"WHY, MUM?! WHY SHOULD I MARRY HIM?!!"
Maya screamed, her voice filled with rage and pain. She clenched her fists tightly, feeling the familiar throbbing ache in her chest as she thought of that fateful day. She had tried to bury the memories, but they always resurfaced - a constant reminder of the event that shattered her world and forced her to leave everything behind. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the shame, humiliation, and betrayal she had endured. It was no wonder she couldn't bear to live in the same place where it all began.
Maya's childhood, once filled with joy and laughter, was shattered by one person - HIM.
The same HIM she despise. The same HIM that ruined her life. The same HIM that Traumatized her.
The memories of his betrayal and abuse haunted her every day. But now, her family expects her to marry him, to forget everything that happened and pretend it never occurred.
They see it as a way to protect their reputation and increase their wealth. Maya is furious and refuses to give in to their demands, despite the pressure they put on her. She stands firm in her decision, determined not to let them control her life any longer.
"I WILL NEVER MARRY RICHARD, MOTHER!" Maya's voice shook with fury. "I REFUSE TO BE A PAWN IN YOUR GAME OF WEALTH AND POWER!" She stood tall, her fists clenched at her sides as she faced her mother's angry glare.
"YOU WILL SHOW RESPECT WHEN SPEAKING TO YOUR MOTHER, YOUNG LADY!" Mrs. Alvarado's voice thundered through the phone. "WE DID NOT SEND YOU TO THE US FOR YOU TO DISOBEY US!"
Maya's eyes blazed with defiance as she exchange words with her mother. This argument had been raging for three months now and neither of them was willing to back down. But Maya refused to be controlled, even if it meant defying her parents' wishes.
"I WON'T BE YOUR PUPPET, MOTHER," she spat. "AND I WON'T GIVE YOU AN ANSWER THAT PLEASES YOU. I WILL MAKE MY OWN DECISION ABOUT MY FUTURE." The tension on the phone was palpable as both women stood their ground, determined not to back down.
"MARRYING RICHARD ISN'T AS TERRIBLE AS YOU'RE MAKING IT SEEM," Mrs. Wilson's voice crackled through the phone, her words dripping as she tried to convince Maya.
"Mum...how can you say that? This isn't about wealth or power, it's about my happiness!" Maya exclaimed, unable to believe what she was hearing. She felt a surge of anger rise within her, realizing that her own family would sacrifice her well-being for the sake of status.
"Don't overreact, Maya. You know how important this marriage is for our family," her mother replied dismissively.
"Overreacting? How could I not when my own parents care more about appearances than their own daughter's feelings?" Maya shouted back, frustration and hurt evident in her voice.
"I can see this conversation is going nowhere," Maya continued, trying to maintain control of her emotions. "Let's talk another time, okay?"
Her mother's silence spoke volumes. "It's so easy for them to forget how traumatized I was by their actions," she muttered bitterly, but she knew her mother had heard every word.
Mrs. Wilson's heart ached as she thought about the trauma her baby girl had endured after the incident. She remembered how she had searched tirelessly for the best therapist to help Maya overcome the memories that haunted her mind. For four long years, Maya had bravely faced her demons with the support of her family and the guidance of her therapist.
"Ok, my dear. Let's not dwell on these painful memories right now," Mrs. Wilson spoke gently over the phone to her daughter.
"I love you so much, my sweet Maya," she added before ending the call, wishing she could hold her daughter tightly in her arms once again.
Maya collapsed onto her plush bed, exhausted from a long day. With a sigh, she gazed at the full-length Mirror mounted on her wall, taking in her reflection. Her room exuded modernity and sophistication, with sleek, angular furniture and pops of soft pink and grey throughout. The centerpiece was her pristine white bed, positioned perfectly in the center of the room. A large window provided a stunning view of both sunrise and sunset, offering a glimpse into the changing sky.
Rising from her bed, Maya made her way to her desk adorned with various awards and certificates. She sunk into the comfortable chair, reaching for her laptop to browse through her social media accounts. As one of the top influencers on Instagram, she had amassed millions of followers who eagerly awaited her every post. With a satisfied smile, she scrolled through the comments and likes on her latest photo, feeling grateful for the success she had achieved.
Maya was a stunning woman, with luscious curves that turned heads wherever she went. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, framing her delicate features and drawing attention to her captivating eyes.
But it wasn't just Maya's beauty that made her stand out - she was also a highly successful movie director. Her family owned one of the largest entertainment industries in T city, giving her access to the best resources and opportunities for her creative endeavors.
As both a filmmaker and writer, Maya's talent knew no bounds. She was renowned for creating the most mesmerizing fantasy and action films, often with a touch of romance woven in. One of her most popular works was the series "Devil's Eye", a gripping tale of vampires and their forbidden love.
In this series, Maya not only wrote the script but also directed the scenes with precision and passion. The story followed a powerful and menacing vampire who controlled those around him with fear, until he encountered a college girl who captured his heart. Despite her initial resistance, she couldn't deny the intense connection between them. And as their relationship evolved, so did the danger surrounding them, leading to an unforgettable finale that left audiences on the edge of their seats.
Maya poured her heart and soul into each movie and series she created, determined to make the best possible content for her audience. Her cast and crew all looked up to her, their respect and admiration evident in every scene they filmed together.
Viewers were captivated by Maya's stories, drawn in by the way she brought characters to life with realistic dialogue and relatable experiences. It was no surprise that her films were a hit, leaving a lasting impact on those who watched them.
Despite her success and beauty, there was one thing missing from Maya's life - a romantic partner. She had everything she could want or need, except for someone to share it with.
But she was not alone, for her loyal and supportive best friend Jenna stood by her side. They met during their first year at university and had been inseparable ever since. Though Jenna may not have the same level of wealth as Maya, she was comfortable and independent with her own source of income. Her family owned a prestigious bank in T city and had sent her abroad to study.
Together, Maya and Jenna were a dynamic duo, proving that true friendship knows no bounds of wealth or status.
Jenna pushed open the door to see Maya slumped over her computer, lost in thought. "Penny for your thoughts, mama?" Jenna asked, using their favorite nickname for each other.
Maya's face lit up at the sound of her friend's voice. "My mother just called me," she said, her tone heavy with sadness. "They want me to marry Richard."
"Richard? That Mafialike guy who traumatized you and put you in a psychiatric hospital for four years?" Jenna exclaimed, her anger bubbling to the surface.
Maya nodded glumly. "Yes, him."
"Why would your parents even consider that? Shouldn't he be behind bars by now?" Jenna questioned, her voice rising.
"Babe," Maya smiled at her friend affectionately. "Arresting Richard is not as easy as you think. He has connections and can get away with almost anything."
"I don't understand," Jenna said, confused.
"That's because you don't know the full story," Maya replied, sitting up straighter in her chair. "I was told that he was punished by his father, but there were no legal actions taken against him."
"So he wasn't punished by the law?" Jenna asked, incredulous.
"No, only by his father. And trust me, his punishment was not enough for what he did to me," Maya explained bitterly.
"Wait, why wasn't there any legal action taken against him?" Jenna pressed further.
"Because arresting Richard is not something anyone can do easily. He has powerful family connections and they will protect him at all costs," Maya clarified.
"Babe, I think it's time you knew a little more about our history," Maya said, standing up from her chair and joining Jenna on the bed.
Jenna shifted in her seat and grabbed the glass of juice on Maya's bedside table. She loved juicy gossip.