THORNS AND ROSES

"Joan, here you go", Mrs Dave gestures for her to take the document, and she quickly blinks off the hot tear burning to be set free.

"What's this," Joan asks raising her brow as she quickly grasps and opens the envelope.

Her enthusiasm dies immediately after reading the title.

"A contract?", her brows furrowing as she raises her head abruptly, her eyes darts from her mother to her father searching for answers.

"A contract marriage?", she asks again.

"Wait..., why are you all silent, is this my grade 6 school assignment or something?, speak up why are you all silent?" She tried laughing it off but instead her voice cracks as she asked again.

"Joan", Mr. Dave moves closer, putting a hand on her shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"I'm sorry my dear", he bows his head as he speaks, " I have done something terrible, I have failed you. Every time I look at you my dear, I'm proud to have you, but also the fear lingers, I'm scared of losing you, and this seems to be the only solution my dear, this is the only way you can be saved, this is the only way my debt can be paid" Mr Dave answers.

"So you are selling me off?" Joan asks, the room is grave silent as everyone holds a long face.

"What did I do to deserve this?, what do you think I am?, I have feelings and dreams of my own, I won't just let you throw them away, ever since I can remember, I had to live in submersion of my potentials, when my peers will travel out for a show I'm stuck here, isn't that enough?, why do I have to pay for a debt that I have no business with?", she yelled, tilting her head to the side as her eyes watered, the muscles in her face strained and a vein was visible on her forehead.

"Now in two days I'm just going to get married to a random man?, who says I wanted a contract marriage in the first place?, why does everything have to be done in a way that pleases you?".

She walks up to her mother as she continues, "Hold hands, walk in the woods in a warm sum..., or a boat cruise" she smiles as she changes the word, spreading her hands in the air, " he proposes and we get married, happily ever after_why don't you wish that life for me mom?". She asks, raising her brows slightly.

Surely she knew about the debt but never thought she was going to pay with her life indirectly.

In all the memories Joan has, she had always remembered that she had to be cautious so as not to be kidnapped in a bid to force her parents to pay the huge debt they owe the Taim's Family.

Mrs Dave begins to sob, Joan walks up to her taking her hand as she squats and begs, she tilts her head as she rests her cheeks on her mother's palm.

"Mom, you have always protected me, please don't let them take me away, how do you expect me to marry someone I don't love, a person that I have never even heard about mom?", her voice breaking as she joins her mother to sob.

Mr Dave stood by the corner, he watched his family sob with his head hanging low, he wiped off the bead of sweat off his face with his palm as he stepped closer to them.

He taught of the future and it seems that this is the only way out.

"Don't be selfish Joan, we are talking about your future here, how would you feel if you spend all your life working to pay the Taim's as we have, and eventually pass it to your children?, do you like the way you have been living?, that is devastating my dear, I wouldn't wish that for even my enemy", mr Dave advised, taking a huge breath as he head out towards the exit, he couldn't bear to see his family broken with sadness.

Then Joan's words stops him on his track.

"Selfish?, Dad!, I can't believe this", her voice shaking as she muttered.

"What have you ever asked me to do that I didn't, and what have you asked me to leave that I didn't leave?, I have a career, I'll work, but I can't even leave the house in peace, I can't work late!, I can't travel!, I can't do anything!, I can't even hang out with my friends, isn't that enough Dad?, Joan's eyes squinted as her face turned red, tears streaming down her cheeks as she yelled at him.

"Ok!" she takes a deep breath, exhaling swiftly, "I agree, I'll do it". She shuts her eyes as the words escape her mouth when no one least expected.

But Joan was determined now.

She had always been an Obedient and dutiful daughter, careful and alert in all her endeavors and now once again, she has to sacrifice even her life for her family.

After a long silence, she continues "I'll do it, I'll get married, if this is my fate, so be it, I agree", her eyes cast down filled with sadness and determination.

I have always lived in the shadows, in fear, unlike my mates, if this is the solution then I'll do it" Joan murmurs as she seizes the paper heading into her room, she leaves the document on her dresser, and locks the door.

But after a while, she starts regretting accepting the decision.

She big is to ponder with guilt as questions flood through her mind.

By noon the next day, Mrs. Dave rushes into the living room, panic surging all over her as she exclaims "Joan ran away".

Mr Dave sits up as his forehead wrinkles, "What do you mean by that", he asks his wife, Mrs Dave.

"Honey, I'm scared, she hasn't stepped out of her room since yesterday, I have been knocking but she isn't answering, there isn't even a sound coming from her room, she claims she accepts the marriage but I know she doesn't want to, can't we look for another method of settling this?" Mrs Dave asks her husband.

"Woman relax" Mr. Dave orders, he thinks she is just overwhelmed and anxious.

