Marriage for Debt : CEO's Unwanted Wife

Catherin Mia looked her parents in the eye, her tone resolute. "I can't do it, Mom, Dad. I still want to finish my studies," she said firmly, rejecting their proposal for her to marry their chosen suitor.

As the eldest in a humble family of farmers, Catherin understood the value of education. Despite being in her sixth semester at 21, she felt that marrying at such a young age wasn't right for her. Marriage had never been a part of her plans.

Catherin's aspiration was to graduate, gain work experience, and possibly have a stable income before considering marriage. She had never been involved in a romantic relationship, as her parents had raised her to be cautious and avoid interactions with unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, she believed that dating would only be a distraction.

Since her youth, Catherin had been preparing herself for an arranged marriage, out of respect for her parents' wishes. However, she insisted on completing her education and establishing her career before thinking about marriage.

"Mom, why does it have to be so sudden?" Catherin asked, her voice trembling, unable to believe that her parents were asking her to marry at the age of 21.

"You're in your sixth semester, about to graduate. There's nothing wrong with you getting married now, Catherin," Kayona said lovingly.

"Am I being sold because of Father's debt to Mr. Louis?" Catherin asked, almost in tears upon hearing Kayona's explanation.

"Your father owes money for Ava's surgery. Mr. Louis said that we don't need to pay with money, but with a promise. A promise to marry you to Mr. Louis's son," Kayona replied, further breaking Catherin's heart. Ava was her younger sister who was still in elementary school.

Three years ago, Ava had an accident that required surgery. The exorbitant hospital bill forced Max to borrow money from his boss, Mr. Louis. Catherin knew very well that at that time her father had no other choice. Only Mr. Louis could help their family. However, Catherin never expected that her father promised to marry her to his boss's son.

"Mr. Louis came here yesterday, asking for your father's promise," Kayona said, noticing how Max had been silent after she requested Catherin to marry his boss's son.

"Mr. Louis also offered to fund Ava's surgery so she can walk again without any aids. But, you have to marry his son now." Kayona looked at Catherin with teary eyes. Catherin knew her mother had no other choice but to ask her to marry her boss's son. This way, their family's debt would be settled, and Ava could walk normally again after the surgery scheduled for a few months later. The surgery costs would also be covered by Mr. Louis.

"Can't we wait until I graduate before getting married, Mom?" she asked Kayona, who was unable to hold back her tears. Kayona kept wiping her tears, making Catherin feel sorry for her.

"Mr. Louis wants it as soon as possible, Catherin. He wants to see his grandchild soon," her mother continued between sobs.

"Is his son old, Mom?"

"Mr. Louis's son is turning 30 this year. But, because he's busy with work, he never had time for a relationship. That's why Mr. Louis decided to arrange his marriage with you," her mother explained.

Catherin fell silent, looking at Max's regretful face. She realized that her father didn't want to force her into marriage either. But he also had to keep his promise to Mr. Louis - his boss. Catherin felt sorry for her parents. She also wanted to see her sister, Ava, walk normally again.

"Alright, Mom, I will marry Mr. Louis's son. As long as I can continue my studies," Catherin said to Kayona.

Catherin looked at the woman who had carried and raised her. Despite everything, her mother's warmth and love had made her a strong woman.

Afterward, Catherin looked at her father's face, the face of a man who was willing to work day and night to provide for his wife and children. Catherin herself was not among the brightest students, making it difficult for her to find scholarships. However, she chose to work at a restaurant near the campus to help with her family's finances. At least she never asked for money just to buy snacks.

"Thank you, Catherin," her parents said simultaneously, embracing their daughter tightly.

Catherin then saw Ava standing behind the door all this time. The little girl seemed to be smiling, with tears in her eyes.

"I hope my choice is not wrong, I hope I can lighten the burden of Dad and Mom," Catherin said to herself.

***

The day had come when Catherin had to celebrate her wedding. She was already wearing a white dress and being attended to by a makeup artist sent by Mr. Louis. The wedding event was simple, attended only by immediate family. Catherin couldn't help but shed tears; she couldn't deny the pain in her heart due to this arranged marriage. What made her even more distressed was that she was marrying suddenly and hadn't prepared herself mentally. Her marriage wasn't for love, but to repay her parents' debt.

