THE ROMANCE WEB

Barbara's POV

I stood wearily in my art studio after a long day painting. I felt a sense of accomplishment, my paintings on the walls added character to the rooms.

My studio is a place where I could escape the harsh realities of life.

It's about time I got home, my mom would be worried sick. I moved around to make sure everything is in order, then I heard footsteps at the door.

A man dressed in a stylish black suit walks in, he looked very suave and quite in his middle ages, He was also bald so I couldn't quite tell how old he could be. The fragrance of his cologne was intoxicating.

He looked like he could get a piece of my artworks but he was looking straight at me not noticing the gallery.

"Hello ma'am" The man said in a bold tone.

"Welcome, how may I help you? And please call me Barbara." I replied trying not to embrace the formal act.

"Miss Barbara, my name is Diego, I'm a butler for the Emiliano's residence and it's a pleasure to meet you", he said as he courtesyed.

"Oh, you're welcome," I replied hesitantly, I wasn't sure of what to say again, his courtesy was begining to get the better of me and I was not sure of what his motives were, but his introduction was synonymous to wealth and power and I remembered I had heard of the Emiliano family from somewhere, one of the notable billionaires in the city.

I got more curious of what could have brought a man like him to my humble studio.

"Do you need any paintings? You can check out what you'd like." I said with an akward smile.

He said nothing, reaching out to his suit pocket, he brought out a white envelope and gave it to me.

"Here, have it" He said with generousity in his voice.

I collected it reluctantly, I wasn't sure what was going on but he wasn't holding back.

"The Emiliano's family business is in a difficult postion at the moment, we need a life line to help save it." He said.

I opened the envelope, there was a sheet of paper in it. I opened it and read the information on it.

I was stunned by what I had just read.

"A contract marriage." I said with shock. I looked at the man staring emptily at me. I wanted to be sure of what I just read.

"The life line we need is you, Barbara." He said with ease in his voice.

"I don't understand, why me?" I asked in a confused manner.

"Your artworks, we've checked out so many on the media, they're very impressive. We can all benefit financially from these. You certainly wouldn't be left out." He explained.

I was looking more confused at this man who called himself Diego, was this a prank?. Why would I of all people be given such an offer? Was this really because of my artworks? I know my arts are being showcased on the media to promote my gallery but I certainly wasn't expecting a contract marriage from any sponsors.

"But why the marriage?, I'd be of help but I can't marry someone I don't love and precise, I'm in a relationship." I told him intently hoping he would understand that clearly.

"Well, we believe the contract marriage will help secure a strong relationship in the business. It's all for the best." He replied calmly.

"I'm sorry I cant." I said adamantly giving the letter back to him.

"Think about your artworks and what it could give you when the world gets its hands on it. I'm sure it's your dream" he added, collecting the packaged envelope.

Diego moves around my studio looking at the paintings on the wall, I know he was unhappy with my decision.

A lot flashed through my mind. I could change my family's live forever, there are so many bills left unpaid and our rent would be due in a few months.

The thoughts of my mum confined to a wheel chair and my brother, Damon, who needs costly medical treatments for his health welled up inside of me. The weight of the responsibilities pressed down on me.

This is a huge chance, this could change our lives for good but it comes with a huge price.

There's no way I would betray John, we've been through a lot together and he's a man that has always been there for me, we've had dreams of building a life together. I couldn't just stab him in the back for the sake of wealth.

"You seem lost in thought" Diego said, jerking me out of my thoughts. He was staring cunningly at me, I wonder what his deal is, I thought he mentioned he's just a servant, why is he testing my patience?.

"I can't do what you are asking, I'm sorry" I said with my voice trembling slightly.

"I understand Barbara, but think about the opportunities that awaits you." He said with a tone of encouragement.

"You can change your family's life and secure your dreams with a very bright future ahead." He added.

He was getting adamant about this, I couldn't help but feel he knew so much about me and my family after what he said. I had to end this.

"With due respect, I don't accept this offer but I'll gladly help." I said confidently.

"Alright, I'll send your response." He courtisizes again.

"Goodnight." He said gracefully.

He walks towards the door. I can see the palpable disappointment on his face.

"I know he'll understand." He called out as he stopped on his way.

What's he talking about? I thought, was it John?

