation like our first meeting.

"When?" I asked.

"In an hour. Get Ready." He is coming in an hour to take me out. I hope he has changed his mind about me.

I have to be ready for my first date. I am nervous about it. I asked the mother for help. She selected a knee-length Blue dress with lacy white sleeves and white tights. I tied my hair in a side bun and applied a little makeup. I walked out of the room and asked mother,

"How do I look?" Mother cupped my cheeks and smiled widely.

"You look so pretty, love," I smiled and went to my father to ask him how I look.

"Father! How do I look?" I rushed in. I flushed when I saw Desmond with father. I met his gaze and my heart began to thump very loudly.

"Prepossessing," Father smiled. Desmond stood up and walked towards me. He held his hand and I took it. His appealing gray eyes bore into my sapphire one. I blushed and smiled sheepishly when he kissed my hand.

"Take care," Father said as we left.

Now we are alone, I am anxious because I know he's gonna show his real side. I felt scared. No, He is going to be my husband. He won't do anything. We met for the first time, that's why he acted that way and I should believe in Uncle's words.

We reached the restaurant. He stood beside me. I dug my nails in my palm to calm myself. He walked as I walked beside him. I looked at him. Apart from his looks, He has a very dominating aura around him.

His presence is filled with superiority, pride and arrogance. This is kinda scary. The manager welcomed us and showed us a table which was away from others. Seems like it was reserved only for us.

We sat and he ordered the food for both of us. I smiled at him but he just stared at me. I began to feel uncomfortable. Then his stare turned into a glare which made my heart skip a beat. I looked down as he sighed and began to say,

"I don't know if you are acquiescent or just plain stupid." I looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked, perplexed.

"Nothing, I have already told you about it." He said in a calm voice; breaking every tranquil of mine. I just gave him a nod.

It's not a date. Not at all.

"So do I. Don't put blame on me if I couldn't convince your Father who kept on insisting for us to get married." I said coldly.

"It's your Father who is desperate for our marriage." I gave him a fake smile. He simply glared at me, knowing I am speaking the truth.

After a while, the food came, We began to eat in silence but he decide to break it,

"I don't want to marry you."

"If you don't want to marry you should have declined it in the first place," I said.

"And stop your Father, if you can." I mocked.

"Only if I can." He said more than to himself.

"What?" I tilt my head in confusion.

"Nothing."

"You don't want to marry me? Or you don't even want to marry?" I asked again.

"You are not my type." Was his only reply. I felt heartbroken. Tell me, What is your type and I'll turn myself into that.

Pathetic. You can never change, Ester.

"How?" I asked in a croaked tone.

"You are innocent and sweet." He said without looking up from his food.

I blushed and looked away. "And Shy too." He added. I began to eat. Silence again, This time he broke it,

"What is your Dream?" I used to have a lot when I was a kid but now I don't have any not after when my dreams were broken by them so easily, turning me into an introvert. Still, I smiled and told him my aim,

"Not a Dream, But an Aim. To save people from their mental suffering. I want to become a motivational speaker." I told him rather proudly. I don't want anyone who was suffering from the pressure to end up like me; delusional.

"It's just a silly delusion." I felt so disheartened at his comment. But still, I smiled and replied to him,

"Maybe that delusion saves lives" He stopped eating and stared at me for a second.

"Save yourself first." He said, making my heart stop. My legs went numb. I swallowed the lump in my throat and began to eat my food.

"You are weak here who cannot go against your Father's orders." I ridiculed him. "And why are you dying to get into a toxic relationship?" he asked, irritated.

"My choice. Unlike you." I jeered. Ticking him off, knowing where it hurts the most and using it. I am well aware of myself, I know who I am.

The rest of the dinner was silent. After dinner, he dropped me at home.

"Thank you." I smiled as I said that and got out of the car. He looked away and left.

I greeted the mother because the father went to sleep early.

"How was your first date?" Mother asked, smirking.

"M-mother...It was good," I said shyly. Mother laughed as I excused myself and went to my room. I fall on the bed and close my eyes and drown myself in the pools of thoughts filled with anxiety and uncertainty and maybe happiness.

Okay, I am not his type. Fine then.