"Don't cry, Miss. Your makeup might smudge," said a makeup artist. Catherin smiled at her, not wanting to trouble her.

"You look beautiful, Miss. Please don't cry," said Ava, who suddenly appeared from behind and hugged Catherin tightly.

"I'm sorry, Miss. Because of me, you're forced to marry someone you don't know," Ava said, patting Catherin's back gently, making her older sister want to cry even more upon hearing her words.

"No, I'm marrying willingly. Please pray for me, I hope the family I am about to build will be a happy one," Catherin said. She let go of the hug and looked at her younger sister, Ava. Then, Kayona called her to come out because the wedding ceremony was about to begin.

Catherin walked out of the room, seeing that her house was already filled with many people. The attendees were only her extended family and perhaps some others from Mr. Louis's family.

She looked at the handsome man sitting in front of the table. He was her future husband, the future head of her family. He was someone she had never met before, someone nine years older than her. He still looked young, handsome, and strong. So why did he have to marry someone like Catherin? Why didn't he marry a woman who was on the same level as him? That's what Catherin questioned, considering she was just a farmer's daughter.

"I'm just a subordinate's daughter, why does he want to be arranged with me?" Catherin asked herself.

Catherin then walked toward the prepared place. The man referred to as her future husband didn't even glance at her for a second, as if he didn't care who he was marrying. It seemed like he was also forced into this marriage. Catherin could tell from his expression that he didn't show any signs of happiness. This made Catherin even more distressed; she worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain their marriage in the future.

Would their marriage be happy if neither of them desires it?

To be continued...

Catherin stood next to the man who would become her husband, the man chosen by her parents. He still looked young, but he was already 30 years old. His handsome face made him appear younger than he actually was. Catherin just realized that she didn't know the name of the man who would be her husband. She glanced at him for a moment, but he didn't look at her at all. She became more convinced that the man next to her was also forced into this marriage.

She wondered why he didn't just refuse. Catherin would be very grateful if the man next to her canceled their marriage. She heard his voice, which was surprisingly pleasant, saying the wedding vows in front of their families. There was an immense pain that Catherin felt this time, making her chest tight. Everyone present seemed happy, but she didn't. Somehow there were teardrops passing through her cheeks. She quickly wiped her cheeks; she didn't want her parents to see her shedding tears.

The wedding party went smoothly, without any obstacles.

"Catherin, starting today you will live in Mr. Louis's house," said Kayona, causing her daughter to shed tears. Kayona immediately hugged Catherin, then patted her back gently, feeling warm.

After saying goodbye to her parents and her sister, Ava, Catherin left the house she had lived in since she was a baby. Don't ask how her heart felt at that moment; it's difficult to explain in words.

The day that was supposed to be historic and beautiful for her felt painful. Throughout the journey, she was silent and stiff. The man sitting next to her was the same, not saying anything. Catherin felt like she was not acknowledged by him at all. She felt nothing special, even though she married a wealthy man and rode in a luxurious car. Instead of being happy, she felt hurt.

Meanwhile, Louis and his wife rode in another car, right behind the car Catherin was in. After about an hour's journey, they finally arrived at Louis's residence. Catherin got out of the car, looking around. The front yard of the house looked very spacious. The building itself looked large and grand, almost like a palace.

The man who had recently become Catherin's husband got out of the car without paying any attention to his wife. He really showed his dislike for his wife, even though they were newlyweds who should be filled with affection.

"Why are you silent, Catherin? Come in. Now you are part of our family; this is also your home," said Emma, her mother-in-law.

Catherin nodded and smiled, then walked into the house, escorted by her mother-in-law.

"Nolan actually has his own house, but for now, you two will live here first as newlyweds," Emma spoke softly, looking at her son-in-law with affection. Nolan, it turned out, was the name of Catherin's husband. She felt so strange to hear her husband's name. Her mother-in-law escorted her to the room, which was Nolan's room since he was a child.

When she entered, she saw that Nolan had changed his clothes into casual attire. He was sitting on the bed, his eyes focused on his phone, completely indifferent to his wife. "Your things will be brought here, Mona. If you need anything, just tell me," Bu Emma said, looking at Catherin with affection.

This time, Emma looked at her son, staring at him firmly. "Nolan, don't work too hard. Spend your time wisely on your wedding day." Nolan seemed to ignore his mother, and Catherin felt amazed at her own husband. Not only did he ignore her, but Nolan also seemed to ignore his mother.