He comes back to me and gives me a card.

"You could reach out to us if you need us." He said, I collected the card hesitantly, the tension was beginning to fill the air, He should leave already, I thought.

He walked to door and left my studio.

I wondered what kind of power and influence the Emiliano family could have to make such an offer.

I gathered the rest of my artworks and carefully arranged them in thier designated places.

The usual stroke and colour gave me comfort reminding me of my passion and dedication that had brought me to this stage of my life.

I'm afraid I could loose it all since I'm not seeing any light. It's more depressing because I could pack up in a few months if I don't pay for the accomodation.

I sighed, feeling depressed. Does life only give and take? I thought. I couldn't help the rich family if I couldn't marry thier son, how does that make sense?

If they value my works, they should respect my integrity too. I can't look like a tool being used in a market for their own selfish desires.

I closed my art studio and stood outside waiting for Emily, my best friend. I'm gonna tell her about this. I also need her opinion about the about the contract marriage offer. Money seemed to have dangled in front of me but my family's struggles were daunting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret, did I just loose my opportunity to save my family from our struggles? How long would this continue if don't decide fast?.

Barbara's POV

It's getting darker by the minute, I was looking left and right checking if Emily's car was going to show up sooner.

She did say she might get off work late earlier today while leaving home. But it seems her plans might not change. I wondered what could be the hold up, perhaps I should get a taxi.

I noticed Emily was a little dull also and wasn't opening up but I guessed it was just stress.

She mostly brings me to my studio with her ride from home before she gets to work. Same goes for taking me home, it was getting more frequent these days.

I hope I'm not giving her any troubles, I thought.

I turned to the sound of the car horn. It's her, Emily. She parks her car right in front of me.

"Hey babe." She said in a low tone from the driver seat through the window. I joined her in the car.

"How was today?" I asked her.

"Fine" she replied, still feeling a little down just as this morning. I'm pretty sure this wasn't just stress from work, there's something eating her up. I've known her long enough to understand her. She drives us both home.

As we driving through the streets usually, she would chat with me telling me about interesting stories at work but now she seemed lost in thought, driving automatedly. Her usual lively self was replaced by a sense of unease.

"How's John anyways?" She asked cutting me off what I was about to say.

"I was gonna ask you" I said baffled by her question. It was something I should have asked, I got more curious right now.

"Wasn't he in office today?" I asked staring at her intently.

"He was. I meant how are you two?" She replied and smiled akwardly. There was definitely something wrong and I was going to find out from her now.

"Emily, you don't seem like yourself these days, what's going on?" I asked her feeling concerned.

Emily glanced at me, her expression with a mix of hesitation.

"Barbara, there's something I need to talk to you about." She said slowly. My eyebrows furrowed, feeling a sense of foreboding

"What's on your mind Emily? You can tell me." I pressed further and got more curious.

"It's about John and..."she said really slowly and it was putting so much suspense on my mind.

"Did something something go wrong with publishing my artworks?" I asked impatiently cutting her off.

"No not all. John and I were able to publish them in our media today." She said easing my suspicion, if they couldn't help me, I would be very hopeless,

Emily and John are both journalists at their work, they both gave me a glimmer of hope for a possible change.

"He actually did most of the work" Emily added. I smiled, proud of John's effort, I knew he'll come through.

I've earned from people who love my arts due to their advertising and I hope it will get to the fullest audience and attract amazing bids.

"That reminds me, do you know about the Emiliano's family?" I asked intently.

"Yeah. What about them? She replied curiously, it seemed she wanted to know about it so I decided to talk to her about it to kill time till we got home.

"What do you know about them?" I asked so I could know where to start from.

"It's actually about their son Dante Emiliano, his engagement got called off recently with his fiancée, Victoria Houston, a millionaire heiress." She explained.

"What?!!! Why? I asked curiously.

"I really don't know, it's not my story but it's John's, he knows about it." She replied.

Why are you so worried about it? Emily asked in a curious manner.

I explained my experience with Diego in the art studio. I told her about the contract marriage. For a while, she listened to me attentively while driving.

"What the fuck? You rejected the offer?" She said in a surprised tone which amazed me.

"What the heck Emily? What's wrong with you? Am I supposed to betray John?" I asked irritated by her comments.

