chapter two: unhappiness and reassurance

Kayla's pov

I don't know how I made it to the cafe . A lot has been going through my mind since Adrian's visit. He gavee twenty four hours to accept his terms of face fire consequences. Well, as of now, I have twenty two hours remaining to either sign off my life to watch or watch my family crumble.

Sitting at the front of the café, I look ahead and see my best friend, Clarissa. She is jogging towards me happy and bubbling as usual. One of her many traits is fixing things, but I doubt she can fix this particular one.

As she gets closer, she notices something's wrong with me.

" Gurl, you look like you had no sleep at night. What's wrong?"

Where do I even begin? How do I explain to her that I'm twenty two hours away from being a slave to a ruthless man. But I know that if there's anyone that can understand my plight, it's Rissa. Rissa and I have been friends since childhood. We've been through everything together. From the worst times to the sweetest times, we did it all together. No matter what the situation might be, there's no judgement between us.

"I...I don't know how to explain this to you", I murmur, staring at the sky absent mindedly.

" Whatever it is , just know that we can figure it out " she says, touching my hands.

"My -- my father owes Adrian a huge sum of money "

Her expression changes from sympathy to shock.

"Adrian Blackwood?" She whispers, like she doesn't want anybody to hear her say the name.

I nod

" How much exactly does your father owe him?"

" A lot." I reply quietly." So much that he can't be able to pay back, not now, not ever. He even came to my house last night."

Rissa gasps in shock. " Eh, Adrian Blackwood came to your house??? This must be serious. What did he say?"

He knows my father can't afford to pay him back so he proposed a marriage contract with him. He wants me to marry him.

Rissa's eyes widen in terror. " He what? How?

"He said it's the only way to guarantee the safety of me and my family. During that period, I'm supposed to work and pay him back. If not------" my voice gave way

"He'll kill us"

The silence that follow my words is defeaning.

" Kay, that's bad o, very bad."

"I don't know what to do Rissa. My father is the only one I have. I can't risk losing him now.

" I know, but don't tell him you're thinking of marrying him. That guy is a beast. He'll make your life a living hell."

Rissa is so right, but as it stands now , I have no other choice.

" What would you have me do. The only way I can avoid marrying him is if I pay him back now, which is impossible."

" Isn't there another way"

"That's what I'm stucked with.'

" Kay, once you sign that contract, you are his. Trust me, he won't let you off so easily "

" I know ", I murmur.

Rissa reaches out and grabs my hand. " Promise me you will come out of this alive. Promise me you will fight. It's not going to be easy but please don't give into his pressures. You have to stay strong, Kay. Don't let him see you fall or fail".

I take a deep breath, " I promise , Rissa"

" Please, let me know everything. If you need me, I'll always be here for you . You are not in this alone. I'll protect you"

I look at her softly, " I know Ris"

No matter the promises I make, I know the bitter truth. Once I sign that contract, I've willed my life and my rights to him. Adrian will have me and do to me whatever he pleases . But as promised, I'll fight and I'll definitely win. I don't know how long but I'll pull through.

With each passing minute, I'm closer to being Adrian's wife - - - slave.