Happy Birthday to me

Mia’s pov

”You are going to get married to Xavier Leonardi.” My father said abruptly. 

My eyes widened in shock. I could not believe that I heard him correctly. I waited for him to continue but he remained silent. 

Then I took the chance to ask him, “Wasn’t Kara going to marry him?” 

“Oh no. I won’t marry him. I can’t marry a playboy like him and also only for three years? No way!” Kara said, observing her fingernails. 

“But we have to form this alliance for merging our businesses. That’s why there has to be a marriage between the two families.” My stepmother Andrea said. “…and why do you think we have invested so much into you? Because one day we can use you in a business deal.” 

I could not believe what I was hearing from my own family. My own father wanted me to exchange for a business deal. My whole life was nothing but just 

business for them like I was some non living stuff in their house. 

I swallowed hard before daring to say something in front of my father. I never answered him back. But this time I wanted to pitch for my life. 

“Dad, don’t do this to me. I never wanted to marry in a rich family. Please, I am turning 18 tomorrow and I will leave your house. I won’t be a burden on you 

anymore.” 

I pleaded in front of him but his cold expression hadn’t changed. 

“Decision for your life has been taken. You have to marry Xavier Leonardi. You don’t have any choice. We have done so much for you. In spite of this, I have 

hated you for so many years. you are that whore‟s daughter who spoiled those years of my life. I was forced to live with her against my will. Think this as a 

repayment and marry him. Don’t worry, you don’t have to live with him your whole life but only for 3 years. After 3 years the contract will be over and you are free to get a divorce.” 

My father said without any emotion. Now my faith in 

humanity has completely vanished. If my father didn’t care for my life, who would be there for me in this whole world? 

Maybe I was born with misfortune and this is my destiny.

Kara was three year older than me . She was my father’s daughter, born before me , when he was still married to my mum. He had an extra marital affair with 

Andrea that time. 

I learnt this when I grew up. My father was in love with Andrea but he was forced to marry my mother by his parents. He waited for my mother’s death and as soon as she died he didn’t wait even for a week and he married Andrea and brought her into his house with her daughter. 

“You may leave now. We will start preparation for the wedding from tomorrow onwards. You should be glad that you are going to marry into such a rich and big 

family you could ever dream of.” Andrea said with a smug smirk on her face. 

Little did she know that I never wanted to marry a rich man. Never ever in this lifetime. I had seen my mother suffer so much and died in misery. 

I returned to the kitchen and saw my plate left half eaten. My hunger has died. I looked at the wall clock. It was midnight. 

"Happy Birthday to me" I told myself as nobody was going to wish me. 

I turned eighteen. I was so happy earlier for this day that I would turn eighteen and be free from this miserable life. 

But now the hell is about to burst open and ready to engulf me. I went into my room , picked up my mothers photo frame and cuddled her onto my chest. I cried all night on my misfortune.

 ********************************** 

Xavier’s pov

I was so frustrated and upset. I went to meet my friend Matteo Romano in a club. 

“Hey Xavier.” He greeted me but got no response from me. 

“What’s wrong? Let me guess. Your father?” I scowled.

He knew me very well. “What did he do this time?” He asked again. 

“He changed the bride and wants me to marry Valerio's slut of a daughter ,Mia Valerio.” I said between gritting my teeth.

“What? I mean why? You were supposed to marry Kara Valerio , then why did they change the girl at the last moment.” He asked in concern. 

I slightly rubbed my forehead and pinched the bridge of my nose.

“I have no idea. My father literally threatened me to marry Mia valerio. My life is screwed.” I sat beside him, he patted my back. 

“Dude you have no choice. But don’t worry , you will get it over. Cheer up and have fun . I have a surprise for you.” He said, winking at me. 

“Come with me.” He said, tugging my hand and pulling me up to stand. 

A few minutes later we were standing in front of a penthouse which I guessed he booked. He knocked on the door and a girl opened the door. She was wearing a sexy black short dress. But my mood was too gloomy to feel anything. 

I looked at him in annoyance. Leaning over my shoulder he whispered. “Have fun. I booked her for you . She is yours all night.” He winked at her and left 

me alone with her. 

I looked at the girl and she smiled seductively, biting her lips and gesturing to me to come inside. I took a deep breath not sure where to go. 

I looked at Matteo’s retracting back and decided against my sanity to have fun for the last time, maybe. Because my life was going to turn into a hell after a week.