My breath hitched. My step-brother did what? Did he give me to this man? This was insane! "I-I don't understand?" I lowered my gaze while trying to comprehend what he just said. Suddenly, a thought came to my mind and I lifted my gaze to look at him. "But can't you make me your maid? I'll work hard and pay back what he owes you," I suggested. I desperately wanted to have the reins over my body again. He was quiet this time. His eyes were void of any emotion as the silence grew between us. Soon his voice sliced the air. "Baby girl, if I wanted a maid, I could simply get one. The only thing I need is a wife," his words only dissipated the little hope I had of escaping.
Chapter 1 Contract Marriage
Ava's POV
My breath caught in my throat and my pulse quickened. The numbness in my limbs contrasted sharply with the ache in my chest, which intensified with every deep breath. Fighting back tears, I gritted my teeth.
Don't cry. Don't cry, I silently pleaded.
My gaze fell upon my parents' lifeless forms, their faces now pale and still. Memories of their warm smiles and laughter seemed distant, overshadowed by the harsh reality before me.
A sob threatened to escape, but I pressed my lips together, stifling the sound. The sympathetic gazes surrounding me heightened my anguish.
"Deep breaths," I whispered, attempting to calm myself.
A cold hand touched my shoulder from behind, making me jerk. I forced myself to relax, turning to face the person beside me. Our eyes met, and I instantly regretted it.
Her expression was etched with concern – brows drawn together, lips curved into a small, sympathetic smile. Yet, it was her sad eyes that pierced me, filled with genuine pity.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," she said softly.
It took everything in me not to pull back from her. I promised myself not to cry today, especially in public. Although my eyes were already swollen and red due to how I'd cried after the news of my parents passing.
"Everything would be fine," she added when she realized how pale and immobile I became.
Her words echoed in my ears and despite the pain shooting through me like knives piercing my insides, I still fought the urge to snort at her words.
Nothing was going to be fine. Hell, nothing was ever fine after my parents fell into a coma. My life was never the same, from the tragic news of the accident, to the maltreatment I was subjected to by my own brother.
I swallowed painfully, managing a strained smile. "Thank you."
She nodded and departed, leaving me relieved.
The whispers around me continued: "The poor girl... She must be devastated and broken." Their words fueled my desire to escape.
I scanned the crowded place – business partners, not family. My brother's absence was noticeable, but not surprising.
Their words, their sympathy, their gaze... I needed to get away from here as fast as my legs could take me. My eyes stung with tears and the numbness on my limbs was spreading faster. With one last look at my parents, I pushed through the crowd and rushed out of the burial ground. Guilt washed over me as the chauffeur drove us back to the mansion.
My legs carried me swiftly through the foyer, yearning for solace in my room.
"We need to talk," Carlos's firm voice halted my retreat.
I turned, my raised brow creasing into a deep frown. My brother–Carlos sat in the living room with his wife–Claudia beside him, her red lips curled into a smug smile. The family lawyer, Mr. Anderson, sat across from them.
"What is he doing here?" My voice trembled because I already knew the answer.
Carlos's expression remained cold. "To read the will. Come here; don't waste more time. Mr. Anderson has an emergency."
Was this why he skipped our parents' burial? Was he that desperate to claim the inheritance? Despite our distant relationship, I never knew him to be so money-driven, cold-hearted, cunning, and heartless.
I made my way to the seat across from them, my legs heavy with dread. I didn't have the strength for drama today.
"Mr. Anderson, please continue," Carlos urged, his gaze filled with disdain.
The lawyer cleared his throat. "According to Mr. Lewiston's will... NovaTech, the estate, mansion, and hotel belong to Mr. Carlos Lewiston." He read with sweat beading his hairline but that wasn't compared to how I felt.
My heart pounded painfully as my insides twisted in agony. How could my parents leave me with nothing?
"But," Mr. Anderson paused, his eyes locked on the will, "Mr. Carlos can share with his sister, Miss Ava, if it pleases him."
That single word sparked hope, but it vanished with the lawyer's next words.
The dread in my stomach intensified. My nails dug into my thighs, seeking physical pain to counter the emotional anguish.
The lawyer concluded, "That is all. Please excuse me," and hastily departed.
I was left alone with Carlos and his wife, their piercing eyes seeming to revel in my despair.
"I'm glad we finally know our place," Carlos said, his voice dripping with malice.
I jolted back, fear mixing with disappointment.
"Speaking of which, prepare to depart for your husband's house in a few hours," Carlos continued, his voice venomous.
My eyes widened in shock. "W-what did you just say?" My voice trembled.
Claudia intervened, her expression disdainful. "We're giving you a chance to leave this house. You've always wanted to escape, haven't you? We've arranged a contract marriage, providing you with a roof and a new family."
My head reeled, anger coloring my cheeks. My fists curled, and I glared at them. Unable to contain the anger swirling inside of me, I stood up to my feet furiously.
"How dare you?! Who gave you the right to decide my life?" I demanded, my voice trembling with rage.
Carlos's face darkened. "Watch your language and tone, or I swear to God, I'll rip your throat out myself!"
A staring competition ensued, but I noticed Claudia's shock and lingering smirk from the corner of my eye.
"I am your elder brother, and I decide what's best for you. You don't have the right to question me, do you understand?" Carlos growled.
I snorted, disgust and anger etched on my face. "You're not fit to call yourself my elder brother. Not after what you did to me, and what you're still doing. I'm not a rag doll for you to control. I have feelings too, and your actions are never in my best interest."
Carlos's laughter sent chills down my spine. "How delusional. You think you finally have the guts."
His eyes darkened, voice hardening. "Listen carefully, Ava. Pack your things and leave this house within two hours. Don't make me repeat myself, or you'll regret it."
I pressed my lips together, fighting back tears. Feeling vulnerable and unwanted, I whispered, "Perhaps I should've died along with Mum and Dad."
Claudia's snarl cut through me. "Even better."
My heart clenched. "I'm done bending to your will, Carlos," I declared through clenched teeth, my voice firm.
I turned and walked out of the living room, tears streaming down my face.
"Ava!" Carlos yelled from behind, but I kept walking.
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