4

Amanda

"Say that again?" I asked, needing clarification.

"You. Are. Going. To. Marry. Him," he replied, stressing each word.

I gazed at the man, Marco or whoever he was, in silence. He remained calm even after I had dumped a bowl of Ramen over him. Without looking at me, he stayed composed. My dad was sipping water to regain his composure, but his expression clearly showed he was embarrassed by my actions. Not that I cared.

My stepmother, on the other hand, shot me a deathly glare as if she were ready to kill me right then and there. I snickered in disbelief. "Don't tell me this woman arranged my marriage to some dull psychopath who can't even react when food is thrown at him."

"I will slap you, Amanda, if you keep calling me those disgusting names. I've had enough of your tantrums, and I won't tolerate it any longer," my stepmother raised her voice.

This was new. Was she trying to act like a respected lady in front of this Marco guy? I couldn't hold back my anger, and my disgust laced my words, "You're a woman who slept with someone else's husband and wrecked their home for money. You sold your body for money. You're a bitch, and I dare you to raise your voice against me; I'll kill you."

She closed her eyes for a moment and then raised her hand to slap me. But before she could, her arm was caught in mid-air by the very man with whom they were planning to marry me off.

"Don't forget that she's going to be my wife. I won't like Mrs. Ray if someone tries to harm my wife," he said in a stern tone, making her instantly retract her hand and apologize.

What was up with this man?

"Dude, it's my life. Stay out of it. And who the hell told you I'd marry you?" I asked, growing annoyed with his tone. Who gave him the right to call me his wife?

"I said it. You're going to marry him. You've already crossed all your limits, Amanda. Now do as I say, or else—" Dad was about to finish his sentence, but I started laughing.

I laughed like a maniac. "Wow, Dad. I'm scared. Tell me, what will you do if I don't marry him? Hit me? Go ahead, I'm not scared of you anymore, old man."

"Look at her. She's lost her mind. For God's sake, how many times have I told you not to give her so much freedom?" my stepmother complained to my dad, who was now clenching his fists in anger.

I ignored them and turned my attention back to Marco, who was still staring at me. I raised an eyebrow and took a step closer to him. His eyes remained devoid of emotion, but something in them hinted that he was trying to act neutral. He seemed like he wanted to say something but refrained from doing so.

"Tell me, why do you want to marry me? Don't tell me you're after my father's wealth or that he's promised to pay you a hefty sum to marry me," I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

But, oh boy, this man! He kept his mouth firmly shut, not uttering a word. All he did was stare at me.

"He's Marco Felix. The billionaire Marco Felix. Do you really think he'd need any of our money?" my stepmother chimed in.

I blinked, jaw dropping in surprise. I looked at him once more, this time taking in every detail. His air of opulence and classy demeanor. He wore a plain expression, as if it didn't bother him at all whether I knew he was a billionaire or not.

I had heard on the news that Marco Felix was handsome, but I never expected that this billionaire would be no less than a Greek god. And, come to think of it, I'd heard somewhere that he was dating someone. So why on Earth was he marrying me? This was so messed up. I couldn't make any sense of it. Why would one of the richest men in our country want to marry me? It was insane!

I rubbed my forehead in bewilderment, glancing around the room to see if anyone had any input, but no one spoke up. I shifted my focus back to Marco and snapped my fingers in front of his face. "Did your girlfriend cheat on you or something? Why the heck would you want to marry me when you're already in a relationship?"

With just that single sentence, his expression transformed. His once plain eyes no longer seemed devoid of emotion; instead, anger simmered within them. From my peripheral vision, I noticed him clenching his fists at his sides.

"Ouch. Hit a nerve, did I? Your face seems to say she cheated on you," I added, reveling in the sudden change in his demeanor. I patted his shoulders with mock sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Amanda," my dad called my name, drawing my attention to him.

"I know where she is."

"Huh?"

"I know where your mother is."

I froze in place, hoping he was lying, but the stern look on his face suggested otherwise. Without hesitation, I rushed over to him, folding my hands in front of him. All the emotions I'd been suppressing threatened to burst forth. My heart pounded loudly, and her image flashed in my mind.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I cried shamelessly in front of my father and stepmother, two people I despised the most.

"Please tell me where she is," I pleaded.

"Is this girl bipolar or something? A minute ago, she was giving us attitude, and now she's crying," my stepmother remarked with an eye roll, but my dad remained silent.

"Please, Dad. Just tell me," I begged.

"I'll tell you, but there's one condition," he said, exhaling.

I looked at him expectantly and nodded.

"You have to marry him."

I furrowed my brow and lowered my head. I knew my dad would never comprehend the torment he'd inflicted on me, all his demons. I knew about his dark past. I would do anything to find my mother, but marriage?

What about the promise I'd made to her?

I swallowed hard and squeezed my eyes shut. If this marriage were the only way to find my mother, I would have to break the promise I'd given her.

"I'll marry him," I whispered, overcome with shame.

My stepmother burst into happiness, patting my head. I waited a few seconds before pushing her hands away. "Don't you dare touch me, you filthy bitch."

Ignoring my remark, she continued to smile.

Why was she so delighted about my marriage?

I wiped my tears and turned to my father. "Why do you want me to marry him? What do you get out of it?"

"He's going to fund my campaign. I need money for the next election. With him as my support, I'm certain to win," he answered without hesitation.

Wow. I should've known about his selfish intentions. He was willing to force his daughter into marriage just to secure his candidacy in the elections?

I turned to leave this chaotic situation behind for some fresh air when my gaze landed on Marco Felix, who was staring at the shattered pieces of glass on the table.

He was one pecuAmaliar man. This impending wedding gave me an overwhelmingly bad feeling.