The Billionaire's Forced pawn

"Kelvin, for the last time, leave that fan alone!" As I saw my younger brother toil With the exposed wires of the ancient standing fan, I lost my temper and let it all out.

A sneer twisted his lips as he jerked. "Calm down, Bella. I'm trying to fix it. Unless you're able to afford a replacement."

The words formed but would not come out of my mouth, so I bit my lip. I obviously didn't have any money, neither for a fan nor for anything else.

I whispered, "Just don't kill yourself trying," as I returned my attention to the soup pot that was boiling on the stove. The veggies floated in the thin soup, which had more water than flavor.

Absently, my thoughts wandering, I stirred it. I had not pictured this as my life. Nights spent worrying over debts that would not go away, days spent stretching every naira.

And the burden of being the oldest-the one who is supposed to improve things was always there in the back of my mind. "Do you think we'll ever get out of this?" The silence was broken by Kelvin's voice, which was softer this time. I didn't respond right away.

I didn't want to acknowledge the fact. Even I didn't believe it when I eventually said, "We'll find a way." With a mocking tone, Kelvin snorted. "Yes. Perhaps you'll wed a wealthy man and keep us all safe.

I tightened my hold on the ladle. "Don't joke about that." "Why not? Everyone expects it from you, don't they? I gave him a fierce look, but before I could respond, footsteps echoed throughout the little house.

With a tired expression on her face, my mother emerged from the doorway. "Dinner ready yet?" "Almost," I said as I returned my attention to the stove. --- I sneaked out of the house later that evening after the younger children had gone to sleep and the plates had been cleaned.

As I walked to the park, my feet moving automatically, the humid night air stuck to my skin. Marco was already there, holding his sketchpad while sitting on our regular bench.

As I got closer, he looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "You're late," he teasingly said. I responded, "Blame my siblings," and fell down on the bench next to him.

"They've been driving me crazy all day." He laughed and put down the sketchpad. "What's new?" We sat in pleasant quietude for a while, with the sounds of distant traffic and crickets filling the air.

The weight of reality didn't feel as heavy in this park, which had turned become our haven. "How's the mural coming along?" I pointed to the sketchpad as I asked.

Marco's face brightened. "Almost finished. Even holding an unveiling ceremony is something they are considering. "That's amazing," I murmured, grinning in spite of myself.

Marco's work served as his lifeline and a means of bringing order out of the chaos. His eyes landed on me as he leaned back. "How about you? How are things doing at home? "Same as always," I said in a dull voice.

"A mess." Warm and steady, Marco stretched for my hand. "Bella, you underestimate your strength. Do not allow them to shatter you. I shook my head and withdrew my hand.

"Marco, it's not about strength. It's a matter of survival. He started to argue, but I interrupted him. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." He nodded, though his jaw tensed.

"Okay." --- When I arrived home, the house was quiet and dark. Careful not to wake anyone, I crept to my room and fell upon my bed. My thoughts were racing as I lay there looking at the damaged ceiling.

I reflected on Marco, his grin, and how he helped me to see that the world wasn't all that bad. However, I also remembered my mother, her tired eyes, and all of the sacrifices she had made. Something had to give.

I rolled over and tried to close my eyes, but I couldn't fall asleep. The night dragged on, oppressive and oppressive.

I was about to fall asleep when I was startled awake by the sound of a car approaching from outside. I stood up and walked to the window, frowning.

In front of our house was a sleek black automobile with headlights that pierced the night. A man with a tall, dominating shape emerged when the door opened.

As he turned toward the house, his features lit by the dim streetlight, my breath seized in my throat. I knew right away that he was Alexander Presley, the son of one of Ughelli City's richest men. He was also making his way to my front door!.

"Isabella!!" My mother's loud voice startled me out of my calmness at the window. She was already running to the door when I turned around, her thin nightgown fluttering as she did so.

Still, the dark automobile outside appeared strange and disturbing in the low light. I barely had time to get up before a loud knock echoed through the quiet house.

My mother looked back at me with a mixture of fear and excitement. She added, her voice wavering, "Go wake your siblings." "Why? With my heart thumping fiercely, I murmured, "It's the middle of the night." "Bella, just go.

She was already struggling with the door lock when she begged, "Please." Despite my reluctance, I followed instructions and went to the tiny room where Kelvin and the smaller children were sleeping.

As Kelvin murmured, I pressed a finger to my lips and startled him up. "Wake up". There's someone at the door.

