Chapter 2

• Scarlett's POV
• It's been five years since my mom died from leukemia. My dad has succumbed to alcohol and gambling. All efforts had fallen on deaf ears. He was now a living disaster. I managed to attend college with the savings my mom handed over to me before she took her last breath. My life had changed from happiness to a living hell. My dad resents me so much due to my striking resemblance to my mom I've turned into his punching bag. He beats me mercilessly to relish his anger and always demands money from me. I work in a cafeteria although I emerged top of my class during my schooling days. Luck has not been on my side. I've been rejected by several reputable companies for no reason. Maybe they have a reason for that, but I don't deem it tangible enough to be rejected. Well, here I am working as a waitress in this small cafeteria.
• “How was your day yesterday after work?", Clara asked me while I served a customer. Clara has been a friend since I started working here. She was also maltreated by her stepmom and her dad remained oblivion to this issue. I remember several weeks ago she suggested we move in together but the money I earn from the cafeteria is not enough and my dad takes it away all the time.
• “Not bad. At least yesterday was just a slap. I just had a broken lip". Clara gasped when I spoke. I just shrugged my shoulders and continued working. I couldn't afford a reduction in my salary if I lurked around. Nothing goes unnoticed by my boss. Steve is the stingiest man ever, but what else can you do when you need a job that pays.
• “Hi Scarlett", Max, my favorite customer, asked once he entered the shop.
• “You look like..."
• “I look like shit I know about that", I cut in without letting him finish his sentence. “Well right. Can I get my usual black coffee and chocolate cupcake”? “At your service", I winked at Max, who took a seat at his favorite spot in the shop.
• “There you go", I said, offering him a smile.
• “Thanks". Max said, passing the stack of dollars over to me. “You can keep the change", he offered with a wink. I giggled and went back to the counter.
• “You know he likes you right" I was startled by her outburst. I replied sheepishly “I don't know about that".
• Work was pretty interesting today. We closed really early but I decided to take a stroll to kill time. With the sudden change in the clouds, I knew it could rain no sooner and as dumb as I was, I left my umbrella at home. I walked to the bus stop but every bus that passed by was already full. “Why are there a lot of people on the bus today", I stomped my feet and cursed under my breath. I stood at the bus station for hours before finally luck dawn on my side. Quickly boarding the bus, I sat on the seat directly behind the driver and recited a prayer for me to reach home before my dad.
• Ryan’s POV
• I was sitting in my office going through the reviews on our new project until my best friend James barged in. James and I have been buddies since I could remember and he's always got my back. Well, I'm Ryan Walton, a billionaire and the CEO of the Walton group of companies. I'm not a person to be trifled with, so you better not mess with me or you will have your piece of cake. The Walton company was my father's. That old man handed the company over to me when my mom convinced him I'm now a responsible man. Once I handled the company, it was growing and spreading to various parts of the world but that was not enough for my father, he wanted more. I don't know what to do to prove myself more responsible to my father. Haven't I done enough? But no, he's demanding for grandchildren who could inherit his company when he dies. I'm not even dead yet and he's thinking about my successor. My younger sister has been left alone to do what she pleases, but it seems my life is being monitored by my dad every second. Things were going on well, I decided to go for a surrogate since he is so desperate for grandchildren running around in the house. That was the biggest mistake I ever made. He didn't like that idea. He now wants me to settle down and I can't believe my mom is on her side setting me up on blind dates. These arrogant ladies are from his rich friends and he expects me to settle with them. It will not happen. I feel too shattered to do more than crawl into bed with ladies I barely know especially rich spoiled ones.
• It's not like I despise love so much. I've always said this. I've got my bad sides too. I agree but I'm the coolest guy you will ever come across in life. The only thing is, you never encounter me twice. I gave my heart to a lady and she crushed it. Ariella, was a devil in human form. Everything about her seems like a strange but heady combination of sharp and soft.
• Out of nowhere, my dad called for a family meeting. I thought he wouldn't be on the marriage idea but it was my doom. I couldn't understand why Hammond was present at the meeting. Gosh his mere presence disgusts me.
• Flashback
• “Dad, what's Hammond doing here?". You called for a family meeting and Hammond is not family.
