The sound of my phone vibrating pulled me out of sleep . I rolled over and reached for it , squinting at the screen . Five unread messages . All from unknown numbers . I opened the first one and read quickly . It was from one of the staff members at Rick's estate . A time , a location , directions and no explanation . The next few messages repeated the same thing with more urgency . I sat up slowly , pressing my hand to my forehead . It wasn't even 9 a.m. yet . I got out of bed and walked toward the kitchen , phone still in my hand . My brain was heavy , my thoughts weren't connecting the way they should . I read the messages again . Something didn't feel right . I didn't understand what they expected from me . There was no name attached , just instructions to come . I poured a glass of water and leaned on the counter , staring out the window . I didn't know if I should go . I didn't even know if I wanted to . Part of me wanted to delete the messages and move on but something kept pulling at me . I looked back at Lena , still asleep in the next room . I thought about going without her , leaving her with someone I trusted but I didn't trust anyone here . I walked back to the bedroom and started getting ready . I brushed my hair , picked out something sharp . A fitted black top tucked into tailored pants , heeled boots , clean makeup , clean lines . I wanted to look in control , even if I didn't feel it . I dressed Lena in something comfortable , brushed her curls gently as she blinked up at me , still waking up . " Where are we going ? " she asked . " I'm not sure yet ," I said . She grinned . " Are we seeing the big house again ? " I nodded once . " Yeah , a big house alright ." We got in the car and the drive was quiet at first . I kept checking the directions on the screen , even though I knew exactly where it led . Rick's mansion sat outside the city , far enough to feel cut off from everything . The closer I got , the more the memories rushed back . The last time I stood at those gates , the way the guards blocked me , the way I begged , the way I was turned away like nothing . My grip on the steering wheel tightened . I remembered the message he sent that night . I remembered the coldness of his words . I remembered what it felt like to pass out in the street , to wake 1/3 hard and focused on the road By the time we pulled through the front gates , my hands were sweating . I didn't care how they got my number . I didn't care who sent the message . I was here now . I parked in the circular drive and stepped out . Lena jumped out behind me , holding her stuffed rabbit , excited for no reason I could understand . Two staff members stepped out from the entrance and walked over . One of them nodded politely . " Miss Hart . You're expected . " They both looked down at Lena . ' She'll be looked after , we've arranged something in the nursery . " I hesitated . Lena looked up at me , still smiling . I crouched down and fixed the strap of her bag . 'I'll be back in a few minutes , okay ? " ' Okay ," she said and hugged me quick before following them . I stood there and watched them walk her inside . I didn't move until they disappeared down the hall . Then another staff member waved me in a different direction . " This way , please ." I followed them without a word . The halls were as pristine as I remembered . Cold marble , glass and silence . I kept my eyes forward . The door we stopped at was tall and dark . The staff member opened it and gestured for me to go in . Rick was already inside , standing by the far window , one hand holding his phone to his ear . His back was to the room . His other hand was in his pocket . His posture hadn't changed , still straight and unreadable . His father was seated at the long table , arms folded , jaw tight . The contract was on the table and there was a pen beside it . I walked in slowly . My eyes locked on Rick , he didn't turn right away but when he did , his eyes found mine instantly . His father stood up fast . " I can't believe this , " he snapped , startling me and causing me to flinch as my eyes flew in his direction , " this is ridiculous . " I blinked , caught off guard . " You're seriously doing this ? " he asked Rick . " Why on earth would you marry her ? " I hadn't met Rick's father before , I was used to the hatred I experienced at home but I couldn't find a valid 2/3 8:40 pm E Chapter 6 reason why Rick's father would dislike me when this was our first encounter . Rick didn't blink as he responded , " why shouldn't I ? " " She's not the one we agreed on . I gave you the perfect one ." Rick walked toward the table , still calm . " They're from the same family . I'm doing exactly what you asked . " 55 vouchers I had so many questions , what deal did this man have with my family that he wanted a union with my sister . His father's face turned red . " Don't play smart with me , Rick ." " You wanted an arranged marriage , you didn't specify the sister . " He looked at me then , eyes hard and sure . " I'm giving you what you wanted , now let me handle it . " His father's jaw clenched . He looked at me once , disgust clear on his face , then turned and stormed out . The door slammed behind him . Rick walked past me , brushing my arm as he moved . His voice was flat . " Sign the papers , you're moving in today . " My jaw almost dropped , everything was happening too fast , I thought I was marrying Rick to save him from my sister's deception but it was starting to feel like I had walked into a trap of my own . I turned to the table . The contract was waiting , my name already typed out in bold . He said nothing else . Just walked to the far side of the room and stood there , watching . I reached for the pen with my hand shaking slightly knowing if I signed it I'd be Rick's wife . 3/3 E AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!