at still clinging to her climbing gloves as she pushed them away. Her pants were a little more baggy, giving her more room to mo

breaking her focus. "Hello?" Stil

g? Her father's hushed vo

wait?" Amelia let out a sigh, feeling as thoug

somewhat strange tone in his voice, he inqu

lted when he realized her parents would be furious if they dis

Amelia to hear her well, she redirected

." She was confused by his ambiguous remarks when he told her. What on ea

*

ia's

hite chiffon top, stiletto heels, and blue trousers that hugged my legs. Before talking to my father, I flex m

melia." greeted my d

I asked for. I was left waiting alone in the waiting are

that. "He's prepared for you, M

a little pat on the arm and mumbled somet

oached him and threw a loving, tight hug around him. I sat down across t

d you here, Amelia.

er a few hours of travel. Why is it so critical that we are unable to speak over the phone?" As soon as I

d me. When Dad was around me, he was rarely serious

ng, "Dad, you have my undying love. What's not right? How do I make it right?" I asked, sincere in my desire t

. Since Mr. Baker was one of my closest friends, he was aware of the need for us to reinvest our funds to expand. Baker's son assumed leadership after his death. Regretfully, he lacks his father's level of sympathy by far. He now threatens

e lost if things don't work out. In any way I can, Dad, I'll help you rectify this. I do." I gave him a loving smile and held both of his hands, reassuring him, but the dejected expression in his

ly if you could... agree to his condition." Dad said, and for a moment I furrowed my brows, attempting to figure

nued to hold his hand

t. Every action was tinged with contemplation. I could see he was extremely b

m to raise his gaze back to me. I made sure to meet his eyes, showing him

in marriage as payment for ever

led out after giving him a blank look for a

from him slowly. I gave him a long, squinting look as I watched in shock at what was becoming real. I eventually got up and moved away from him, but then I stopped abruptly and paced back and fort

y to forget everything, all we owe him if only I accept his marria

. I moved my hands off my hips and folded the

if my father was involved, I questioned. Was he prepared to abandon me in this way? Dad stood up

he devil. After giving it some thought, Amelia, I decided to change my mind and say y

n instant, your grandfather would be a complete embarrassment." He said, but I didn't say anythin

de for their family in the same way as before. Much is at stake in this." He cont

bsolute stranger? His odd choice to give me up instead surprised me

ves that would be lost should you reject this idea." He made an effort to clarify, but as he talked more

anyone else, I trusted to protect me. This same man was prepared to cast me into the lake of fire to improve everyone else.

red him, didn't give him another time to speak, grabbed my purse from

me with emotion. To be honest, I detested seeing him so defenseless, knocked out, and abused, but this was my life, after all. Matrimony is not a game for kids. It's not a matter that can be resolved quickly. We're not in a tango here, as it takes two to dance. I took a deep breath and hated this exact moment in my life. This could not end