Khloe's POV
In the heart of our living room, I sat frozen, feeling the weight of my father's presence behind me. His voice was laced with an unsettling excitement.
"Here she is!" he announced, gripping my shoulders tightly as confusion washed over me.
"What on earth is happening?" I shot a glance at him and then turned to my mother, whose wide grin made my stomach churn.
"What's going on?" I nearly shouted, my attention drifting to the elderly man in the wheelchair who regarded me as if I were a prized possession at an auction.
"Khloe, darling, meet Tyler Greene. He's… your new match," my mother declared, her tone almost giddy. I couldn't help but burst into laughter, the absurdity of her words hitting me like a slap.
"Are you serious?" I managed between giggles, but father's swift jab to my side silenced me.
"Don't be disrespectful." His reprimand only deepened the frown on my face.
"I didn't ask for a new father figure! Who is this old man, and why is he here?"
"Khloe, watch your language." My father's voice was firm.
"You're speaking to your future husband," my mother chimed in, and I collapsed onto the couch, my mind spinning.
"What do you mean?" I finally stammered, struggling to process the revelation.
"Tyler Greene is a billionaire, even wealthier than Lance. He can give you everything you desire… and a child will secure you half his fortune."
"You've lost your minds!" My outrage surged, and I didn't care who I was addressing. How could they even consider marrying me off to a man old enough to be my grandfather?
"I love you, Khloe," Tyler said, his voice smooth yet unsettling. I turned to face him, disgust flooding my senses.
I wanted to slap the smile off his face but held back, my temper boiling beneath the surface.
After a tense silence, my arms crossed defiantly over my chest, I asked, "Why are you in a wheelchair?"
"He's disabled," my mother replied, and I felt fury ignite within me.
This couldn't be real. It had to be a nightmare.
"Think about it, Khloe! In a year, you could be a millionaire, competing with Lance in business. Just give him a child, and it's done."
"Got it! I understand your twisted logic." My voice trembled with rage, my body shaking as I processed their madness.
I sank deeper into the couch, staring at my feet, my mind racing with thoughts and plans.
"I know you'll come around," Tyler said, his gaze fixed on me. I shot him a venomous glare, then forced a smile that only highlighted his tobacco-stained teeth.
"Let's get down to business," my father said eagerly, but I cut him off with a sharp look.
"Father," I called, my voice deceptively calm.
"Yes, my dear?"
"May I use the bathroom? I'll be right back." I feigned discomfort, desperate to escape.
"Take your time, my dear wife," Tyler chuckled.
I barely contained my urge to scream at him, knowing I needed to seize this chance to flee.
Once in my bedroom, I locked the door and tiptoed to the window, clutching a small bottle of acid I had found in the storehouse.
With trembling hands, I poured it over the bars, watching as they began to dissolve.
With the barrier gone, I climbed onto the window ledge and jumped into the grass below, the impact cushioned by adrenaline.
Never before had I thought I could leap from a building, but desperation made it effortless.
I dashed down the street, illuminated by neon lights and passing cars, spotting a public bathroom across the road.
I hurried inside, quickly changing clothes with a woman who was using the facilities, smearing dirt on my face to disguise my appearance.
My hair, usually flowing neatly, was twisted into a messy bun, making me look unkempt.
Satisfied with my transformation, I rushed back outside, unsure of my destination but focused solely on escaping.
"Hey, stop right there!" a deep voice rang out, and I spun around to see men who had followed Tyler Greene.
Instinct kicked in, but I stood my ground, waiting for what would happen next.
To my surprise, they walked past me as if I were invisible, approaching another woman ahead.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I ran my fingers through my hair, but then I noticed the men turning back, and panic surged through me.
Without thinking, I bolted into the street, just as a car came barreling toward me.