Chapter 00002

Josh (Mia's father) point of view

My wife demanded that I borrow money from Bryan, my boss. Rukky needed money to deal with a serious situation she had gotten herself into, and my wife encouraged me to take out a loan.

And now he wants any one of my daughters in exchange for his money. Well, I won't mind handing him Mia in exchange for my dear life.

After all, she's doing nothing in my house except cursing issues. I'm sure my house will be wonderfully tranquil after she departs.

The cab driver stopped at my house, and I paid him before heading inside.

"Where is Mia?" I questioned as soon as my wife Linda opened the door. I didn't have much time to spare to avert Lord Bryan's wrath.

His rage is horrible and hardly worth writing about.

"Won't you get inside your house, before thinking of asking about that wretched girl?"She gritted her teeth with spite. I completely understand my wife.

She must be astonished by my sudden inquiry regarding Mia. Before today, I would never do it.

After all, I had Rukky to care for.

“Oh, Linda! Linda, you will not grasp what is happening. My life was almost destroyed."I grumbled as I sat down in the worn-out two-seater coach that serves as my living room.

"Then spill it out." "I'm very curious already," she said, peering at me.

"You know, the money I borrowed from my boss to sort out that issue Rukky had back then, you know the loan has been due for pay back for months now." I began talking to her, attempting to remind her of why we had taken out a loan from Lord Bryan in the first place.

"Yes, I understand. Of course, I wouldn't forget something so vital. So what's his issue with it? Can't he wait until his money arrives and we pay him off?"She enquired casually.

"Oh, Really? Do you honestly believe he wasn't going to ask for his money? Come on, Linda, it is impossible. After all, it was a loan, and we were expected to repay it.” I muttered, trying not to get irritated at her casual demeanor.

"So? We don't have the money right now; what do you have in mind? What are we supposed to do merely to pay him off? Should we sell ourselves merely to settle with the so-called Lord Bryan?"She asked cynically, and I scoffed loudly.

What exactly is wrong with this woman? I tried to control my nerves before responding to avoid a heated argument.

"He's not interested in what I'm proposing or your foolish snarky questions. Rather, he wants one of my kids in exchange for his money," I said quietly, hoping no one would overhear us.

I observed how her jaw dropped open in wonder. "What? Whose daughter are you planning to give him? You better get this into your brain, Josh; my daughter isn't going with you!" She yelled without letting me tell her who I had already picked.

Wow, this woman is very theatrical!

"Could you please remain calm and let me tell you who I have chosen? If you must know, I will be delivering Mia to him.” I spoke, and I could see a smile spread across her face.

"Really?? Then that's wonderful news," she smiled, and I gave her a quick glance before returning my attention to the floor.

"She'd be out of our lives forever, Josh," she said, and I just palmed my brow in thinking.

"I'm really worried, Linda."I couldn't help but express my worries.

"Huh, why?" She enquired, probably astonished. Because she knows I don't care for Mia.

"I am scared about Bryan, Linda. He acts like a devil, killing without hesitation. Mia is not like that. Linda, she is still an innocent child. How will she cope with him? With a heartless monster?"I poured out my concerns.

Linda's look, however, indicated that she cared less about it.

"Stop it, Josh. What's your problem? She'll deal with him! That should not be your problem. You've already committed to it, so there's no going back.”

"Unless you want to lose your life just to save hers," she said sharply, and I moaned in despair, knowing I wasn't going to die just yet.

"Where is she? I have to take her to him before he gets angry," I said, scanning the house from my seated position.

"Oh, I chased her out of the house because she burned Rukky's beautiful gown.The one you purchased for her last week. But, I'm sure she'd return soon because she has nowhere else to go..." The quiet knock on the door halted her words.

"I'm sure that's her," she said before approaching the door and pulling it open.

I was also hoping that it was her.

"Mom, I apologise for burning Rukky's robe. Although I didn't do it," I heard Mia's pleas and hurriedly approached them.

"Just come in and get freshened up. I said, "You're going out with me," and she went in, smiling broadly, while Linda scoffed.

"Where are we going, dad?" She asked, and I looked at her, forcing her to shut her mouth.

Linda shouted at her, "Go get ready and stop asking stupid questions!" She scurried away.

*

*

"Dad, i'm ready" We turned on hearing her voice, and I cross-checked her clothes from head to toe, nodding in satisfaction.

Her clothing isn't particularly nice, but this one looks nicer.

"You look like someone better right now," Linda replied mockingly.

“Let's go! There's no more time to waste," I said as I went out, and she followed behind me.

"Farewell, little fellow," Linda smiled cheerfully as she watched us board a cab.

I didn’t answer, focusing instead on what awaits us. What could I possibly say?

The cab ride was long and silent. As we neared Bryan’s Mansion, I heard Mia say beside me.

“Dad, the drive is so long. Where are we going?” she whispered, probably scared I’d yell at her.