Even when Emma left the room, Nolan's gaze was still on his phone. Catherin pursed her lips, unsure of what to do or where to go. In the very spacious room, there was only a bed. No sofa or chair, it looked completely empty and vast.

"You sleep on the floor. There's no sofa in this room so we can sleep on the same bed. But I won't deign to sleep with a girl like you. If you think I can be a good husband, you're dreaming. Have a good sleep on the floor," Nolan said loudly.

The first words Nolan said to his wife were hurtful to Catherin. He still didn't look at his wife, as if his eyes could be hurt if he looked at her. "Okay," Catherin replied shortly. Her heart felt hurt, but she couldn't do anything. She realized she was just a child of poor parents, with a different social status from her husband's. Although she held the status of a wife, she couldn't ask her husband to treat her better.

Catherin then sat on the floor, not far from the bed. "Stay away from me, I don't want to be close to you," Nolan said again. This time, his words hurt his wife's feelings even more. Catherin took a deep breath, then chose to move and sit at the far end of the room, clearly far from her husband. Shortly after she sat down, her head was hit by a pillow. Even though it was just a pillow, it still hurt and startled her. Catherin felt hurt and resentful towards her husband.

"That's your pillow!" Nolan deliberately threw the pillow, but accidentally hit his wife's head. Because he was also startled, his voice sounded like he was shouting.

Catherin took the pillow and then stared sharply at her husband. In her heart, she wanted to retaliate for what her husband did, but she restrained herself because she didn't want to be hated even more. The woman then lay on the floor without any padding, facing the wall. It was better than looking at her husband. To pass the time, she could only play with her phone.

"What kind of marriage is this? Instead of being affectionate, I'm treated badly like this," Catherin muttered to herself.

"Hey," Nolan called out, unsure of what to call his wife. He couldn't even remember her name.

"Lock the door! Don't let Mom and Dad know that you're sleeping on the floor! Or you'll see the consequences!" Nolan threatened Catherin bluntly, as if there was no doubt in his mind.

Catherin could only comply with her husband's wishes, not daring to argue or refuse. She got up and locked the bedroom door, then lay back down on the floor. Her anger seemed mountainous, mixed with the heartache of her sad fate. She wanted to cry, but she didn't have the courage to do it in front of her husband. Catherin was afraid her husband would get angry and treat her even worse. She just wanted to stay silent and obey for now, hoping her husband would treat her better if she always complied.

"I hope I won't be tortured any further in this huge house," she said to herself.

Several hours passed, and there was a knock on the bedroom door followed by a voice calling out from a woman. "Miss Catherin, Mr. Nolan, you're waited at the dining table." The voice belonged to Mona, the housekeeper in Louis's large house. It sounded strange to Catherin, but she could already guess that it was Mona's voice, not her mother-in-law's.

"Yes," Nolan half-shouted. The man who had been sitting on the bed looked at his wife, who was still lying on the floor.

"Did you hear that?" he asked sarcastically.

Catherin got up and looked at her husband with a flat expression. "Change your clothes over there, you look like a beggar," Nolan said, still speaking with a sarcastic tone, emphasizing his dislike.

"My things haven't arrived yet," she said weakly.

"They're over there," Nolan said, pointing to a room with a tightly closed door.

"There are clothes that Mom bought for you, choose according to your taste. Hurry up and change, Mom and Dad are getting tired of waiting for you," Nolan explained, stating what he wanted.

Catherin complied, entering the room which was none other than Nolan's storage room. It contained clothes, bags, shoes, watches, and other items belonging to Nolan. The room was quite spacious, even though when the door was closed earlier, it seemed like a small and empty room. The woman was amazed, unable to believe what she saw. Her husband's wealth was clearly displayed in front of her, and she realized that her choice to obey her husband was correct. If she opposed her husband, it would only be like suicide for her.

Catherin took a dress that hung neatly there. A long dress with short sleeves, red in color, with a rose motif at the bottom. "So beautiful," Catherin said. Without looking at other clothes, she immediately put on the dress without hesitation. Afterwards, she stood in front of the mirror and saw her reflection. She smiled happily. Feeling beautiful in the delicate, soft, and cool dress, she had never touched such fine clothes before.