He sat up and muttered, "At this hour?" I nodded, but I didn't stay to elaborate. Curiosity pulled me back to the main room, where Alexander Presley stood on our shabby rug and the door was now open.

He appeared even more formidable up close, towering, broad-shouldered, and elegantly clothed in a suit that most likely cost more than our whole house!.

His gaze swept across the room, briefly settling on me before shifting to my mother. His voice was smooth and calm as he began, "Mrs. Udo, I apologize for the late visit, but this is an urgent matter."

My mother nodded quickly, obviously uneasy. Mr. Presley. Have a seat, please. He shook his head politely, looking at the old-fashioned chairs in the corner.

"This won't take long." I was trapped to the spot and watched as he brought out a sealed packet from within his jacket.

My mother accepted it with trembling hands after he showed it to her. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she said, "What is this?" "A proposal," he said plainly, returning his attention to me.

I gasped. "A proposal for what?" Before I could stop myself, I blurted out. Despite his unwavering mood, Alexander's gaze remained fixed on mine as he murmured, "Marriage."

The word hung thick and terrible in the air like a bomb. With a breath , my mother clutched the package. "Wedding? To whom? "To me," Alexander said in a cool, collected voice that sounded as if he were talking about the weather.

The floor leaned under my feet. This must have been a joke. Alexander stated, "My family has... observed yours for some time," disregarding my startled silence.

"We think both parties would gain from this union. My dad has given his approval. My mother grabbed my arm as her eyes grew big. "Have you heard that, Isabella? This might completely change our situation!.

I took a step back and shook my head. "I don't understand. Why me? Why us? Alexander's expression stayed fair, but his gaze softened a little.

"Because you are the kind of woman my family values-strong, resilient, and dedicated to your loved ones." My mother tightened her grip on my arm. Isabella, this is a blessing.

Do you know what this means for us, do you know? For the others, including Kelvin? We might at last live a better life.

She said something that cut me like a dagger. I looked at Kelvin, who was standing in the doorway now, his drowsy face confused.

I felt the burden of my family's struggles pressing down on me more than before. As I said, "I need time to think," my voice trembled. Alexander gave a nod.

"Obviously. Decide this night. However, keep in mind that this offer is only available for a limited period of time.

With his shining shoes clicking on the floor, he turned and left, vanishing into the night. My mind was racing with dismay as I stood there with the envelope still in my mother's hands.

--- My mother later called me aside when the house was quiet once more. I hadn't seen such hope in years, yet it was shining brightly on her face.

"Do you understand what this means, Isabella? We will no longer have to fight. No more debts and no more sleepless nights spent worrying about rent or food."

"But at what cost?" With my chest stiff, I muttered. She put a hand on my cheek, her expression kind but begging.

"We occasionally have to give up something for the people we care about. Bella, you are our only hope. Long after she left, her words continued to haunt me.

I woke up and gazed at the envelope that was now resting on the small table close to my bed. It only took a signature to unlock the possibility of a so called "BETTER LIFE".

But losing everything I cared about was equally painful. --- The door creaked open as the light started to come on, and Kelvin entered. His face was dull as he looked at me.

"You should know," he added warily, " last night I met Marco. He's heading out of town. "I don't want to get in your way," he said. I felt like I was being punched in the stomach by his words.

"What?!" Kelvin nodded, sorrow in his eyes. "He said if this is what you have to do, he won't stop you." With my heart pounding, I hurried out of bed. Marco can't leave at this time....

Not right now. Not in this manner. I ignored my mother's startled voice behind me as I quickly picked up my shoes and rushed to the door.

My breath came in quick gasps as I ran through the quiet streets. I needed to find him. before it was too late.

I ran through the quiet streets in the chilly morning air, my heart pounding more forcefully with each step.

Soft pink and orange streaks painted the sky as the sun barely rose, but it made little difference. Marco was all I could think of.

Why hadn't he informed me of his departure? Marco worked in the little shade by the park, which I spotted when I turned the corner. I saw the door slightly open, and my chest narrowed.

In order to gather my breath, I slowed down and took a quick look inside. There he was, stuffing his paintbrushes into a shabby bag.

Even though he hadn't seen me, I could sense the tension in the room. I said, "Marco," with a breaking voice.

His shoulders hardened as he froze. He turned slowly toward me. Normally warm and alive, his eyes were now wary.

"Why didn't you tell me?" As I entered, I inquired. With a sigh, Marco combed through his untidy hair. "Bella, what's the point? Now your path is clear.