"Joan is a very strong young woman on her own, the contract will be signed by both parties tomorrow, she'll be a wife, not just your daughter, you should start getting used to that!" He thundered.

"I'm talking about my daughter, not the Taim's bride here", Mrs. Dave storms out returning swiftly with a spare key and darting towards Joan's room.

"Oh no!", she exclaimed shortly, her voice echoing in the partly furnished house.

Joan had indeed run away.

*****

Mrs. Dave sits staring at the clock in the living room as it clocks midnight and Joan is still yet to be seen.

She couldn't sleep knowing her daughter was out in the city, she wasn't free yet.

Could it be that the Taims had changed their mind and had captured Joan?...

"I hope she doesn't fall into bad hands, please Lord, help us", Mrs Dave clasps her hands as she pray silently.

Time seemed to have flown by as a knock on the front door woke Mrs. Dave early the next morning.

Her eyes squint as the morning light slowly seeps in, she stretches, yawns and covers the light from her face as slowly the scenario seeped in.

She was in the living room.

Oh no! She had slept off while waiting for Joan, it must be Joan at the door.

She rushes to open the door but instead, she receives a good number of able-bodied men in black suits.

" Good morning Madam, you must be Mrs Dave, One of the men dressed in a more elegant suit than the others says with a smile as he stretches his right hand for a handshake".

Her mouth opens in shock as her eyes search the neighborhood, ignoring the man's waiting hand.

His lips straighten as his smile fade, "Ok pleasantries not accepted I see", he retracts his hand placing it in his pocket.

I'm Briggs, and surely you know why I'm here.

Mrs. Dave tries to respond but as her mouth opens no words come out, her eyes keep drifting, searching, and hoping.

Briggs speaks again getting impatient.

"Mrs. Dave, please fetch Miss Joan, our boss is waiting to process the needed documents for today, you wouldn't want to keep him waiting for long as you know he is not the patient type Mrs Dave", he advised.

His face brightened in a fake smile.

"What is going on?", Mr Dave asks as he slowly makes his way to the front door.

"Oh we have visitors, please let them in", he opens the door properly gesturing them to proceed entrance.

Briggs enters with two men as they stand guiding him.

A bright smile pasted on his face as he ordered his wife to call Joan.

"What should I do?", Mrs Damien speaks finally.

Confusion wore on everyone's faces.

After a chilling pause, Mr. Dave tries once again in persuading his Wife, "Darling, please get Joan to prepare, the Taims are here to pick her up.

"Joan ran away", she announce, she shut her eyes tightly as her heart fell, Mr. Dave struggled to sit properly as panic surged through him.

Damien's eyes held no emotion as he stares daringly at Briggs, his assistant.

"She ran away... then search for her", he yells.

"And don't come back if you don't find her, I have to do this by all means", He added, slowly spinning around on his office chair as he spins a pencil.

Briggs exits swiftly.

"Who does she think she is?" Damien murmured.

He turns on his computer to work but his mind kept lingering.

"She is just seeking attention ", he taught inaudibly, standing up as he was unable to focus on his work.

He opens up a drawer, brings out some unorganized documents as he focus his gaze on it.

"Get married to her!", his father's last word lingers again in his head.

"Arghhh", he drops the papers grabbing his head.

"What's wrong with me today?", he murmurs as he grabs his head with both palms.

Of course he couldn't concentrate when his mind keeps wandering about his runaway bride, he just wanted to get married and get over it as soon as possible.

A knock on the door distracts him, "come in..., he approves,

His secretary walks in carrying a mug of coffee in a saucer, "would you like to have any other thing Mr. Damien?" She asked with a broad smile.

Damien only shakes his head pointing towards the door.

She exits shortly.

Damien gulps the hot coffee in one go as he tries to calm his head.

He turns to his computer again inputting the password but it keeps failing, over and over again.

"Argh...", With frustration his hand wander across his desk picking up the mug and smashing it on the wall.

"What is happening", he hold until his head again, after a while, his panic still lingered, he couldn't work that way, so he head out to do the work himself.

He picks up his jacket slinging it into his shoulder as he head out his office.

his phone buzzing rhythmically.

"We found her boss" Came Brigg's voice on the other end immediately.

"Bring her to the courthouse immediately", he ordered as he slides the phone into his pocket heading outside.

He motioned for his secretary to take care of his office without a word", she shudders as she nods, her head bowed.

"Get the car", he ordered his men as he proceeded the elevator.

His black leather designer shoe glittered as he moves towards the exit.

Immediately The room fills with murmur as panic flushed the face of all the workers on the ground floor, everyone tries to compose themselves, each person bows their head, greeting in fear and running to their desks as he calmly walked past , of course except one person.

Freya.

She had managed to get a one night stand with the cold and arrogant Damien, she wants him to be her lover by all means.