• “Will you shut that mouth of yours? You better watch your words. I know you despise him but he is still your cousin and my late elder brother's only son. " My dad yelled.
• My mom tapped his shoulder for him to calm down and shot me a glare to sit down. I ignored her warning and was about to talk back when my younger sister, Annabelle stomped on my feet and dragged me on to the chair where I winced in pain. She smirked in return and my mom offered her a smile. I knew she had a part to play in this.
• My dad cleared his throat, which drew our attention to him. “Well, I called for this meeting to discuss something important. Hammond is here present at this meeting because I invited him, so you must respect my decision. I've made a final decision and I want you, Ryan, to be married before your 30th birthday else you give me no choice than to hand over this company to Hammond until you are responsible enough to manage it.
• “Honey”, my mom never consented to this idea.
• “I've made up my mind and it's final". My dad said and left for his room.
• Hammond smirked at me. I will never allow him to get hold of the company, it will never happen, not in this life or the next.
• “Are you not handling your dad's technology companies? Why are you interested in this one?". I stopped Hammond before he could enter his car.
• “I find it interesting and it was nice seeing you again Ryan". With that he sped off.
• End of flashback
• “Hi buddy. Did you miss me?". James winked at me. “What brings you to my office at this hour?".
• “Have you forgotten you told me to look into the man who is indebted to you and has been hiding since. My guys saw him at your casino yesterday."
• “This man has no shame really. He had the guts to show up at the casino. I think he deserves to be taught a lesson else he will never learn".
• “I actually don't understand why you made me waste my time doing this job. How much does he owe?”
• “It's not about the value, James, but that man gambles a lot and the way he took to take my money was not right although it's not directly from me. It's just ten million US dollars".
• “That's not money for you".
• “I know but I'm not dropping this case, so stop convincing me".
• We were startled by a knock on the door.
• “Who is that at the door? “I asked, resuming my cold demeanor.
• “Sir, it's me Meredith. Can I come in sir”, my secretary replied.
• “Sure, you can" “I brought coffee for the two of you and this is the file from team B on the newest project".
• She said, handing over the file after placing the coffee on the table.
• “She's beautiful, you know", James spoke when she left the room.
• “You better not send your casanova lifestyle over to my secretary ", I warned him, and he smirked.
• “Why is that? Do you like your secretary, Ryan?"
• “Why would you even think that way? What's even in that head of yours aside dirty thoughts".
• “That's harsh. You've hurt my feelings. James spoke clutching his chest. I scoffed. “I'm not in the mood for games today, James. Stick to why you came here"
• “I also found something interesting about the man." His statement piqued my interest.
• “He has a beautiful daughter who I know every daughter is his father's weakness" “Are you insinuating I kidnap her? You know it's a crime"
• “I didn't say kidnap her, but that's not the case in this man's scenario. He maltreats his only child and you won't believe the reason why”.
• “What is it? Stop keeping me in suspense. You know I don't have all day"
• “You are no fan Ryan. He blames the poor girl for the death of his wife who died due to leukemia"
• “That's a stupid reason, you know. How old is she?" “She's twenty-three, a university graduate but is jobless, so she works in a small cafeteria downtown" “Why would she still be staying with her dad?"
• “That's the same reason I want to find out, Ryan, something might be wrong."
• “I need to see that man tonight by hook or crook. Find him for me." Damn. What kind of man is he to be maltreating his own child?
• ****
• “Are you sure he will be here today?" I asked James once we entered the VIP suit in my casino.
• “Relax and chill, my men will bring him in soon".
• “Why are you acting carefree?" “I'm not acting carefree but you are the one who is worked up"
• “Come in “, James replied with the knock on the door. His men held hostage the person I've been looking for years.
• “Well, well, who do we have here? Mr. John McWayne. Did you even think you could flee with my money? I gave you time but you didn't listen. The time is up but I have interesting options for you. One, you have to give up everything you worked hard for which I know you don't have with this gambling and drunkard lifestyle so that option is out. Two, you either pay for my money instantly and I forget about it. Three, I get you arrested and lastly, you either requite for the lost funds by using your daughter as the ransom’’.
• At the mention of his daughter, his face contorted in anger.
• “Why are you angry John? You can play with your daughter but I can't?" I asked, looking him in the eye.
