03

Elisha froze when she heard something unexpected from his father. She heard it right. Her parents want her to marry a person she did not even know. In short, an arranged marriage with a strange man.

Elisha was about to refuse but her mother-in-law already expects her reaction, shock, and confusion that is why Matilda suddenly interrupts Elisha before she does something reckless that can tarnish their family reputation.

"Elisha, dear... We were sorry if we did not tell this ahead of time. We only want what is best for you and besides, we think that Mr. Wrost likes you. We were shocked too at first but when we thought about your future, your father and I accepted the marriage proposal of Mr. Wrost. I am sorry Elisha dear, but I hope you understand" Matilda looked at Elisha's worried eyes. She looked at her and sent her signal to not make a fuss in front of their visitor.

Elisha clenched her fist. She cannot believe that things like this will also be decided by her parents. Since she was young, her parents always decided for her, including what she eats, what she should wear, her time and now. her future. How can they do this to her? She greeted her teeth because she knows that this marriage will not benefit her at all. This marriage is for her parents and two sisters, not for her.

"Y-yes mom" Elisha answered and smiled. She did not dare to answer back or retaliate at all. She knew the consequences if she did not agree with what they wanted.

Elaine smirked. She knew that Elisha cannot do anything about her life. There is a string attached to her life that causes her to be manipulated by their parents and by Elaine. Elisha was not allowed to decline whatever they said. She was only allowed to agree and do what they want and that will be her life until she dies, to follow them forever.

"Ms. Elisha, I am happy to know that you agreed to this marriage. Do not worry, after marriage, you will be Mrs. Wrost. The wedding will be held next week. Everything is prepared. You do not have to do anything but to wait until the wedding day. We will send everything you need to know tomorrow" Leon stood up and bowed in front of Elisha before it bid goodbye.

When the old man was gone in front of them, the gentle look from the family face began to fade. It changes into the smile of an evil family. They will do everything for money. That is the Houston Family, except Elisha, the illegitimate daughter of the family.

"Elisha, from now on you will no longer attend nor finish your school. You just have to prepare yourself for the marriage" Mr. Houston said and left with his wife Matilda. Elaine who was left with Elisha smiled, mocking the weak Elisha who was still looking at the ground.

"You know what Elisha? only if your mother did not give birth to you, you will never suffer this kind of life" Elaine said then started leaving Elisha who was now in tears.

Elisha went to her room and slammed the door. She locked it to make sure that no one will barge in. She throws herself at her creaking bed and cries the whole day. She does not want to marry someone she did not know, and she does not want to stop studying. This is the only thing that makes her busy and enjoys her life. How dare they do something so horrible to her life?

Elisha cried the whole day until she fell asleep, tired from crying and thinking about her future life.

Elisha woke up with swollen eyes due to crying for so long. She sat up and found herself messy, including her makeup and hair. She forgot to change her clothes last time. When she was about to change her clothes, she saw her broken phone ringing beside her bed. She immediately looked at the caller's name and was astounded when she recognized who it was.

"Jan--" she said as she answered the call.

"Elisha! I was calling you and texting you a hundred times already. Why are you not answering my calls and messages? Have you gone insane? What happened!? Did your crazy family hurt you? Do not be scared and tell me. I will definitely rip their horrible faces" As usual, Jane bombarded her with a lot of questions whenever Elisha did something new.

"Calm down Jane, everything is fine except for one thing..." Elisha was not sure if it is okay to tell Jane about her wedding this coming week knowing Jane, she is a headache and will do everything if she thought something was not right.

"One thing? that one thing is still not fine, Elisha. Now, I want you to tell me that one thing" Jane said in a serious tone. Jane knew that her friend Elisha is like a puppet towards her parents. She always does what her family wants. Jane hates those kinds of people except Elisha. Elisha is different from her family. That is one of the reasons why Jane is very protective of her not because she is an illegitimate daughter of the family but because she has a soft and kind heart.

Elisha bit her lips. Jane will still be found out even if she hides her marriage from Jane.

"I-I am going to get married to the person I did not know," Elisha said and shut her eyes. She was ready to hear the loud voice of Jane, but Jane did not shout nor get exaggerated; instead she heaved a sigh and calmed herself.

"Elisha, do you want to marry that unknown person?" Jane calmly asked. Elisha got scared. This is not Jane. Whenever Jane gets serious that means she is dangerous. Elisha swallowed hard.

"Of course, not... I do not want to marry the person that I do not love" Elisha said as she started crying. She does not want this.

"Then listen carefully Elisha because I will do everything to save you," Jane said in a serious tone. For Jane, Elisha's parents are too much. She cannot take it anymore. She will do everything to save Elisha.

"What are you planning to do Jane?" Elisha asked in a worried tone.

"You will run away on your wedding day"