Married for Revenge

This is not taking place. This isn't possible."

The big red letters of the crumpled eviction notice burned like a curse into my head as I stared at it with my shaking hands.

THE NOTICE IS OVER.

I was having trouble breathing because of the steel cage-like weight of reality pressing down on my chest. The rent is past due.

We no longer own the house, our home. I gave a harsh laugh, hollow and piercing. How did this occur?

I turned to face my father as his feeble, unsure voice pierced the stifling silence, "Emilia?"

He stood against the wooden frame of his bedroom door in the tiny passageway, his face wan and sunken.

Only a shell of the man he once was remained after the sickness claimed his life.

My heart tightened. He was observing me. His tired blue eyes, which had once been filled with assurance and warmth, were now filled only with silent regret.

"Dear, is something wrong with you, hope you are okay?"

I shoved the paper behind my back and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"No, father. Everything is good and I am fine".

It was too easy for me to tell the lie. I could see the doubt flicker over his face, yet his lips twisted into a feeble smile.

" "Will you spend some time sitting with me?"

I hesitated for a second before nodding. What might I do? The smell of medicine and a faint trace of the perfume he wore before getting sick filled the dark air of his chamber.

Unopened bills were heaped on his bedside table.

I knew what was inside them. Additional notifications. More dangers. More debts that aren't paid off.

Carefully, he slid himself onto the bed. "Recently, you've been working too much."

I made an effort to grin.

"You have to stay busy, don't you?" He let out a sigh.

"You don't have to do this alone, Emilia."

I took a deep breath.

However, I do. Since my father's breakdown three years ago, I've been carrying the burden of responsibility. I had to deal with hospital stays, prescription drugs, and past-due payments.

I had worked every shift at the café, every freelance job, and every restless night to keep us afloat.

And now? We were drowning now. I fidgeted with my sleeve's hem.

"I'll work it out." He looked at me for a while. Then he became almost reluctant in his voice.

"I have some information that I would like to discuss with you."

I felt sick to my stomach, and his speech was low and reserved.

Before I could comprehend what he had told me, there was a loud bang on the door. I lurched to my feet.

No.

My ribs were smacked by my pulse. It came too soon. They weren't expected to arrive just yet.

The knocking was louder this time. More impatient. With wobbly legs, I pushed myself to stand and made my way to the door.

"Emilia, take a breath".

I immediately take a Simple breath. The door flung open before I could even turn the knob.

A man entered wearing a dark suit. He glanced at me with cold, calculating eyes and then took a clean envelope out of his pocket.

"Miss Hart," he remarked in a silky but uncaring voice. "Your landlord has issued stringent directives."

I wrapped my fingers around the doorframe's edge. "I simply require a bit more time."