Emily stood frozen, in disbelief . "Marry Alexander Stone?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. It wasn't a question, it was a desperate plea for it to be a nightmare.
"You have no choice, Emily," Sophia's voice was cold. "If you want to get back to your family you will need help and I can't help you, you need to settle your debts before it's too late."
A frown etched itself onto Emily's face. "You have no idea who Alexander Stone is, or what he is capable of doing. That man is a cursed soul in this town!"
"You have twelve hours to consider my offer. Then, you know what to do," Sophia said before hanging up, leaving Emily lost in her own thoughts
After Emily ran away from home in search of a better life, things moved smoothly until one fateful day when everything she worked for was destroyed.
She wandered down the lonely road, fidgeting with her legs, reaching a dead end where a group of men were gathered, drinking and smoking.
"Isn't that the lady that owes our big boss money?" One of the men said, his eyes glinting with predatory interest.
Clyde, one of the boss's trusted men, licked his lips, "Well, well , pretty lady. Are you looking for us?"
Emily panicked, as she realized they were loan sharks. Her instinct kicked in, as she tried to flee before their boss arrived.
She darted forward, then one of the men blocked her path. "Not so fast Missy. Our boss will love to meet you." Clyde smirked, his eyes screamed danger.
Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she bent her face down. Desperately, pleading with the man to let her go. Her voice trembled with fear.
Blackjack, known for his reckless killing of people, showed up, a knife swaying in his right hand. He slowly walked Emily and growled, "Little girl, do you have my money ready?"
Emily shivered, gradually stepping backward, she said with a trembling voice. "But today isn't the due time to make payment."
He chuckled, "We don't do that here. Whenever I want my money, you pay." "Do you understand me, Missy?"
Emily, unsure of what to say, quickly replied. "Yes sir!"
"I will give you one more day to get my money ready, if not, consider your fingers gone," Blackjack said then left with his men.
Emily got home, recalling Sophia's proposal she quickly called her to accept it, her life was already in danger, risking it again will be the last thing on her mind.
"I'll do it, I'll marry Alexander Stone." Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The next day Emily got to the bar where she met Sophia. "Just be yourself, you'll be directed to the VIP section soon," Sophia said, sounding so excited.
Emily wasn't sure if she was making the right decision in marrying the cursed and ugly man. One of the waitresses approached her and asked, "Are you Miss Emily?
Emily nodded.
"This way, Miss." The waitress said, gesturing with her hands toward the room.
Emily strolled slowly. As she noticed the empty pathway, her expression changed. As she got to the entrance, she stopped and took a deep breath. "You will be fine" Her inner self comforted.
Emily walked into a different part of the bar, her mouth wide open, mesmerized by the design. She started taking pictures.
Emily loves taking pictures and admiring the city's beauty. She felt as if she was capturing every moment of her life while living it.
"Are you done?" A deep voice said through the air, breaking her heavenly admiration.
She slowly moved her gaze toward the man across the table, her hands covering her mouth. Part of her equally shocked and embarrassed. She forgot the reason she had walked into the room.
Alex moved gracefully towards her, his hands in his pocket. " Miss Emily right?"
"Yes."Emily answered, her mind racing.
"Not bad! You have the body, probably you can satisfy me," Alex teased, looking her over from head to toe.
"..."
She realized that since Alex was an ugly man, it was no surprise he sent his people to represent him. Slightly confused by what he uttered, she asked in a low voice to be sure "Did your boss send you to represent him?"
He smirked, moving closer to her. " I am Alexander Stone."