A Divided Heart

Marco's words stabbed me like a dagger as I looked at him. "Goodbye. For good. My chest tightened as though the weight of his suffering had come upon me, and the air felt heavy.

I trembled when his hazel eyes, which were a mix of grief and optimism, stared into mine. "Marco, it's not that easy," I said in a barely audible whisper.

"Then tell me," he said, taking a step forward. "You and I—what we have—is genuine, Isabella. Tell me how you can even entertain the idea of marrying a man you've never met.

Isn't it? I couldn't keep his eyes on me, so I turned away. It has nothing to do with reality or my desires.

This is necessary for my family. With a stronger tone now, he questioned, "Your family wants you to be miserable for the rest of your life?" Bella, that isn't love.

My cheeks began to well up with tears as his words stung. "You believe I'd like this? Do you really think that I want to abandon everything we've created together? My voice broke as I turned back to him.

However, Marco, what options do I have? What options do we have? He grabbed my hands and murmured, "You have a choice," his voice growing softer.

"We can go now. Go somewhere far from all of this and start over. I shook my head and withdrew my hand.

And abandon my loved ones to drown in debt? I can't do that . I can't!, you know. The ensuing hush was intolerable.

Marco's shoulders drooped, and he gave me a look of complete defeat that I will never forget. He whispered, "I love you, Bella." But I can't stay if you're going to wed him.

You giving yourself to someone else is something I can't see. As I watched him walk away, his shadow fading into the darkness, my heart broke.

I wanted to yell for him to wait, but I couldn't find the right words. Instead, the chilly night air bit my flesh as I stood motionless by the window.

I sobbed without control as I collapsed onto my bed when I had finally closed the window. I kept thinking about Marco's heart pounding words, and for the first time, I realized how much I was going to lose.

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The following morning, the home was silent, the typical tension looming like a brewing storm. As I got dressed and left to meet Clara, I made an effort to ignore thoughts of Marco.

She was the one who could help me make sense of this mess. At the park, Clara was already waiting for me under our favorite tree. When she saw me, she waved, but as I got closer, her grin dimmed.

She pointed to me a chair and said plainly, "You look terrible." I said, "Thanks," and fell onto the bench next to her.

"What's happening?" After a brief pause, I revealed everything: Marco's devastating visit, my mother's despair, and the proposal.

Clara listened carefully, her face switching between surprise, rage, and pity. At last, she murmured, "That's a lot." I laughed bitterly and said, "Tell me about it."

Clara, I'm at a loss for what to do. My family will be spared if I wed Alexander, but Marco will be gone forever. And if I don't... Unable to finish the statement, I drifted off.

Clara crossed her arms and leaned back. "All right, let's consider this. You love Marco, don't you? I answered without hesitation, "Of course."

Then she said at once, "Why are we even having this conversation?" My voice rising, I continued, "Because love isn't enough."

It doesn't put food on the table or pay the bills. Clara, I have to do this for my family. We'll lose everything if I don't. Clara's face softened as she breathed. "I understand. Yes, I do.

However, you also need to consider yourself. Bella, marrying someone you don't love is more than just a sacrifice.

That's sacrificing your whole life. I shook my head and started crying once more. "I have no other option." "You always have an option," Clara stated consolingly.

"The only question is if you're prepared to put up a fight for it." --- My phone rang  in my pocket as we made our way back to my place.

I  was surprised when I took it out and saw who sent it: **Alexander Presley.** When I opened the message, my heart skipped a beat. ** "I apologize for contacting you in this manner, but I think we ought to meet.Before you make decisions in regards to the proposal,there are a few things you should know.

The words blurred on the screen, and I froze in place. "What on earth would he want to tell me?" I whispered.

Clara's eyebrows sprang up as she peered over my shoulder. "The plot seems to get more complicated."

As I looked at the message, I shivered down my spine. I knew that whatever Alexander had to say could change the atmosphere of everything.