Airella Pov
I put down the cookie I was about to eat, letting out a deep sigh before answering, "I feel unseated, hurt creeped out, and really, sad about it ." My emotions are raw and overwhelming. I answered honestly, my heart heavy with sadness, unsure of how to process the whirlwind of feelings swirling inside her.
I ran a hand through the cookie bag, my fingers brushing against the crumbs and sprinkles as I wondered how it would be like being married to Luka Rossi. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of uncertainty and unease settling in the pit of her stomach. I couldn't help but think about the expectations, the responsibilities, and the changes that came with marriage. My mind was a jumble of emotions, and I wasn't sure if she was ready to take that step.
The thought of him hitting me and slapping me if I didn't obey or do as he asked sent shivers down my spine. The mere idea of it made me feel uncertain, and I knew I wasn't ready for this marriage. My brother's words echoed in my mind, "I'm really sorry that father is being selfish,"
" he said, his voice laced with anger and frustration. "It was his foolishness and stupidity that made him lose Don Lucas' money. So, I don't know why he's using you as a repayment for the money he lost."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What did you just say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
My brother's expression was a mix of pity and anger. "Father didn't tell you, did he? He's the reason you're getting married to him. He lost Don Lucas' money, and he offered your hand in marriage as repayment."
I shook my head, still trying to process the information. "No, he didn't tell me," I whispered.
My brother's voice dropped to a serious tone. "I overheard him a few weeks ago, telling some of his close men that he was going to offer your hand in marriage to Don Luka for the money he lost. I didn't think he was going to go through with it... everybody feared Don Luka, and losing his money and offering your hand in marriage was like asking for death. But he did, and now it's done. He's accepted the offer, and..."
The words hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I struggled to process the truth. My father had used me to pay off his debt. I thought of all the times he'd told me to be grateful, to be obedient, to do what's best for the family... and it was all a lie.
I felt a mix of emotions: anger, hurt, betrayal. How could he do this to me? I thought, my mind reeling with the revelation. I was nothing more than a commodity, a tool to be used to settle a debt.
Oh okay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling sad and lonely. I thought to myself, there's actually nothing I can do. It's not like I can refuse to marry Don Luka. I wasn't given a choice.
My brother's voice was a distant echo in my mind, "I'm sorry, sis. I wish it was different." But the damage was done. My brother whispered quietly, "Sorry, Airella. " I sniffed and hugged him tightly, trying to hold back the tears. I reached for the cookie bag, grabbed a piece, and threw it into my mouth, the sweetness a poor comfort to the bitterness of my reality. My world has been
turned upside down. The thought of being married to Don Luka, a man feared by all, was suffocating. I felt trapped, with no escape from the life I'd been handed.