An evil broad smile curls on her lips immediately she sighted Damien.

Taking calculated steps she walks up to him, "Damien..., It's nice to see you this morning, how are you?", she asks.

Damien doesn't reply, he locks eyes with her for a moment, his gaze cold and intimidating, "Freya, I am doing well, thanks", he replies with a cold dismissive tone moving aside as he continues on his path exiting the building.

Freya's smile vanish as panic storms her, this isn't what she planned, her mouth opens to respond but Damien's men is already moving after him.

The door swings open as Damien gets into the car, disappearing into the sunlight.

"Argh", she stormed her feet, barging to her office angrily.

"To the courthouse" he orders the chauffeur.

*****

"Sit here, Mr Damien is on his way", one of the men ordered.

Joan looks at him with scorn as she quietly sits, Her parents joining shortly.

"Where have you been Joan", Mrs Dave asks, concern laced in her voice.

Joan doesn't reply, instead she crosses her hands over her chest.

"Where is the man, where is the documents?" let's get this over with already, Joan asked in a low tune, her head bowed.

"You didn't leave your key dear, I had to open up with a spare key after knocking for hours, I taught you were home, I found it on your dresser, here you go", Mrs Dave says as she stretches the envelope containing the documents towards Joan.

Joan shakes her head as her eyes began to water, "Who gets married on jeans, they won't even let me change my outfit mom, but it's fine, it's fine, It's fine mom", she replies, swiftly collects the documents leaving it on the table.

She throws her gaze to the other side as she shuts her eye, weird wild thoughts rushing through her mind.

At that moment, she knew this was her new life, there was no backing down now.

"I'm sorry Joan, Mrs Dave apologize as she puts a hand on Joan's shoulder.

A tear drops out of Joan's eyes as she stands up holding her mom tight in a warm embrace, Mr Dave's pat her on the back.

Their affectionate moment is interrupted when the door swings open.

Men in black storming in.

Joan hurriedly wipes her face with the back of her palm as her eyes search for her groom.

And there came Damien, white skin glowing in under the bright light of the courthouse as his black hair bounces in every dominating step he took, The expensive suit complimenting his broad shoulders.

Joan's heart sank, down to her stomach, this wasn't butterflies, it was dread.

Her fist clench as the muscle in her face tightens.

"Damien?", she whispers, confused, her eyes darting in search of a miracle as she disregards the thought, "it certainly isn't Damien, I'll wait for my groom and ignore him", she murmurs.

"Good morning all", Damien greets politely taking his seat.

His men vibrantly waiting at the door.

"Let's proceed", Damien orders.

His mom entering shortly, her face tightens as she looks at Joan with scorn.

The room falls silent as Joan's mind keeps racing with thoughts.

"What is Damien doing here?, is he my groom?, did he know I was the bribe?, does he even remember me?", the questions came all at once as she struggles to breathe.

A bespectacled lawyer in polished outfit steps forward Carrying a briefcase.

"Good morning everyone", he greeted as he opens the briefcase.

"We are here today to finalize the marriage contract between Mr Damien Ivan and Miss Joan Dave", he pauses.

Joan's eyes widen in shock, "No!, No!, No!,No!, No".

"This is wrong, the..., there..., there is a mistake somewhere", Joan stammers, her eyes searching the room for her mother once more.

"What do you mean by that", Damien thunders, his brows retracting as he also finds it hard processing the news.

"You were given this contract before now, you signed it and now you act as if you never consented, how shameful of you", Damien yells, his voice laced with fury as his fist clenched.

Joan opens her mouth to speak but no word forms.

"You have only been seeking attention, right from the very first moment, who do you think you are?", Damien asks, his voice laced with anger as the muscles tightens, revealing his veins.

"How dare you?", Joan spat as she slams her clenched fist on the table, rising to her feet instantly.

"Who do you think you are?", she questioned again.

Damien closed his eyes as he tried to accommodate his rising anger.

"Where are you going?", Mrs Dave asked, confused as Joan picked up her bag and her other belongings, and was about to head out.

"Surely I'm not doing this Mom, of all persons in the world, Damien? why him?" She sobbed as she pointed at him with tears in her eyes.

Confusion enveloped everyone in the room as they exchanged glances, trying to understand the unfolding scenario.

"Joan what's wrong, you had accepted it and now you want to walk out again?", Mrs Dave asked again concern laced in her voice.

"Ask h..." Joan was about to speak, but Damien didn't let her finish, "with that, you all have witnessed this great occasion, I appreciate your presence", he paused.

"And I will say, wow!, I'm so impressed", he smiled as he continues, "here in this document, it states that the Daves have to pay millions of dollars to the Taim's before the end of the week, or give up their daughter to marry Mr.Damien,me..., you do not have a choice here as even if I sell you and Triple the amount, it still won't be enough to compensate, so let's get over with this and stop wasting my time", he stated, pointing at the area he read as he slowly lifted his head.

