From Debt To Destiny

ver. The last blow was given by the voice on the other

. We will have to file a lawsuit if the $32,457 r

eflecting hers. $32,457. A mound of debt that had accumulated from all the medical bi

t, had faded into memory. The smell of stale instant ramen hung heav

r mind to concentrate. Nothing would be resolved by denial. She

her graduation day. A sense of remorse accompanied the warmth that sprang in her chest. She was dr

idiculous hypothetical during a talk with her father. "Marie, what would you

. A desperate hope began to germinate in her hea

hours searching the internet, optimism and cynicism at odds. Then one classified a

Significant Recompens

th cautious hope, Marie outlined her predicament in a brief email. After pressing

t morning with the subj

and terror. This was just crazy. Wha

appropriate for the interview a blue skirt suit that belonged to her mother and practice her responses.

anhattan high-rise, her own anxiety mirrored in their glossy surface. She took a deep breath, pushed open

y styled, gave her a fleeting look before whispering, "M

se with each level. Would Mr. Kings be some kind of hide

legance. A guy sat absorbed in a file across the room. He glanced up as Marie

n an emotionless voice

into it, conscious of the sharp contrast betwee

sement," the guy said, mai

self, "but it all seems

than stoicism. "Ms. Green, in times of despair, extreme actio

at, Marie swallowed. "

d his fingers together. "I need a

almost overwhelming her. And yet here she was, imprisoned in the opulent ch

her voice hardly audible abov

. Kings. There was a glint of fatigue in his expres

.expectations. One being an heir

"Despite its dazzling appearance, this life may b

c setting. However, Marie could see the desperation in h

this...arrangement?" she enquired, r

"In public settings. Galas for charities. social gatherings. John

ivately?" Marie's vo

eyes, he caught her gaze. "Different bedrooms. lives th

ray of optimism it provided. A strong incentive for her was financial independenc

audible as she said, "A

Someone who would be able to pay off her debt, ensure her future, and

d blue eyes and disconnected haughtiness. However, Marie saw signs of desperation. He was a

ease tell me more about the expectations," she asked, her vo

f reluctant respect. He straightened in his chair, and Marie

emely clear before we go any further. This is a propo

ration. This would be a loveless marriage with no love. But sh