I don't need to ruin it for you." My eyes were watering, but I blinked them away. "You believe I want this? To wed a man I've never met? to abandon everything we've ever dreamed of?" He said, "You have a choice," in a quiet voice.

"You can say no." I gave a headshake. "Marco, it's not that easy. You have no idea how much this affects my family.

He moved in closer, looking into my eyes. "How about you? Bella, what about your dreams? Aren't you important? I was silent for a while.

The weight of his words hung heavily. However, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the shade before I could respond.

Marco stiffened, looking quickly toward the door. "Who's that?" I said, "I don't know," as panic began to seep into my chest.

The door squeaked open, revealing Kelvin's face. His attitude was incomprehensible as he looked at us.

His voice was soft as he replied, "Mom sent me to find you," "She says Mr. Presley is coming back this afternoon to discuss the proposal."

-------------------------

Tension hung heavy in the air back at the house. My mom was rushing around, cleaning already-spotless surfaces and arranging furniture. She called, "Isabella," in a sharp voice.

"Go change into something nice. We must leave a positive impression. Still in shock from my discussion with Marco, I stood by the entrance.

"Do we really have to do this?" With fiery eyes, my mother turned to face me. "Yes, we do. Do you think I wanted all this? To give up your freedom? But what other choices do we have though? Isabella, the debts are ruining us!.

If we don't pay them as soon as possible, they'll take the house." Her remarks were like a kick to the stomach.

Actually, I had thought of this day. I simply didn't think it would feel so oppressive. --- My mother was nearly trembling with anxiety, and the house was spotless by the time Alexander arrived that afternoon.

While my younger siblings peered out from the corridor, their curiosity scarcely restrained, Kelvin sat in the corner, his face fixed in a frown.

Alexander entered with the same composed assurance as the previous day, but he was accompanied by an older man who was wearing a pricey suit and had sharp features.

"This is my father, Mr. Presley," Alexander acknowledged, pointing to the guy at his side. An uneasy smile came to my mother's face. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."

With a stern nod, Mr. Presley looked around the room before focusing on me. "Let's get straight to the point," he said in a serious and icy tone. "This union is a commercial partnership.

Your family needs financial stability, and my son needs a good woman to keep up appearances. It's easy."

As he went on, my stomach turned. "If Isabella agrees to this marriage, we will clear all your debts, provide a monthly allowance for your family, and ensure you live comfortably."

"And what's the catch?" My mother gave Kelvin a harsh look when he blurted out. A small smile tugged Mr. Presley's lips. Isabella will be a member of this family, which is the catch, as you say.

She will live like a Presley, attend our events, and abide by our standards. Personal desires and rebellion will not be tolerated.

The walls seemed to be closing in on me. This was a pact, not just a marriage. A jail. "And if I refuse?" I barely whispered the question.

Mr. Presley's face grew strict. "We will then revoke our offer. However, I don't think you'll make it through the fallout from your indebtedness." The ensuing silence was oppressive.

Desperation clouded my mother's eyes as she looked at me. Softly, "Isabella, please," she said. I looked at my younger siblings, who were looking around the corner with wide, scared eyes, and then at Kelvin, whose jaw was settled in rage.

At last, Alexander, who had remained quiet up until now, said. "You have a choice, Isabella. Nobody will make you do anything.

Although his remarks sounded nice, it was obvious how serious they were. I inhaled deeply as my thoughts raced.

I reflected on Marco, our shared aspirations, and the life I was about to abandon. But I also thought about my family, the hungry faces of my siblings and the weary eyes of my mother.

"I need more time," I stated in a quivering voice. Despite his displeasure, Mr. Presley nodded. "Tomorrow is your deadline.

The offer is no longer open after that. The car's engine then faded into the distance as he and Alexander departed. With unsteady legs, I sat down and buried my face in my hands.

"Isabella," my mom remarked quietly as she sat next to me. "I know this isn't what you want, but sometimes we have to do things we don't like for the people we love."

I didn't respond. It was as if my heart were being split in two. --- Later that evening, I was sitting by myself in my room when a gentle rap on the window interrupted the stillness.

When I looked around, I saw Marco standing outside with the moonlight casting shadows across his face.

Silently, he said, "Can we talk?" My heart pounding, I opened the window. "What are you doing here?" "I couldn't leave without saying goodbye," he stated in a wounded voice.

"But I need to know, Bella-are you really going to marry him?" Unable to respond, I glanced at him with tears in my eyes. "Because if you are," Marco added weakly, "then this means farewell."