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Chapter 5 - 5. The Marriage Bargain

The morning sunlight spills through the tall windows of the mansion. The smell of polish and breakfast fills the air. I'm down on my knees, scrubbing the marble floor because one of the maids is sick and Beatrice said, "Since you live here for free, you should be useful."

The sponge squeaks under my hand. My arms ache. My heart feels even heavier than yesterday.

The memory of last night's conversation keeps echoing in my mind.

The inheritance clause.

The company was meant for her.

I close my eyes, trying to breathe but the thought won't leave.

"Miss Rose," a soft voice says behind me.

I turn to see Nora, one of the younger maids. Her face looks worried. "Madam Beatrice said to tell you your uncle wants to see you in his study."

My heart skips. "Now?"

She nods quickly. "Yes. He said immediately."

I wipe my hands on my apron and stand. "Do you know what it's about?"

Nora shakes her head. "But… Everyone looks tense. I heard Madam and Miss Samantha arguing this morning."

I nod, trying to hide the tremor in my hands. "Thank you, Nora."

As I walk down the long corridor toward the study, voices drift from inside raised, angry, sharp.

"Father, you can't be serious!" Samantha's voice slices through the air.

"I'm very serious," Albert replies, his tone low and firm. "This is a golden opportunity for our family."

"To marry me off to that man?" Samantha yells. "Do you even hear yourself? Liam Valtieri? The entire city knows what he is!"

"He's powerful," Beatrice says coldly. "And power is worth far more than rumors."

"Rumors?" Samantha scoffs. "He's a Mafia lord! People say he's cursed, he hates women, doesn't even touch them. Some say anyone who gets too close ends up…"

"Enough," Albert snaps. "The Valtieri proposal is not a request. It's an alliance. They want a wife from our family to seal the business merger. If we turn them down, we'll lose everything."

"Then lose it!" Samantha shouts. "I'm not marrying a man who could kill me in my sleep."

There's a moment of silence, heavy as stone.

Then Beatrice's voice drops to a chilling calm. "If Samantha refuses… there's always another option."

Albert's voice hardens. "Beatrice.."

"She's eighteen now," Beatrice continues. "She owes us everything. You know exactly who I mean."

I feel my stomach twist.

Samantha gasps. "Mother, you can't mean…"

"Yes," Beatrice says firmly. "Rose."

Albert exhales. "You think Liam Valtieri would accept her?"

"Why not?" Beatrice replies, her voice cold as ice. "She's quiet, obedient, and desperate to please. She'll do as she's told. And once she's married off, we can focus on managing the Carter inheritance properly."

I grip the doorframe, my pulse pounding in my ears.

"You want to marry her off to him?" Samantha spits. "He's dangerous, Mother! You're just using her because she's expendable!"

Beatrice's eyes narrow. "Lower your voice."

"No! She's just a tool to you! You don't even care what happens to her."

"She should be grateful," Beatrice snaps. "We took her in when she had nothing. If marrying Liam Valtieri saves this family, she'll do it."

Albert's voice cuts through. "Enough. Call her in."

I freeze. My heart stops.

Beatrice turns toward the door. "Rose!" she calls. "Come in!"

I swallow hard and push the door open. Three pairs of eyes turn toward me, Albert's calculating, Beatrice's sharp, and Samantha's burning with frustration.

"Uncle," I say quietly, bowing my head slightly.

"Sit," he says, motioning to the chair in front of his desk.

My legs feel weak as I obey. The room smells of cigar smoke and expensive wood polish.

Beatrice folds her arms. "You're aware that this family has done a great deal for you, aren't you, Rose?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"You've been given food, shelter, education," Albert adds. "And in return, it's time you do something for this family."

I glance between them nervously. "What… what do you mean?"

Beatrice's smile is thin. "The Valtieri family approached us. They've proposed a marriage alliance."

"A… marriage?" I whisper.

Albert nods slowly. "They wish to strengthen business ties. Their son, Liam Valtieri, needs a bride."

My breath catches. "Liam Valtieri?"

Samantha rolls her eyes. "Yes. The cold, terrifying Mafia lord you've probably heard about by now."

I stare at her, stunned. "You mean that Liam? The one everyone says.."

"That's enough," Albert cuts in sharply. "What matters is that this marriage will save our company. The Valtieris are offering a contract that will double our holdings."

Beatrice leans forward, her voice almost gentle but poisoned beneath. "They asked for Samantha at first. But she's… not interested."

Samantha scoffs. "Not interested in dying, you mean."

Beatrice ignores her and looks at me. "So, we've decided you'll take her place."

I freeze. "I…I don't understand."

Albert's eyes narrow. "You'll marry Liam Valtieri, Rose. It's not up for debate."

My throat tightens. "But I don't even know him. He's dangerous. People say.."

"People say too much," Albert snaps. "And you should remember your place. You owe this family your life. If not for me, you'd be on the streets."

Beatrice folds her arms. "This is your chance to repay your debt. Consider it a blessing."

"A blessing?" I whisper. "To marry a man who might hate me? Who might hurt me?"

Samantha's voice breaks through, softer now, almost pitying. "You don't have to do it, Rose. You can say no."

Beatrice glares at her. "If she says no, she can pack her things and leave this house immediately."

The words hit me like a slap.

My chest feels hollow. My vision blurs.

Albert's tone is final. "You'll meet Mr. Valtieri's lawyer tomorrow. The engagement will be announced soon after."

I can barely breathe. "Uncle, please, I…"

"Enough," he says, standing. "You'll do as you're told. This discussion is over."

He leaves the room with a wave of his hand, not even glancing back.

Beatrice turns to me, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Congratulations, Rose. You're about to become Mrs. Liam Valtieri. Don't forget to smile when they come tomorrow."

She and Samantha walk out, the door clicking shut behind them.

I sit there, trembling. My hands clutch the edge of the chair.

The air feels too thick to breathe.

Marry him or leave.

Those words echo again and again in my head.

I look out the window. The sky has turned gray, as if the world itself knows what's coming.

And deep inside, a strange fear grows, the kind that says this is only the beginning.

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