"No, I'm sorry it's just your family. They need it much better than you do and it's really a great opportunity." She said carefully.

"And then what? Betray John?" I asked with shock all over my face. I still couldn't believe Emily was telling me this.

"John and I have been through a lot, you should know better." I said.

"Barbara, don't get me wrong, I just want you to be happy." Emily explained calmly.

"It's not all about the money, we've planned a lot together and he has always supported me, I can't just leave it all because of someone else' wealth, not even for the sake of love." I said firmly like I was assuring myself all over again.

"It's alright Barbara". She said in a tone of conviction. I know she cares a lot about me and also I did. She is my best friend, I couldn't imagine myself having another.

We both said nothing for a while, Emily continued driving, her eyes focused on the road. I looked out the window at the passing city scade.

The tension in the car seemed to have dissipated and the silence got deeper and more comfortable. We're about to get to my apartment, I felt I should say something but I didn't know what to.

She pulled up in front of my apartment building. Well what was next?, I thought. I reached out for the door handle to leave the car and I closed the door. I walked towards my apartment door.

"Barbara" she called softly through the car window.

"Yeah?" I replied walking back towards the car to see her through the window.

"Take care of yourself and make sure you're ready when I get here by tomorrow" she said with an akward smile on her face.

"Of course, thanks babe." I chuckled. That was Emily's way of apologizing, she wouldn't say it but she just had to care somehow.

"Alright, goodnight." I said joyfully.

"Goodnight." She replied in a low tone. She starts the car and drives home. I turned back to go inside our apartment.

Barbara's POV

I was still having mixed emotions after my conversation with Emily, her response and reactions were unusual.

I remembered I didn't ask what was going on with her, I was carried away by the Emiliano's family chat. I felt selfish, I forgot her own comfort.

I felt like going to meet her to ask her what was troubling her.

I opened the door to our apartment, I moved in silently trying not to get any attention.

I sighed heavily, the silence that enveloped the living room just reminds me of our constant struggles.

Sometimes, I feel like I live alone. my mother was always quiet in her room, she's on a wheelchair, I really don't expect much from her, but Damon, my little brother, should have been lively but his health conditions couldn't let him have a normal kid life. He had to be careful with his movements day after day.

We try as much as possible to get him his medicals and hopes he gets well soon.

I heard a faint noise from my mother's room. I moved towards the door to her room to check on her.

"I'll talk to her Andrew." My mum said, it seemed like she was speaking with someone on the phone. This was very unusual, I've never known my mum to be social since I was old enough to know her well.

I didn't hear her voice anymore, it seems she's done calling.

"Mom" I called out to her.

"Barbara, come on in." She called back to me. I opened the door.

I stepped into my mother's room, she was sitting on her wheelchair, dressed in her night gown.

The space in room had been adapted to her needs, there was a motorized lift installed next to her bed to help her from her bed to the wheel chair, vice versa. The brown curtains were soft and there were framed pictures of our family photos every where.

She had her favourite books stacked neatly on a shelf at the side. This was helpful for her wellbeing, it would help her be independent and mobile enough while feeling comfortable in her own space.

"When did you arrive, honey?" My mother asked.

"A little while ago " I replied.

"And how's Emily?" She asked again piercing me with her gaze.

"She's okay." I numbled even though I knew she wasn't.

I wanted to ask about who she was talking to on the phone, I had a little challenge because my mom is pretty crafty, she might be handicapped but she is very sensitive and intuitive.

"Mom, is something wrong?" I asked my voice trembling slightly.

"About what my dear? We have a lot going on here." She replied calmly.

"Well, I thought I heard you on the phone, so I was kind of worried" I said carefully.

"There's a lot going on in our family and you know it." She replied firmly. Here we go again, I just couldn't get through her.

"I could get help anytime from now considering what's going on." She added.

"Is there anyone that could help?" I asked slowly.

"Yes" she replied.

"Who?" I asked curiously then I realized I over reacted.

"You could help but you just won't listen" she said mockingly.

I saw that one coming, she's always going to talk me out of my career, we've always talked about it since day one.

"Mom? who is Andrew?" I asked trying to change the subject.

"Someone you shouldn't worry about, really." She said nonchalantly.

"I'm just trying to make sure everything is okay." I said softly trying to get through to her at least.

