ook at me with anger. I sit back down, staring at Dad in horror. How can they do this to me? They are well aware of Luis's abusive

on his lips as if pleased with the unfolding events. As my mother spe

rised?" She chides gently. "You knew th

, but I can tell she is rest

mitten with him since childhood. Do you not recall how he always followed yo

my astonishment, as she fabricates l

to this arrangement, you assented with such joy. Why this reaction no

heard their question amidst everyone's scrutinising star

you've missed him. Ever since she returned from school, she's been incessantly inquiring about h

her asked if Luis was the love of her life,

d asked me so earnestly twice, to which I

mother concludes, attempting to s

myself to my fate. That's the consequence of not

o be very happy with the love of your li

lls on Luis, who wears an angelic smile while graciously accepting everyone's good wishes. He occasionally takes my hand

d when you confessed your love for me, I've waited for you all these years. Because I, too, have loved you all my life, and I

lause, he slips the ring onto my finger. He nev

at my elated parents and resigned myself to my fate. Sinking into the chair, my hand remained in Luis'

they were or how they treated me. After another hour of torment, during which I learned that my engagement would save my

they do

ere subjecting me to this. I refrained, hearing my mother e

, I dash downstairs and lock myself in my room. I don't want to see or speak to anyone; I cry inconsolably. I co

That's why Dad asked me so earnestly, and I, foolish

oesn't he seek assistance from my grandfather instea

he engagement? No, surely he won't; he must have conspired with Mum on

sleep. I recall the previous night. How fervently

t the engagement ring on my finger and sigh; I'm trapped, with n

'll help Dad out of this predicament, but only for three year

precise. Well then, I will endure that time to be free and thus I will not owe them anything;

y are. My breasts are somewhat prominent, which is why I opt for loose-fitting blouses. I always keep my hair tied back in a ponytail; it's da

ntrary, I find myself unattractive, which is why I conceal my figure with baggy clothes and hide

ather-a late-model red Ferrari. Despite my protests about its ostentation, whic

ive on time. I don't have any friends; I always sit alone at the back table,

see Luis smiling at everyone, displaying great affection for me which I knew he did

n't muster a happy smile. Quite the contrary, it felt as though I was bei

ession. I don't like you. I'm doing t

the potential for a mutually beneficial arrangement. 'Perha

ou mean?"

both win. You'll have your freedom, and I'll have my inheritance. We'll be married for three years, each playing our part. We must pretend to be i

that's it," I responded, my voice tinged with relief, feeling as though a great weight

Right now, you can't have any sort of relationshi

e fine. And y

nd I'll sleep with whomever I wa

creet, so our parents don't get suspicious. Another thing-you won't touch me! You can h

teach you many t

at's my only condition! If you don't accept, I won't accept your terms either. I'll tell my gra

im to understand that even though my fa

one's noses. Don't forget, I am of legal age; I am not obliged to obey anyone. I comply only to prevent my father from being shamed. Do you understan

r grandfather! So don't worry. And I don't take kindly to threats, Bella; you should learn what your f

help you lead your wild life and maintain appearances. As long as you treat me with respect, we

mosity I'd harboured towards him since childhood or the desperation of being coerced into m