Then, Catherin turned towards the door. There was Nolan standing there with a sharp gaze. Catherin was very surprised and then crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Since when have you been there?!" she asked, raising her voice.

Nolan grinned. "Why? Don't you want me to see you change clothes? Don't be stupid, you're my wife!" Nolan's words made Catherin's hair stand on end. The woman realized that Nolan's words were true. Not only could he watch her change clothes, but he could also do anything to her. They were already married.

Then, Catherin imagined a hot night with her husband, "Should I entertain him? While he's being rough with me!"

To be continued...

Catherin left her room and headed to the dining room on the first floor, while her room was on the second floor. She descended the stairs slowly, looking around, observing what was in the house, which resembled a palace. Her eyes stopped at a very large photo hanging not far from the living room. It was a photo of her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and also her husband. Judging from the photo, it seemed that Nolan was the only child of this wealthy family.

Then why did Louis want her as a daughter-in-law? Why didn't Louis and Emma seek a daughter-in-law from a prestigious family? Big question marks arose in Catherin's mind.

"Come on, Catherin, hurry up, don't daydream there," said Emma, snapping Catherin out of her reverie. Catherin smiled at her mother-in-law who had been kind to her from the beginning.

"Yes, Ma," she replied briefly.

Catherin sat next to Nolan - her husband. The man still seemed indifferent to his wife, but Catherin had gotten used to his attitude. Since the incident in the room earlier, she knew that Nolan didn't want her as a wife. At least she would prepare herself mentally for all of Nolan's coldness and harsh words later. Catherin looked at the dining table filled with delicious food, and she swallowed saliva as she looked at each item one by one. There was a lot and it looked delicious.

The spread on the dining table looked like a feast, and Catherin felt like she was truly getting married that day. Previously, she didn't feel like there was a celebration at all. Instead, there was just heartache because of her husband's rough behavior.

Emma served rice to her daughter-in-law, wanting to show her affection so that her daughter-in-law would feel comfortable staying there. Catherin immediately took the scoop of rice, of course, with manners. "Let me do it myself, Ma."

Emma then handed the rice scoop to Catherin and let her daughter-in-law take the food as she pleased.

"If only this wasn't at my in-laws' house, I would have already eaten all the food in front of me. Or at least I would have tasted each one, just by looking at them they are very tempting," Catherin thought. As a farmer's daughter, she had never enjoyed luxurious food like what was in front of her now.

"If you need anything, call Mona, or Ma," said Emma. Catherin nodded slowly and smiled.

"If possible, you two should have children soon. Dad can't wait to cuddle his grandchildren." This time it was Louis who spoke, who was none other than Catherin's father's boss and also her father-in-law. Catherin was quite surprised by Louis's request, but she just nodded because she didn't know how to react.

In her heart, she wondered how she could get pregnant if she and her husband weren't even like ordinary newlyweds.

"Nolan is our only child, he's good at making money but not at finding a wife. We finally chose you. Be Nolan's wife and the mother of our grandchildren," Louis spoke again.

Catherin could only smile and nod again. The woman glanced at Nolan, and once again her husband paid no attention to her and instead busied himself with his food.

Nolan finished eating first, then stood up and excused himself to go to the bedroom. Catherin, who hadn't finished eating yet, reluctantly followed her husband, feeling uncomfortable at the dining table with her in-laws. Everything in the house felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable to her.

Upon reaching the room, Catherin made sure to lock the bedroom door. Then she looked at the floor, which would serve as her bed. Just looking at it made her shiver; she had already felt cold earlier.

"Can I use a blanket there?" Catherin bravely asked Nolan. If she didn't dare to ask, she was afraid of feeling cold all night sleeping on the floor without any padding.

"Up to you, as long as you don't dream of sleeping with me in this bed," Nolan replied curtly. Catherin didn't care about her husband's attitude; just being allowed to use a blanket made her happy. Her suffering was caused by her in-laws deliberately emptying Nolan's room and only leaving a bed. It was as if Louis and Emma knew that Nolan didn't want to sleep in the same bed as Catherin.

Catherin walked to the walk-in closet and took two blankets. One for her bed and the other to use as a cover. Before going to sleep, she washed her face and changed her clothes. There was a feeling of reluctance because she only wore nice clothes for dinner. Nevertheless, the pajamas she was wearing were also nice. It could be said that all the clothes her in-laws bought for her were expensive to her.

