Chapter Four :A Deal with the Devil.

A week had passed since Amelia last saw Arnold Williams. Since then, she had tried to push the looming decision out of her mind, convincing herself that there had to be another way—another solution that didn't involve giving up her freedom. But no matter how hard she fought against it, reality was unrelenting.

Her parents were terrified. The investors were relentless, breathing down their necks, demanding answers. Alexander Owen had spent years building his company, but now, he was on the verge of losing everything. Amelia had never seen her father look so desperate. His usual proud, commanding presence had withered into something pitiful—his shoulders slumped, his hair graying faster than before, and his eyes dull with exhaustion.

That evening, Amelia sat stiffly on the couch in their living room, arms crossed as she listened to her parents plead with her. The dim lighting only made the tension in the air feel heavier.

"Amelia," her father began, his voice strained. "We don't want to force you, but we have no choice. I begged Arnold for another solution, but he won't accept anything else."

Her mother, who had been quietly wiping at her tears, finally spoke. "Please, sweetheart. You don't have to love him. You don't even have to like him,just marry him. If not, we'll lose everything."

Amelia clenched her fists in her lap, her nails pressing into her palms. Everything inside her screamed against it. How could they ask this of her? How could they expect her to just hand herself over like some bargaining chip?

But then she looked at her father again. The shame on his face. The way his hands trembled as he clasped them together.

This wasn't just about business. It was about dignity, about survival. And if she didn't step in, her family would fall apart.

A sharp lump formed in her throat, and her vision blurred with unshed tears. She wanted to scream, to fight, to run—but where would she go? What could she do?

Taking a deep, shaky breath, she whispered, "Fine."

Her father's head snapped up. "What?"

"I'll marry him," Amelia repeated, her voice firmer this time.

Her mother gasped, covering her mouth, while her father closed his eyes in silent relief. But Amelia didn't stay to watch their gratitude. She turned on her heel and went straight to her room, shutting the door behind her.

That night, she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, tears streaming silently down her face. She had always been so sure of herself, so fiercely independent. And yet, here she was, trapped in a situation she couldn't escape.

But even as she wept, she made a silent vow—Arnold Williams would never control her.

The next morning, Amelia found herself standing in front of Arnold Williams' grand mansion. The towering structure loomed before her, cold and imposing, much like the man who owned it.

She took a steadying breath and stepped inside. A butler led her to Arnold's study, where he sat behind an elegant mahogany desk, sipping a glass of whiskey like a king awaiting his subject.

When he saw her, a slow smirk spread across his face. "I assume you've come with an answer."

Amelia lifted her chin, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I'll marry you."

A wicked grin played on Arnold's lips as he leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink. "Smart decision."

"Don't misunderstand," Amelia said sharply. "I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it to erase the shame from my parents' faces."

Arnold chuckled, setting his glass down. He rose to his feet, approaching her with slow, deliberate steps until he stood just inches away. His presence was suffocating, but Amelia refused to step back.

"Now you'll be mine," he murmured. His voice was smooth, laced with satisfaction. "I own you, Amelia."

Her jaw tightened, her entire body rigid with defiance. Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

As Amelia stepped outside Arnold's mansion, she spotted a woman standing near the driveway. She was stunning—tall, elegant, with striking features and piercing eyes that studied Amelia with amusement.

"You must be Amelia Owen," the woman said smoothly.

Amelia frowned. "And you are?"

"Victoria Lancaster," she introduced herself, crossing her arms. "Arnold's ex."

A chill ran through Amelia, but she masked her reaction. "And?"

Victoria stepped closer, her red lips curling into a knowing smirk. "You're making a mistake, sweetheart. Arnold isn't marrying you out of love or generosity. He's up to something."

Amelia's heart skipped a beat, but she pushed the doubt away. She had already made up her mind. There was no turning back now.

"I don't care what he's up to," she said coolly. "My mind is made up."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "We'll see." Then, with a knowing glance, she turned and walked away, leaving Amelia standing there, unsettled but unwavering.

Later that evening, Amelia met up with Sophia at their favorite café. The moment Amelia told her the news, Sophia's eyes widened in shock.

"You're joking," Sophia said flatly.

"I'm not."

"Amelia, no! You can't marry that man. You know he's hiding something! Why are you doing this?"

Amelia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Because my parents need me to."

Sophia shook her head in frustration. "This isn't you! You're the most independent woman I know. Are you really going to let Arnold Williams control your life?"

Amelia's gaze hardened. "No. I'll never let him control me."

Sophia exhaled sharply. "Then promise me something. No matter what happens, don't lose yourself in this marriage."

Amelia hesitated for only a second before nodding. "I promise."

Sophia studied her for a long moment before sighing. "I don't trust him, Amelia. There's something off about this whole thing."

"I know," Amelia admitted. "But I don't have a choice."

Sophia's expression softened. "There's always a choice."

Not this time, Amelia thought. But she didn't say it aloud. Instead, she forced a small smile and squeezed Sophia's hand.

"Don't worry about me," Amelia said, though even she wasn't sure she believed her own w

ords.

But deep down, she knew that promise would be tested in ways she could never imagine.