• “I'm the only one who has the right to scold her, not anyone"
• “You are a selfish and greedy bastard. From your actions, I will stick to the last option. I want your daughter. You either hand her over the easy way or the hard way, which is getting her kidnapped by my men"
• “Don't touch my daughter please. She's innocent. She knows nothing about this" “You know I'm not someone to be trifled with and I don't play"
• “Yes, I do. I will bring her to you myself, but you have to promise not to harm her." “What if I don't follow that? What can you do? What I do with her afterwards is my own business, but don't worry, I won't kill her?"
• “Get him out of my sight and John remember tomorrow to bring her over or you will regret ever messing with me. My men will send you the venue and the time. Don't be late. Do you understand?"
• “Yes, I do". “Take him away. I want him alive so don't bother with your energy beating him up ".
• “Why are you changing the plan, Ryan? Why are you suddenly interested in his daughter? That girl has been through hell"
• “I never knew you thought so low of me. I have my plans, James. I want to marry her to silence my dad"
• “You can't be serious Ryan. What if she's worse than Ariella?”
• “You have nothing to worry about. That's why you are here. You are a lawyer by profession, I could use your help. I want you to draft a marriage contract for me. I will forward to you the details when I get home. It's going to be a loveless marriage. There's nothing to worry about. We will divorce after two years".
• “What if you fall in love with her? It could happen "
• “It won't happen. There's no need to worry. There's no way I'm falling for another lady not after what I went through".
• “I know you have already made up your mind. I will do just that. I support you although I don't like the idea"
• “Thanks buddy".
• Scarlett’s POV
• Once I got off of the bus, I reluctantly walked towards the front door. Gently squeezing the door knob, it was still locked. I thanked my stars and rushed inside, dropping my bag on the floor. I walked to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. I couldn't afford a beating this evening. Cooking in a rush to avoid the wrath of my dad if he shows up. I smiled when I checked the rickety clock on the wall. It was still early before my dad's return.
• ‘If only my dad hadn't let my mom's death ruin him, our lives would have been better', I thought.
• The mere thought of his presence made me breathless. Shit!! My dad is back. I cursed under my breath. I could not afford another beating. I set the food in the diner and hurriedly rushed inside with my food.
• A sudden sound on the door startled me.
• “Dad is that you?" I asked, scared of what was going to happen next. There was no response, just silence. I opened the door and was surprised to see my dad smiling for the first time after my mom's death.
• “Can I come in, princess?" my dad asked.
• “Sure dad" I gently closed the door and sat a bit far from him to avoid being hit, because my dad was unpredictable.
• “I know I've not been a good father after your mom's death but it was not my choice. I couldn't accept the fact that your mom is dead and your striking resemblance made me realize how I have failed as a man in the family. I'm deeply sorry for my actions towards you." It felt weird. This is what I have been expecting from my dad for a while, but something didn't feel right.
• “Princess, your dad needs you to do him a favor. I know you love your dad and you won't disappoint me" I knew something was wrong but I nodded, listening to him. “I have been indebted to Ryan Walton"
• I looked at my dad as if he had grown two heads.
• “You mean Ryan, the billionaire, but how did you get to know him when news reporters couldn't even get a picture of him to show to the public except his back." “How doesn't matter but I'm indebted to him and you know he's not a man to be trifled with"
• “I've heard about how merciless he can be when you offend him. But what favor do you want me to do? "
• “He wants me to bring you to him in return for the debt or I will get killed". I gasped. ‘couldn’t believe my dad would be this heartless. I should have known he was up to know good.'
• “You want to trade me? I closed my eyes and sang back into oblivion. I never knew you were this wicked dad. I'm totally disappointed in you "
• I yelled at him in the face and he slapped me in return. “Is that all you've got, beating. That's despicable, you know. I never knew you hated me this much. "
• “You better shut up while I'm being nice. You will go with me whether you like it or not. Go to bed early" With that, he left my room.
• I was so confused. What was actually wrong with my dad? Does he hate me this much? Which father gave his daughter up because of his debt? What if I run away in the night while he's asleep? No, that's not a good idea, he will make life hell for my friends and I don't have enough money on me all thanks to him. Running out of options, I grudgingly accepted his request but I ought to figure a way to settle his debt before I run out of time.