Rachel arrived at her parents' home, hoping for a moment of solace and familiar comfort. The Sullivan mansion stood grand and imposing, its walls harboring memories of her childhood.
She approached the front door, but as she got closer, she could hear raised voices from inside.
Pushing the door open, she stepped into the foyer and immediately recognized the angry voice echoing through the halls. It was Derek.
Rachel followed the sound to her father's study. She paused outside the partially open door, her heart pounding.
"...and you better make sure Rachel marries me back, or you'll compensate me with the Sullivan family company for the disgrace and embarrassment of preparing a wedding only for it to be thwarted!"
Derek's voice was harsh, filled with menace.
Her father, Mr. Sullivan, stood firm but weary. "Derek, you can't threaten us like this. Rachel made her choice."
Her mother, Mrs. Sullivan, looked distressed, wringing her hands as she tried to placate Derek. "Please, Derek, let's discuss this calmly. There must be another way."
Derek's voice grew more intense. "Another way? You think I invested all that money, made all those arrangements, just to be humiliated? No, Mrs. Sullivan, your daughter owes me, and you all will pay if she doesn't come back to me."
Mr. Sullivan tried again, a note of desperation in his voice. "Derek, we understand you're upset, but forcing Rachel into a marriage she doesn't want won't solve anything. There has to be a better solution."
Mrs. Sullivan added, her voice trembling, "We can negotiate. Maybe we can find another way to compensate you without involving Rachel."
Derek's eyes narrowed. "Compensate me? You think money can fix this? No. I want Rachel. And if I can't have her, I'll make sure your entire family suffers. Better still, give me the power over all your rights."
Mr. Sullivan glanced at his wife, clearly distressed. "Derek, please. This isn't right."
Mrs. Sullivan, looking defeated, murmured, "Rachel must decide. We can't force her, but we can't lose everything either..."
At this point, Rachel pushed the door open, stepping into the room with a calm and collected demeanor. "What's going on here?"
All eyes turned to her. Derek's face twisted in anger and surprise. "Rachel. Perfect timing."
Her father looked relieved to see her but concerned about the confrontation. "Rachel, we're trying to handle this."
Rachel stood her ground, her eyes fixed on Derek. "Threatening my parents now, Derek? That's low, even for you."
Derek sneered. "You think you can humiliate me and get away with it? Marry me, or your parents lose everything."
Rachel felt a surge of anger and determination. "I'm not marrying you, Derek. And you won't get your hands on our company."
Derek stepped closer, his face inches from hers. "You think Richard can protect you? He's a weakling and can do nothing compared to what I can do."
Rachel didn't flinch. Though, she knew this was true. Richard was an innocent, blameless man or so they all thought.
"We'll see about that. Now get out of my parents' house," Rachel ordered with a low voice.
Mr. Sullivan stepped forward, his voice firm. "You heard her, Derek. Leave."
Derek glared at them all before storming out of the study, brushing past Rachel with a look of pure hatred. How had he lost this pawn piece? How had this pawn piece become so daring?!
Rachel's parents sighed in relief once he was gone.
"Rachel, are you okay?" her mother asked, reaching out to her.
Rachel nodded, though her heart was still racing. "I'm fine. But we need to talk about what's next. Derek won't back down easily."
Rachel took a deep breath, gathering her composure after Derek's dramatic exit. She turned to her parents, who looked both relieved and anxious.
"Mom, Dad, I have a plan," she said, pulling a file from her bag.
"I need you to sign this and then hand it over to Derek, but not immediately. Wait until he comes seeking compensation at least twice more. When you do give it to him, act reluctant, as if you really didn't want to hand it over."
Her parents exchanged worried glances before looking back at her.
"Are you sure about this, Rachel?" her father asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes, Dad. This will buy us time and give us leverage," she assured them, placing the file on the desk.
Mrs. Sullivan nodded slowly, taking the file. "We'll do as you say. But Rachel, are you really okay with all of this? You can always come back home or even move abroad if you need to start fresh."
Rachel shook her head. "I'm okay where I am. Richard and I... we have an understanding. I'm not running away from this."
Her father looked at her skeptically. "It's just that you've been so attached to Derek for years. You barely came home, barely spent time with us. Now, in just a day, you're with Richard. Are you sure this is what you want?"
Rachel smiled softly. "I know it's sudden, and it might be hard to believe. But trust me, I know what I'm doing."
Her parents still seemed unconvinced but nodded in agreement. "We trust you, Rachel," her mother said, squeezing her hand. "Just promise us you'll be careful."
"I will, Mom," Rachel promised. She stood up, gathering her things. "As a married lady, I should get back to my husband now."
Her parents walked her to the door, their expressions a mix of pride and concern. "Remember, we're here for you," her father said, giving her a hug.
"I know. Thank you," Rachel replied, hugging them both.
As she left the Sullivan mansion, she felt a surge of determination. Her past life had been controlled by others, but now she was taking control.
As she walked towards the waiting car, she glanced back at her parents, who were watching her with a mixture of worry and hope. She gave them a reassuring smile before getting into the car and heading back to Richard.
This time, she wouldn't be the victim. She would fight for her future, her family, and her happiness who in person is Richard! And she wouldn't let anyone, especially Derek, take that away from her.