2 Is there a mix up?

"Scarlet, we are still family. You only temporarily marrying out." Pauline muttered.

Though, she might suggested her marrying to the loan sharks to cancel the debt but the fact is the marriage will provide a platform for them to get more loans from them as their in-laws.

Should she reject them as family she didn't want to imagine how she died.

~Next Morning~

Scarlet woke up earlier than usual, she had barely slept a wink through the night. She had thought about it over and over again but she could only draw one conclusion "there is no way out."

She might have to choose to run away but her adoptive parents might lose their life. Though, their are selfish and heartless they still provided a shelter over her head. She is still bearing their name " Winter".

The name had been engraved into her memory at the age of three. And should she run away, what will be her fate when she is found. It is clear, they have so many connections otherwise how will they terrorize the community.

She looked at the beaded bracelet on her hand which seems to expand as she grows up, the only item left by her parents on her. It is funny, it had remained on her hand up to this time.

Despite Ruby's greed, Pauline never allowed her take possession of the bracelet. For that she is grateful but then she couldn't trace her origin over night and even if she does "will they want her?" That is uncertain.

With no choice left, she took her bath, took her time to prepare herself. Applying a little makeup on her face "no matter what, it's her marriage and she must look best" she mused.

By the time she finished it is already 7:00am.

The morning air was crisp, yet Scarlet felt suffocated. The sun peered through the sky its glow casting across the horizon felt brightened but Scarlet felt her life falling into abyss.

She stepped into the living room, her parents already sitting there. It seems they have spent the night there to make sure she didn't escape. A bitter smile crept up her lips in mockery.

"Are you ready?" Pauline asked, her eyes scanning her from head to toe. Her eyes stung a little but she quickly masked it. "It is for the greater good." She told herself.

"Am going, from there I will go to work." Scarlet said. She may not have a say in this marriage but she will never quit working.

"Alright, you take care." Pauline said while Scarlet left the house with a little of bag clutched tightly in her hand. She had made a decision to crash with Mario for sometime as long as the loan sharks Boss won't be unreasonable.

With steady but heavy footsteps she walked out of the house hailed a cab to the marriage registration office, her adoptive parents trailing behind her at a distance. Their presence was a leash, reminding her that escape wasn't an option.

By the time she arrived, the office was still closed. She exhaled and sat on the wooden bench outside, her nerves stretched thin as she waited patiently, she already called Mario to take a leave of absence for her because if her guess is right... So many things will happen today.

Minutes passed. Then an hour.

Her legs bounced restlessly. Where is he? The so-called 'Boss'?

At exactly 9 AM, the rhythmic sound of polished shoes clicking against the pavement drew her attention. She looked up.

A tall, sharp-featured man dressed in an impeccably tailored suit approached. His presence was effortless yet commanding. He stopped a few steps away, his posture rigid but polite.

"Miss Scarlet?" His voice was smooth, devoid of emotion.

She swallowed. "Yes."

Without another word, he extended a folder toward her. Scarlet stared at the folder in disbelief, her fingers tightening around the edges.

Was this really happening? Was she really about to sign away her life like this? Her heart raced, her eyes stung but she refused to shed more tears over this matter.

She hesitated before opening it. Her name, printed in neat, formal text, sat beside another—a name she isn't familiar with but come to think of it, she only knew his name as Boss.

The young man, exuding an air of confidence and professionalism, gave her a calm yet firm look. "Boss is a busy man. He has already signed his part, and all that's left is for you to do the same."

Scarlet hesitated, glancing down at the crisp white paper in her hands. Her heart pounded as she skimmed the words. Marriage certificate. Legal binding. Husband and wife. It is a normal term for lovin couples but to her it is bondage, betrayal and destruction.

She turned slightly, noticing her adoptive parents lurking in the distance, their anxious eyes trained on her, making sure she didn't try to escape. Her stomach churned. There was no way out of this.

With trembling fingers, she took the pen offered to her. She took a deep breath gathering every ounce of strength she could muster, a final moment of hesitation—then, slowly, she signed her name.

One stroke. Then another. The ink drying instantly and sealed the marriage.

The man took the document from her hands, glancing at the signature for confirmation before nodding in approval. "It's done. The office will handle the processing while we get the certificate. "Do you care for breakfast?" He asked politely.

"No, I am okay." She answered. How will she find the courage to eat when all her life has tumbled down unexpectedly just because of a text message and her being a good daughter.

Within a short time, the office presented them with a marriage certificate. The man who she has come to know as Bryan took one and gave her one.

The book glaring in her hand. She dared not to open it to see it's contents. She pocketed it into her handbag.

Scarlet let out a shaky exhale, feeling a weight settle over her.

"Come," the man gestured toward the sleek black car parked nearby. "I'll take you home."

Scarlet's legs felt heavy as she followed him, her mind numb. She had done it. She was now someone's wife.

"You don't have to take me home, drop off at work. I have already asked for leave of absence but with so much going on. I want to go back to the office."

Bryan stared at her lightly "Do you work?" He asked in surprise.

"Who doesn't work, even the CEO is working." She retorted.

Bryan became confused about her attitude. He had never heard of the Roberts daughter working. When her dividends in the Robert group is enough to last her for a lifetime.

He opened the backseat for her but Scarlet bypassed him "I don't sit at the back while you are alone at the front seat". She replied as she slid in to the car.

Bryan felt more confused, the Scarlet he heard about will never do such a thing. Is there a mix up somewhere where.

Scarlet settled into the car, her gaze cold, her heart heavy as she can't imagine the journey she had just stepped into. 

It was just the day before that her adoptive mother insisted she pay for Ruby's school fees when she was about going to work and in the space of 24hours, she has been forced to sign a marriage certificate. 

It's quite amusing and yet they say they see me as their daughter" she mused.