"She'll marry him, or we lose everything." The words weren't meant for me but they shattered everything I thought I knew.
My father's voice was steady, businesslike, as though he wasn't discussing my life but some transaction. My heart pounded in my chest. Marry who? I pressed closer, the cool wood of the door against my cheek, straining to hear the reply.
"Your daughter for the deal. That's the only way out." a deeper voice said. Cold and Final.
I couldn't just stand there anymore, listenining to them try to sell me like I was some object.
"What the hell are you guys doing?!" I barged in not giving a damn about their privacy. My voice cracked but my rage didn't. A man stood there- tall, composed, dark suit, slicked back hair, and icy blue eyes that could have pierced right through me.
"Mom, Dad, what are you guys doing? Marriage?"
"Hon-" My mom started but I cut off.
"Unless you have another daughter I don't know about?"
"Where are your manners Ella? Can't you see we have a guest?" My dad replied giving me a cold glare. I shot him with an even colder glare, letting him know I'm not afraid of him.
"I should get going, Mr Anderson" The man smiled faintly, amused at my little outburst as he walked towards the door. His eyes not leaving mine till he was no longer in sight.
"We'll talk later" My dad shouted.
I turned to my parents, my voice shaking with rage " You seriously can't do this to me"
"We have no choice." My dad snapped. "This marriage is the only thing keeping us alive"
"What?" I burst into laughter. " Seriously? The untouchable ex-mafia boss is in danger?" I said sarcastically.
"This is serious Isabella" He said, his face down in shame. "You think I want this? You think any father would willingly give his daughter out like she's nothing?"
"Then don't!" I snapped back at him.
"It's not that simple. We owe more than money, Ella. We owe blood. If I refuse him, it won't just be bankruptcy, but death too. You, your mom, Carlito....."
"Mom?" I turned to her as tears began to fall down my eyes. Her silence confirmed it-my dad has once again done it.
I left the room, wiping the tears from my eyes as the words replayed sharply in my head. I hated him. I hated him so much. My father had never been there for us , always lost in business, debts, shadows. And now, this. I just couldn't stay in that house without wanting to lash out at him, so I decided to seek refuge somewhere else.
__________________________________________
An hour later, I found myself pinned to the wall of a bathroom, Asher's bathroom. I needed to clear my head, and what better way than a makeout session. Asher wasn't my boyfriend. He was just....convenient. A familiar escape, someone who fulfilled my pleasure without asking questions.
Soft moans were released from my mouth as he caressed every part of my body, kissing me passionately yet roughly. His hands slid under my shirt, I bit my lips to hold back a moan as he pressed me against the wall. Just as he lifted me onto the bed, my phone buzzed sharply.
"Can't it wait till later" He whispered in my ears. As much as I didn't want it to end, I was desperate to see who it was. Hoping it would be my mom, calling to tell me that it was all a prank. It was Maya my best friend.
"What's up?" I answered, breathless
"Can you and Asher please come to the bar, I've been dumped!!!" She cried out, dramatic as ever, typical Maya.
"Fine.....we'll be on our way" Immediately I said those words, Asher gave me a look of disapointment. I chuckled and gave him a kiss as I reached for my clothes.
"Duty awaits us" I mouthed, making my way back to the bathroom. Maya, Asher and I have practically been friends since childhood. We were always there for each other no matter how little the situation was, breakups included.
Maya was already draped over the bartender when we arrived. Typical.
"What do we have here?" I teased. She threw her arms around me like we hadn't seen each other in years.
"Took you long enough!" she cried, then eyed Asher. "Oh my God—were you two hooking up again?"
"Maya!" Asher hissed.
She smirked. "That's not a no."
I rolled my eyes and slid onto a stool. "Three shots of vodka, please." Turning back, I asked, "So, who dumped you this time?"
Maya pouted. "Apparently, he didn't like me kissing another girl."
Asher and I burst out laughing.
"You guys are not helping!"
"Relax," I said, sipping my drink. "He wasn't your type anyway."
"But he was hot! And amazing in bed," she whined, then immediately perked up at the sight of another guy across the bar. That was Maya—chaos wrapped in glitter.
We drank. We laughed. For a while, I forgot the weight on my shoulders. Sitting there with them felt safe, almost normal.
Almost.
When Maya teased again—"Seriously, you two are like a couple already"—I forced a smile, but my stomach twisted. If she knew what deal my father had made, she wouldn't joke.
"You guys should get married already."
The words made my stomach twist, a knot forming deep inside me. I hated marriage. I hated even the thought of it.
"You're insane and clearly drunk," I muttered, pushing myself up and heading toward the door.
"Come on, would it be such a bad idea?" Maya slurred, swaying with her glass.
"See what you've caused now," Asher snapped, his voice rough with irritation.
"What!?" she shot back, stumbling to her feet, struggling to balance. "You should be thanking me. I've seen the way you look at her… you're in love."
Asher froze, his lips parting like he might argue, but no words came. Finally, he muttered, "You're crazy, Maya. Crazy."
I didn't stay to hear more. I shoved through the bar's doors, rain spilling over my skin, cold and relentless. My steps were uneven, my chest tight. My father's words echoed in my head, I was about to be sold off like property.
I barely noticed the street until blinding headlights bore down on me. Tires screeched. I froze, half an inch from being crushed.
"Ella! Are you okay?" Asher's voice rang out as he ran from the bar, Maya staggering behind him.
But I couldn't answer. I just stood there, trembling, rain dripping down my face, still choking on the thought of my freedom slipping away.
The driver's door opened. A man stepped out, each click of his shoes sharp against the wet pavement. He was in a black suit, movements composed, deliberate.
The light shifted, illuminating his face. My breath caught. Those eyes—I knew them.
It was him. Standing there in the rain like fate itself had come to collect its due-and I suddenly knew my life would never be the same again.