05

Andrew's POV

The house is too quiet, even the birds outside seem to have gone on a holiday.

Sunlight spill through the living room windows, casting long golden streaks across the floor. 

I sit at the center of it all, smoothing my sweaty hands over my trousers for what must’ve been the fifth time. 

My heart is thudding like a war drum in my chest.

I have been to the Blackwood estate more times than I can count.

Driven Charles Blackwood to meetings, waited outside while he sealed deals a million worth more than I’d make in a lifetime. 

But today… today I am not a driver, I am a father and I'm about to make the most difficult decision of my life.

The black car roll to a stop in front of the estate. 

I step out with legs heavier than they use to be and walk through the towering doors. 

The butler lead me to the grand study, and there he is, Charles Blackwood, seated behind that monstrous desk like a king on his throne.

“Relax, Andrew,” he starts in a tone that made him sound like he has the world in his back pocket.

He gesture to a leather armchair across from him. “Sit down and let’s talk like friends.”

Friends? 

I hesitate then lower myself into the chair. 

It is too soft, too luxurious.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, though it come out tight.

Charles wave a hand, leaning back with that effortless confidence. 

“No need to thank me. After all the years you’ve driven me, kept everything running like clockwork, this is the least I can do. You’ve been loyal, Andrew and loyalty deserves a reward.”

I nod, unsure if I should feel honored or ashamed.

His words are kind, but the weight they carry is just too heavy.

“I assume you’ve thought about my proposal,” he says, his sharp green eyes locking onto mine. “This is a big opportunity…not just for you, but for your daughter too.”

I shift, and my eyes drop to my hands.

“It’s… a lot to think about. Sophia’s so young, she has dreams. This is a big step. I don’t want her to feel like she’s being forced into something.”

Charles lean forward, “And she won’t be. This isn’t about forcing anyone. This is about securing her future. Imagine your family not having to worry about money, medical bills, or the house falling apart. She can follow her dreams without being crushed by life’s weight.”

His tone soften, but the authority never leave his voice.

“Ethan needs stability. Sophia can give him that. And in return, your family will get a level of security you’ve never had before.”

I look up with furrowed brows. “I just don’t want her to be unhappy. Money doesn’t buy happiness.”

“No,” he said smoothly, “but it gives options. And that’s something most people don’t have. I understand your concerns as a father, truly. But this is a partnership—one that benefits everyone.”

I let out a sigh, swallowing the guilt rising like bile in my throat. 

God knows how much I want to protect her. 

But the bills are piling up, the house need repairs we can't afford.

My wife's health is failing, and the future is a dark, uncertain road.

“I need your word,” I say, voice firmer now. “If I agree… you’ll take care of her…she would be respected. She should not have any reason to cry.”

 “You have my word. Sophia will have every opportunity she asks for. She’ll never need anything.” Charles say with a faint smile.

I sit there, the silence between us last for what seem like an hour.

 “Alright,” my voice come out, barely above a whisper. “I’ll talk to her. But… I agree.”

Charles’s smile widen.

He open a drawer and pull out a leather folder, placing it on the desk with a soft thud.

“Good,now I want you to sign this document of agreement.”

My hand tremble as I reach for the pen. 

Am I really doing this? 

Am I selling my own daughter?

No. No, I tell myself.

I'm not selling her,I am giving her a future. 

A chance. 

A life without struggle.

I sign.

Charles slide an envelope across the desk. 

I stare at it for a moment before picking it up. 

It is heavier than I expect. 

I don't need to open it. I already know—it is more money than I have ever seen.

“Thank you,” I say, though the words feels like lead in my mouth.

“No,” Charles answer, rising and extending his hand. 

“Thank you, Andrew. And I want to assure you… this is the start of something extraordinary.”

I stand and shake his hand.

Then I turn and walk out with the envelope tuck under my arm.

The car ride home is a blur. 

My thoughts wss a storm of doubt and justification, guilt and resolve. 

I keep telling myself this was for the best. 

For Sophia. 

For Lisa. 

For all of us.

But deep down, something twists in my chest.

When I step into the house, Sophia and Lisa were at the kitchen table, playing cards. 

They look up as I enter, their laughter fading when they saw my face.

“What happened?” Lisa ask, her eyes narrowing.

I hesitate, glancing down at the envelope, then back at Sophia.

“We need to talk, Soph.”