The clock struck midnight, casting an eerie glow over the room, suddenly,a voice pierced the darkness."mom, it's 6 am! What are you doing in my room? Heily's tune was laced with confusion and a hint of annoyance.
Her mother stood tall,a determined look etched on her face, "Heily, sweetie; we're going somewhere. we have to be early. I've got everything planned out". She handed Heily a vibrant dress, the fabric rustling softly. "Here's the outfit I picked out for you. Take a bath, get dressed, and let's get moving. we don't want to be late."
Heily's brow furrowed in skepticism. "Mom....no one told me we were going out today. Besides, where are we going? Her voice trailed off as her mother smiled mysteriously.
"Your dad is taking us, and I don't know the details yet either. But trust me, it'll be worth it." With that, Heily's mom turned and left her room , Leaving her daughter with more questions than answers
Heily descended the stairs, her dress fluttering around her ankles, Her parents, already dressed and waiting, beamed with pride. "Sweetie, you look stunning in that dress," her mother, maria, said, her eyes shinning with admiration. "You certainly take after me".
As they exchanged warm smiles, Heily's gaze lingered on her parents, and a flicker of unease danced in her chest. Something didn't feel right; she sensed a hidden truth lurking beneath their cheerful facade.
"Dad, mom, can either of you tell me what's going on?" Heily asked, her voice laced with curiosity and concern. "Since when do we go on family vacations without planning?"
Her father's expression turned serious and he cleared his throat before speaking " okay, fine, Heily. There's a situation....."
Heily's eyes locked onto her Father's " what is it,Dad? Did something happen to our company?"
Her father took a deep breath before exploring, " the Williams company has been struggling, and we borrowed a significant loan from the Rodriguez family. They're one of the wealthiest and most influential family globally, with diverse business interests."
As he paused, Heily's mind whirred with question's "what does this have to do with us?" She wondered. " To cut a long story short, the Rodriguez family has made a deal with us", her father continued, his voice measured. " They want their grandson, Xavier, to marry you."
Heily's eyes widened in shock. "Why me?
"They need an educated and matured woman from a good background to boost their family's reputation ", her father explained. " Xavier's..... lifestyle hasn't exactly been.... Stable, and they've been looking for a suitable partner for him to take over as CEO".
Heily's mind reeled as her father revealed the intricate web of family dynamic and business dealings. Xavier's reluctance, the threat of the company being handed over to Justin - the illegitimate son of Xavier's late father, Andrew Rodriguez and the family's desperation to secure their legacy all played a part in the complex arrangement.
As Heily listened, her thoughts swirled with questions and doubts about her future, her family's motivations, and the mysterious Xavier Rodriguez.
He's a womanizer, Dad. How could you expect me to marry someone like him? Heily's voice trembled with emotion.
Her mother's gentle tone stark contrast to Heily's distress. " Sweetie, there's nothing we can do. we made this deal while you were studying at Neverland. we didn't want it to affect your education."
Heily's eyes widened in horror. "Mom, tell me you didn't agree to this?"
Maria's expression was a mix of sadness and determination "I want the best for you, Heily. Xavier's mother is a lovely woman. I've gotten to know her, and I'm sure you'll like her. She'll take care of you if anything goes wrong".
Heily's refusal was immediate. " No, no, Dad, ,mom, I won't do this."
Her father's firm tune cut through her protests. " Heily, you're grown - up you need to understand the situation we're in. we've explained everything to you. Now, you need to behave yourself. We're meeting them to discuss marriage preparation."
As her father's words hung in the air, he stood up, his voice calm. "I'll wait in the car, dear. Talk to your daughter."
With that, Heily's father turned and left, leaving her alone with her mother. The weight of her future hung precariously in the balance, and Heily felt like her voice was being silenced by the expectations of those around her.
Heily, your dad and I want the best for you, my dear. We're sure the Rodriguez family will take good care of you " maria said, her voice soft and reassuring.
Heily's eyes sparkled with determination, "But, mom, is there no other way to pay back the loan? Does it have to be this way?" She couldn't accept the idea of marrying Xavier Rodriguez,a man notorious for his arrogance and disrespect towards women.
Maria's expression turned gentle as she move closer to Heily. "Heily, this is a contract your dad and mr Rodriguez agreed upon before signing the deal there's nothing that can change it now." She held Heily's hand's,her touch warm and comforting. "The Rodriguez family is eager to find a wife for Xavier. You're beautiful, Heily, and I'm sure they'll love you. just do as your father says, okay?"
Heily's mind whirled as she weighed her options though she didn't want to go through with this arrangement, she knew she had to consider her family's reputation. With a deep breath, she made up her mind to take the risk, she nodded, and her mother smiled softly.
Without another word, Heily followed her mom out the door to the car parked outside, where her dad waited patiently. They got in, and the driver started the engine. As they drove off to meet the Rodriguez family, Heily's heart pounded with anticipation and uncertainly about what lay ahead.