"No!, This is blackmail", Joan yelled again.

"It's fine, just pay up, we don't want you anyways", Mrs. Ivan cuts in, her tone stern as she rolls her eyes.

Joan's heart breaks into a million pieces as her brain processes the sharp words from her supposed mother in-law.

If Damien didn't accept her, and now his mother too, how would life look living in thier midst for the rest of her days.

"Joan my dear, it's ok if you do not want to sign it, I'll handle it my princess, Mr. Dave, Joan's father assured as he patted her on her back, his head bowed.

"No Dad, surely I would have signed it a long time ago, if only it was not with this man, get another groom, his brother if he has one, anybody, not just him, he is evil", Her voice trembled as she pleaded.

"Now I wouldn't tolerate that Miss Joan", Damien replies again after a short pause, his voice intimidating as his eyebrows contracted.

"Why shouldn't I say that, aren't you evil, how bad you treated me, now you act as if it's something I should just shrug off, if you haven't been in the shoe I was in you'll never understand, of course you cannot understand, how would you?

Taking just a second to breathe adjust her sob, she continued

"how could you, you are rich and influential and everyone wants to mingle with you, you made me suffer so much Damien, now you expect me to just..., I hate you", she yelled slamming her fist on the table once again.

"What did I do to you?", his forehead creased, his eyes slightly squinted in a puzzled expression.

This time the confusion stretched further to even Joan.

But after a pause, she continued.

"Oh my goodness! Despicable, this is shameful, you liar, how could you?", she yelled in anger, her lips pressed together in a firm thin line as her eyes widened.

"You want to tell me that you forgot about the way you had made my stay in school miserable? The way you bullied me down to me falling sick, the way you locked me up in the lab?, The way you made fun of me and always got the whole school laughing at me? The way you made them send me out of school's prom because you didn't like me around? She swallowed hard but not stopping, more tears welled in her eyes as she continued.

"The way you mocked my clothes, my looks, the posts and meme you would make about me?, surely you would forget, you weren't the one who had to hide when people passed by, you weren't the one who had to sit at the back of the class alone so that no one could see her, you weren't the one who no one ever asked how she felt or how she was coping, instead you found pleasure in making my life hell, why?..."

Her voice cracked as she spoke and her words turned shaky.

"Now you sit there expecting me to forget all this?", slowly Tears began to well up in her eyes, Mrs. Dave ran up to her, holding her tightly in a comforting embrace.

"Enough of this nonsense, Damien, Let's leave already", Mrs Ivan thundered, her face laced with disgust.

Joan tried to speak but the words were choked back by sobs as she wept on her mother's shoulders.

The hurtful memories she had buried flooded back all at once.

All the emotions she held back for years hurting once again as she broke down, tears flooding her cheeks, as if washing away the pain and anger.

"I'm sorry Joan" Damien apologized.

His expression was unreadable, and his face pale, he froze for a moment not knowing what else to say or do and for a minute you would think k he meant his apology, but his next statement contrasted deeply.

"If you are still hurting after years from this maybe you need to toughen up a bit, it's just childish memories", he tilted his head as he chuckled.

Everyone in the room exclaimed in shock, not expecting this reaction from him.

His words slapped Joan hard but Damien isn't done yet.

"It's not my problem, get over it" he sneered as he shrugged in an informal gesture.

He rose from his seat, signaling his men to follow as he took huge strides towards the exit.

Joan grabs the document, and she signs it this time.

"Here", her voice stopped Damien on his track.

Joan had signed the document.

The room was as silent as a graveyard as everyone stared in shock.

"Finally you notice how amazing I am", Damien looked up with a smirk, his handsome face glowing under the bright white lights of the courthouse, after a short pause, he finally took the document, signing his section after reading it.

The deed was done.

They were married.

The lawyer did the last signings and arranged the documents.

"Let's go", Damien ordered Joan who was still wiping tears that kept streaming down her cheeks, her eyes were puffy and red.

"Already?" She stared at him mouth agape, confusion enveloped her, but Damien doesn't reply.

He exited the room, his men following closely, while Mrs Ivan seized the opportunity to confront Joan.

"Daughter-in-law..., that's what you want right?, with all your drama you still ended signed it, after making us seem like we forced you, proud gold digger, this is shameful and pathetic, I do not accept you, so if you know what's good for you end this now or I'll make your life miserable", she thundered with scorn, exiting swiftly as Mr and Mrs Dave approached.

she gives them a fake smile as she catwalks towards the exit, her bodyguard joining her.

Joan concealed her emotions with a fake smile as she hugged her parents, his mind racing with thoughts about this new journey, what does life hold for her?

This is just the beginning.