Kayla's pov
The silence between us feels so loud that I can feel my heart pounding. My father is sitted across from me, his face blank of any expression . One can tell that he is really apprehensive as he keeps sighing and tossing around . I don't even what to say because he was warned not to do what he did.
"How much do you owe him exactly dad" I ask,breaking the silence
He looks up at me but quickly drops down his gaze. "I owe him a lot, too much"he mutters. "Too much for me to even pay back. Oh God, what have I done"he questions himself
I clenched my fists but immediately releases them because I must remain calm.Deep down my heart, I'm so pissed. Of all the people to owe it's Adrian Lockwood?,the man whose name strikes terror in the heart of the people even most powerful and influential men do not want to mess with him or be in his bad book.
Before I could say anything else, there's a loud knock on the door, like the other person is deliberately trying to break it. My father jolts in fear."It must be him, he's here for his money", he whispers, his voice shaking.
My heart begins to pound so fast and loud. Adrian Lockwood is behind that door, if what my dad is true then we are in serious trouble.
The door breaks open and there he is. Adrian walks in majesticly like he owns the place. Dressed in an expensive black suit adorned with little beads of diamonds, he's aura feels the room. He's steps are like that of a predator. Very calm, calculated and precise.
"Mr Marshall", he says calmly,his deep voice echoing in the room." It's safe to say that you know why I'm here"
I look at my father and he could barely look at him. "Please" he beguns, clasping his hands together and went on his knees. " I just need more time, I will definitely pay you back, I swear, I just --"
Adrian begins to laugh, cutting of my father's pleas. " Time" he arches his brows,and his voice is filled with disdain. " I've given you too much time already, Marshall. I don't remember telling you I run a charity organization."
I can see my father shaking under Adrian's stare. My father, who was once a successful man now cowering at the feet of Adrian like a begger. Though the debt might be much but it's more than financial. It's life threatening.
"I will pay back.... I can..." My father stammers " but I just need more...."
" More??" Adrian's growled, his voice cold. " I'm not here to listen to all ur cock and bull excuses, I just need my money and I will get it today because I always do". His eyes darts to me, I instantly feel chills running through my spine. His eyes linger on me like he's searching for something.
" I'll make this simple and fast", he says as he steps closer towards me. " Your father's debt is too much and I doubt he can pay me immediately. And I'm sure you know that I don't show mercy..." He pauses and smirks like a predator. "There's only one option left.
I swallow hard, my heart beating and my stomach knotting. " What's the option"
Adrian's eyes didn't leave my body. " You. Marry me for two years. During that period you must make sure you pay me back after that you can walk away freely. If not..." He leans in slightly towards my face," I'll have to collect in other ways"
I gasped for air. It's a way out but at what cost. My life?
"What!!!, marry you?, no I can't do that, there must be some other way please" I plead
"There isn't." Adrian says calmly. " You know your father can't pay me . I need my money now but if I'm willing to let it go on longer then you must accept, if not you either pay me now or die. So this is the only way except you prefer the other way" he grins
My father breaks down in tears. Nooo, you can't take my daughter. I'll do anything. She will only become your slave and I can't bear to watch that happen"
"Then both of you die?" Adrian asks coldly
" But why me?" I ask tearing up
" Because you are the only valuable thing he has"
"Thing???, I'm not a thing . I'm a person just like you "
" Ahh, never, you are not a person like me", he says adjusting his suit
" Ohk, so what's it gonna be"
It's happening. It's real. Is this how I'm gonna end up?
I look at my father, he looks back with guilt written all over his face
" I give you twenty four hours to respond else I'll assume you have my money and send my boys. God help you if you don't. You don't want to know what I'll do" he says as he steps out of the door. He stops and takes a good look at me then leaves finally.
"I'm doomed"