"You could make everything better if you'd just listen" she said firmly, not showing a sign of why she would understand me. She always pressured me to find a more realistic job.

I knew this conversation was going to get to this topic. My mom had always been concerned about my career, urging me to look for a more realistic and stable path. She understands my artworks were helping a lot but it's not enough.

There are so many things we desperately need, especially my brother Damon, getting sicker by the day, his medical bills were increasingly difficult to cater for. The frequent rent payment for our home and my art studio was another source of anxiety.

I also didn't see any light but I held to the hope Emily and John were giving to me.

"It's not your fault anyways." She said in a low tone, gazing and staring emptily into the atmosphere.

"Mom I promise, I'll make sure everything is okay." I said emptily not sure of myself anymore.

"It's meant to be my responsibilities, not yours." My mom said helplessly.

"Mom please don't say that." I said softly as I walked towards her, I wanted to prove to her that she was wrong about taking the blame. I wanted her to believe that I could take care of everything.

I got on my knees beside her, I held both of her hands with mine and I lay on her soft knees. Even though I'm an adult, I still needed her motherly care and I wanted to show her that I needed her and she wasn't useless.

I felt her soft hands on my hair, I was calm a little. I hope she's feeling better.

I heard a faint noise coming from outside the room.

"Damon?" My mother mumbled, I raised my head up from my mother's knees trying to listen again.

I got up and rushed out of my mother's room, the faint noise was now loud and that voice was Damon's moaning, it was coming from his room. I rushed to meet him, what could be wrong now?

"Damon!!!" I shouted as I barged into his room pushing the door. He was sitting close to his bed, his hands on his stomach, groaning in pains. I ran to him trying to calm him down but he seemed to be in severe pains.

"Damon, what's wrong?" My mother's voice quavered with fear. She must have followed me down to the room.

"Mom, go call the hospital", I shouted. My voice tinged with panic and urgency. I turned back and she wasn't behind me anymore. I felt neglected at the moment. Damon was still groaning in pains.

"Mom!!!" I shouted again. I carried Damon to the living room to sit him on the couch, my mom was there on the phone calling for help sitting on her wheelchair.

"I've called them." She said. She came to Damon, looking at him with pity, she brushed his hair from his face.

"It'll be alright Damon, help is coming" my mother said softly.

Time passed swiftly, in a few minutes, we heard sirens. That was the ambulance and immediately, I carried Damon out to the ambulance packed in front of our apartment.

An ambulance doctor helped me get Damon into the van. I rushed back to meet my mom who couldn't get through the door.

"Mom, I'll be back, stay calm." I told her as calmly as I could but deep down, I feared the worst.

I ran back to the ambulance as it was about to leave, I entered the van quickly and I saw Damon unconscious on the gurney.

"Damon!!!" I gasped.

"Calm down, miss, he's going to be fine." One of the doctors said. I had to get myself together, I sat slowly on the side stand.

As the vehicle moved, I watched the doctors moved quickly and efficiently using their emergency tools trying to keep Damon alive.

Tears dropped heavily from my eyes. I couldn't loose Damon now. He is just so young and doesn't deserve this suffering.

The vehicle stopped, it seemed we had arrived at the hospital. The van was opened by other medical attendants and they all moved Damon from the gurney to the patient's transport bed.

He was moved into the hospital to an operating room.

Minutes stretched into hours as I anxiously waited for the news in the waiting room. When the doctor came out finally, my heart sank at the grave of expression on his face

"He's in coma right now", the doctor explained gently. "We stabilized his condition for now but he'll need to be transferred to another medical center for specialised care. It would cost a lot but it's worth a shot.

My heart raced, I struggle to comprehend the critical situation of Damon. The cost of the medical service he would need would definitely cost a lot and I saw no way to afford it.

My poor mother, I couldn't break this news to her at this time. It would only worsen her situation. Desperation gnawed at me as I analysed the mounting bills and my family's dire circumstances.

As I contemplated the impossible, the memories of the contract marriage offer resurfaced in my mind. It was my only lifeline, the only way to save my brother's life and end my family's struggles. I'm forced to make a difficult choice now.

But right now, I need to act fast. I put my hand in my pant pocket and brought out the card Diego gave me.

Is this the only way? I thought.