Chapter 4.

“You are getting married…"

Those words echoed in my head like a broken record, ringing in my ears as I stared at my father in shock. It felt like I was in a dream, a dream I wished to be woken up from. I was beyond shocked at my father’s words and even worse, he said it with so much ease like it wasn’t a big deal.

“What do you mean I’m getting married?” I queried, fighting off annoyance.

“Well, a very wealthy billionaire came for your hand in marriage and I couldn’t refuse,” he answered, focused on the files he was working on.

“I mean, the offer was a hearty one," he looked up long enough to shoot me an irritating grin, "so technically, you are betrothed to him. Your opinions are not needed as you would be going on a dinner date with him tomorrow. Get to know him before the wedding preparation begins,” he said with a wide smile.

“But dad I do not want to get married to anyone yet!” I cried out, tears pricking at the corner of my eyes.

“I said your opinions are not needed, you are getting married and that is final.”

“Who is he?" I demanded, "I deserve to know who he is. You can't just marry me off to some wealthy stranger. Who is this wealthy billionaire, what is his name?” I asked, curious to know who he was.

“Lucas Shaul.”    

“What!” I exclaimed. I staggered back, my mouth wide open from shock.

“Yeah, I know right, I was shocked myself. Lucas Shaul asking for your hand in marriage? Miracles do happen in this life,” he shook his head, relaxing in his seat and fixing his hard gaze on me.

“I mean, he is Lucas Shaul, many ladies fall at his feet… but, oh well, it’s good he chose you, at least I have gotten rid of you as well,” he said, packing up some paper work.

He stretched then picked up the files, rose, and made to leave. I stood in front of him, shocked at everything he said. I just couldn’t digest the information. Lucas Shaul wants to marry me!

Lucas Shaul is a ruthless and fearless man. Rumors have it that he is very handsome but cruel. He is a very wealthy business man, known all over the state, and his company has several branches in and outside the states.

Only a few knew him as he had not yet taken over his father’s company but his name was rumored about, press and media were paid off to not reveal his identity until further notice and it has been like that for over a year. Everyone knew his name. He was the son of Wilkerson Shaul, a prominent businessman, and the owner of the Shaul Enterprise.

Some rumored him to be good while others said he was cruel, but wealthy men are never kind at heart. Everything they do is for a purpose. My father is the perfect example. He is glad he has finally gotten rid of me and my mum.

What hatred burns in my heart for men. Despicable humans they were.

"Dad, Lucas Shaul?" I asked in utter disbelief.

"Yes, is anything the problem?" He asked impatiently.

"Dad, you don't even know him! You can't just sell me out like that!"

"Yes, I can, exactly why I'm your father. Now, move."

"Dad, don't you have a heart!" I cried, "he is known to be ruthless, cruel! What if he turns out to be a monster just like you! What if he is s rapist or abuses women! What if he turns me into some… I don't know! Dad, don't you care!" Tears streamed down my face as I looked into his cold eyes.

"I care, Adrianna," he sighed, glancing away. My heart jumped, ecstatic.

"I care about my money and my social status,"

My heart dropped.

"I care about anything that makes me happy and rich and if that includes selling my daughter out, I don't mind. You should be glad he is s successful heir and you'll live in comfort. As far as I can see, you don't appreciate the things I do for you, for this family, your cursed mother too. Now, out of my way." He glared at me.

I matched his glare with one of my own. Anger rose in my veins and I was tempted to reach out and snap his neck.

“I refuse to be in an arranged marriage,” I said, clenching my hands into fists.

“And I refuse to listen to your tantrums," he replied coldly, eyeing me up, "you will marry Lucas and that is final.”

“Yeah he would marry my dead body instead,” I shot back, glaring at my dad.

“What do you mean by that Adrianna?” my dad seethed as he gave me a cold stare.

“I mean that I would commit suicide before getting married to that cruel man,” I threatened, giving an empty threat, hoping I still had a dad that cared beneath the whole façade but I was wrong.

“You and I know you can never do such. Who then would take care of your mother?” he said chuckling.

“If you do carry out your plan and that woman pesters my life I would send her to you and then you two can merry around in the land of the dead.”

“Now do not pester me, get out of my office and get ready for your dinner tomorrow. Your dress would be sent to you,” he said dismissing me.

I stormed out of his office, my face cast down. Tears streamed down my face. I wasn’t ready for marriage, I didn’t want an arranged marriage, and I didn’t want to be forced to marry someone I didn't know or didn't love. My dad doesn’t even care how I feel about it, he even threatened mum’s life, I can’t believe he never had love for her even one bit.

I entered my room shutting the door, Inhaling deeply I fell unto my bed screaming.

“Why me?"