"No," he simply said.
My heart hollowed as his answer sank in.
"Please... sir," I begged, the words tumbling out before I could think. I didn't want to die, not yet.
"You want me to give you a second chance?" he questioned, his brows furrowing. "What do you think of me? A fool? Someone you can toy with?"
"No, sir. I never thought of you that way, sir."
"You better not."
"Well, you've already squandered the chance you had. I don't think I can waste my time on something that lacks the necessary caliber."
"Now, leave, while I'm still being merciful," he said coldly, his words instilling fear as my body trembled.
I stood up, my legs shaking as I approached him, kneeling before him. "Please, sir... I don't want to die," I pleaded, tears blurring my vision, unable to contain my emotions any longer.
"I thought you had another life waiting for you when you rejected my offer," he said, sipping his wine.
"Look at you now..." he chuckled darkly, walking away toward the stairs, completely disregarding my existence.
This can't happen to me. I can't die without reason. I stood up and rushed toward him, clutching his robe as he stared at me in surprise.
"Please, sir... I don't want to die," I begged, tears streaming down my cheeks.
This woman was doing things that no one had ever dared to do to him. First, she rejected his offer, and now she had the audacity to cling to his robe. He was amused by her recklessness. He was right when he said she was the pawn he desired. An absolute pawn in his game, and he wouldn't let her slip away.
"Alright... let's see what happens," he smirked, walking back to the table and handing her the papers.
"Can you promise me one thing?" she asked, flipping through the papers.
"You should be the one making promises to me, not the other way around," he replied.
"Well, I'll let you say it, and I'll keep the promise if it's something I can do."
Was there anything he couldn't do? He could bring hell on Earth if he wished.
"Can you provide my little sister with a better life? I promise to serve you for the rest of my life," she uttered, without second-guessing her audacious words.
"Do you understand the meaning of 'serve'?" he asked, glaring at her as if she were mad.
"I do. I only want my little sister to have a good life."
"I don't want you to serve me. I already have enough people serving me. But I promise you this, and I will stand by it. I will send you to hell if you dare defy me or go against my wishes. Do you understand?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, sir..."
"Good... sign the papers and leave," he said sternly.
***
And she unwittingly signed the deal of her life, stepping into a world of intricate miseries.
________
"Anna, I know you're doing this for me, but you shouldn't risk your life just to give me a better one," Mia protested, her displeasure evident in her tone.
"If you think it won't be good for you, just forget about it. I don't want a good life if my older sister is suffering out there. Please, Anna," she begged, tears of frustration blurring her vision.
"Who said I'll be suffering? If that were the case, I wouldn't have agreed. It's fine for both of us. He kept his promise—he gave you a house to live in, everything you need, and a job at one of the biggest firms in the city," Anna assured her, trying to ease her worries.
"Now it's time for me to fulfill my end of the deal. The car will be here soon," she said, suppressing her fears.
And that will mark the beginning of a new life, she thought, forcing a painful smile. They heard a car horn outside, and she knew instantly.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Mia," she said, embracing her little sister as tears streamed down her face.
"I'm going to miss you too..."
"I have to go now. Remember to always live your best life, okay?"
"Alright, I will... I promise," Mia nodded, tears flowing freely.
"Ready to leave?" the driver asked as Anna entered the car.
"Yes..." she murmured, and he sped off.
****
Life wasn't as terrible as I had imagined, but I struggled to navigate it. For the past six years, I had been living for Mia, exploring different options to give her a better life. And now, I finally found one. I would give her the life she deserved, a life our parents couldn't provide. I was determined to do whatever it tookto achieve that.
Life isn't always sunshine and stars; sometimes miseries arise, bringing grief and sorrow. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, they inevitably come. And when they do, you're never truly prepared.
We arrived at the magnificent mansion after a few minutes of driving. The gate opened, and we drove into the premises, heading straight to the parking lot.
I stepped out of the car, standing in front of the grand building.
Mixed emotions flooded me—happiness and sadness intertwined.
I was happy to live in such a place, but sad that everything came at a price. Nothing good or bad lasts forever.
I pushed aside the tension and made my way into the sitting room.
And there, I encountered the surprise of my life.