"Why did you want to marry me?" Catherin suddenly asked after she lay down on the blanket. Seeing her husband busy with his phone and continuing to ignore her made her curious. Although she was afraid of being scolded for asking, she was still curious.

"Stop talking to me, I don't like hearing your voice," Nolan replied angrily, not answering Catherin's question. As Catherin had expected, she could only grin and turn her back to her husband from where she was now.

It hadn't even been 24 hours since they got married, but Catherin had already suffered a lot because of Nolan's rough and selfish attitude. However, Catherin had to get used to Nolan's attitude because they were now husband and wife. Catherin also couldn't ask for a divorce, no matter how bad her husband's behavior was. Not only because she was afraid of her father's anger, but also because for her, marriage was not something to be taken lightly. For now, she would try to be a good and obedient wife.

Catherin woke up earlier than usual because she couldn't sleep soundly. Besides feeling cold, she also felt strange in Nolan's room. It was her first time there. She then straightened out the blankets and took a shower.

When Catherin had finished showering and changing clothes, Nolan looked at his wife intently. "Are you in college?" he asked loudly, and Catherin nodded without responding with words.

"Are you mute?!" Nolan shouted, startling his wife. How could he shout at his wife so early in the morning?

Catherin was furious; she stared at her husband with narrowed eyes. "You said you don't like hearing me talk. What do you want?!" Even though she knew her attitude this time would be in vain, she just wanted to express how she felt.

Nolan approached Catherin, who was standing not far from the walk-in closet door. He grabbed her chin tightly, causing Catherin to feel pain and whimper in pain. "Do you dare to shout at me?" Nolan asked, seemingly angry because his wife had shouted at him.

"Sorry," Catherin said sincerely from her heart. She realized that whether angry or not, whatever she did would always be wrong in her husband's eyes, and she couldn't defy her husband. Nolan released his grip on his wife's chin and then gently pushed Catherin's face.

"Don't speak unless I ask you. Answer me when I ask. Are you so stupid that I need to tell you?" Nolan said sharply, staring sharply at his wife. Catherin nodded slowly. "No answer?!" Nolan shouted.

"Yes," Catherin replied shortly.

"Are you going to college today?" Nolan asked, his voice lowering.

"Yes, I'm only asking for a day off," Catherin replied.

"I didn't ask, I just asked if you're going to college or not. Answer as necessary; have you forgotten I don't like hearing your voice?!" Nolan's words made Catherin more annoyed. How could she not be annoyed when everything she did was always wrong in her husband's eyes.

"Sorry," Catherin said, but she wasn't sincere. If it weren't for her parents and siblings, Catherin would clearly not sustain her marriage, which only made her heartache.

"Just sorry?" Nolan was still standing in front of his wife, while Catherin was now sitting on the floor.

"You don't want to call my name?" Nolan's question confused Catherin.

"Sorry, Mr. Nolan." Catherin really didn't know what to call her husband. She just chose a term she thought was polite.

"What?!" Nolan shouted in disbelief, startling his wife because of how loud it was. Fortunately, the shouting wasn't heard by their parents because their house was very large.

"Am I that old that you call me 'Mr.'?" Nolan still seemed angry.

"Then what should I call you?"

"You should prepare a term for your husband," Nolan said quietly while pushing his wife's head with his right index finger, right on the forehead.

"Darling?" Catherin asked shyly. She herself didn't want to mention that endearing term, but she tried to please her husband.

"Do you want me to vomit hearing that word from your mouth?" Nolan's words once again left a wound in his wife's heart.

"Fine, then just call me whatever you want. I'll call you whatever you want because I don't know what to call you," she said softly, feeling frustrated with her husband's behavior.

"Fine, I'll punish you this time," Nolan said, startling his wife with his words.

"I'll just call you Nolan, okay?" Cornered, Catherin chose to call her husband just by his name. She thought it was simpler than having to use endearing terms.

Nolan seemed silent, then looked at his wife intently. It seemed that he agreed to be called just by his name, even though he and his wife had a considerable age difference.

"Behave like a wife in front of Mom and Dad. If you don't want me to punish you," Nolan said, ending the session. He then left his wife alone.

To be continued...