The Proposal

"Isabella!!" My mother's loud voice startled me out of my calmness at the window. She was already running to the door when I turned around, her thin nightgown fluttering as she did so.

Still, the dark automobile outside appeared strange and disturbing in the low light. I barely had time to get up before a loud knock echoed through the quiet house.

My mother looked back at me with a mixture of fear and excitement. She added, her voice wavering, "Go wake your siblings." "Why? With my heart thumping fiercely, I murmured, "It's the middle of the night." "Bella, just go.

She was already struggling with the door lock when she begged, "Please." Despite my reluctance, I followed instructions and went to the tiny room where Kelvin and the smaller children were sleeping.

As Kelvin murmured, I pressed a finger to my lips and startled him up. "Wake up". There's someone at the door.

He sat up and muttered, "At this hour?" I nodded, but I didn't stay to elaborate. Curiosity pulled me back to the main room, where Alexander Presley stood on our shabby rug and the door was now open.

He appeared even more formidable up close, towering, broad-shouldered, and elegantly clothed in a suit that most likely cost more than our whole house!.

His gaze swept across the room, briefly settling on me before shifting to my mother. His voice was smooth and calm as he began, "Mrs. Udo, I apologize for the late visit, but this is an urgent matter."

My mother nodded quickly, obviously uneasy.  Mr. Presley. Have a seat, please. He shook his head politely, looking at the old-fashioned chairs in the corner.

"This won’t take long." I was trapped to the spot and watched as he brought out a sealed packet from within his jacket.

My mother accepted it with trembling hands after he showed it to her. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she said, "What is this?" "A proposal," he said plainly, returning his attention to me.

I gasped. "A proposal for what?" Before I could stop myself, I blurted out. Despite his unwavering mood, Alexander's gaze remained fixed on mine as he murmured, "Marriage."

The word hung thick and terrible in the air like a bomb. With a breath , my mother clutched the package. "Wedding? To whom? "To me," Alexander said in a cool, collected voice that sounded as if he were talking about the weather.

The floor leaned under my feet. This must have been a joke. Alexander stated, "My family has... observed yours for some time," disregarding my startled silence.

"We think both parties would gain from this union. My dad has given his approval. My mother grabbed my arm as her eyes grew big. "Have you heard that, Isabella? This might completely change our situation!.

I took a step back and shook my head. "I don't understand. Why me? Why us? Alexander's expression stayed fair, but his gaze softened a little.

"Because you are the kind of woman my family values—strong, resilient, and dedicated to your loved ones." My mother tightened her grip on my arm. Isabella, this is a blessing.

Do you know what this means for us, do you know? For the others, including Kelvin? We might at last live a better life.

She said something that cut me like a dagger. I looked at Kelvin, who was standing in the doorway now, his drowsy face confused.

I felt the burden of my family's struggles pressing down on me more than before. As I said, "I need time to think," my voice trembled. Alexander gave a nod.

"Obviously. Decide this night. However, keep in mind that this offer is only available for a limited period of time.

With his shining shoes clicking on the floor, he turned and left, vanishing into the night. My mind was racing with dismay as I stood there with the envelope still in my mother's hands.

--- My mother later called me aside when the house was quiet once more. I hadn't seen such hope in years, yet it was shining brightly on her face.

"Do you understand what this means, Isabella? We will no longer have to fight. No more debts and no more sleepless nights spent worrying about rent or food."

"But at what cost?" With my chest stiff, I muttered. She put a hand on my cheek, her expression kind but begging.

"We occasionally have to give up something for the people we care about. Bella, you are our only hope. Long after she left, her words continued to haunt me.

I woke up and gazed at the envelope that was now resting on the small table close to my bed. It only took a signature to unlock the possibility of a so called "BETTER LIFE".

But losing everything I cared about was equally painful. --- The door creaked open as the light started to come on, and Kelvin entered. His face was dull as he looked at me.

"You should know," he added warily, " last night I met Marco. He's heading out of town. "I don't want to get in your way," he said. I felt like I was being punched in the stomach by his words.

"What?!" Kelvin nodded, sorrow in his eyes. "He said if this is what you have to do, he won’t stop you." With my heart pounding, I hurried out of bed. Marco can't leave at this time....

Not right now. Not in this manner. I ignored my mother's startled voice behind me as I quickly picked up my shoes and rushed to the door.

My breath came in quick gasps as I ran through the quiet streets. I needed to find him. before it was too late.