Chapter 1 001

Ara descended the stairs and approached the dining table, where her parents were having breakfast. The table was laden with various dishes, but she had no appetite. "Good morning, Mom and Dad," she said, but they didn't respond, a familiar silence she was used to. Her eyes pleaded with them to acknowledge the significance of this day, her birthday. "Mom, don't you remember what today is?" she asked, but her mother continued eating, ignoring her question. Ara's gaze shifted to her dad. "Dad, I'm sure you would remember what today is," she said, her voice trembling. "I don't remember." Her dad scoffed. Ara's tears welled up, but she fought to hold them back. "How can you both forget? It's my birthday today," she said, her voice cracking. Her parents gawked at her, then burst out laughing. "So?? ' The asked in unison. "So, you didn't even wish me a happy birthday, let alone remember it's my special day. You didn't even get me a gift, like every parent would for their child. Why are you always so different?" Ara's tears flowed freely now. "She still doesn't get it. We loathe her, and we regret the day she was born. It was the beginning of our misery, and we're gonna drag you to this misery of ours." Her mom sneered. "Why, why didn't you put me in an orphanage when I was born? Why did you raise me when you knew you were going to hate me? Just why?" she asked, her voice cracking with emotion. "That's because we're asked to keep you, don't worry, you'll still understand." Mason muttered. And they returned to their breakfast, her father taking a fried chicken and shoving it into his mouth. The delicious taste danced on his tongue, and he offered the chicken to his wife, who took it from his hand without hesitation. They sipped their juice and savored the moment. Ara watched them, feeling excluded and hurt. They hadn't even invited her to join them for breakfast. What kind of parents were they? Without an invitation, Ara took a seat and served herself breakfast, but her mom snapped at her, "What do you think you're doing?" "I'm going to eat," Ara replied, her voice firm. "You won't be having any of this, you didn't contribute to buying this food, and now you want to eat? Haven't you heard the saying, 'No food for a lazy person'? That applies to you." Janet snapped. "But, Mom, I didn't eat anything last night, and you want me to go to college on an empty stomach?" Ara pleaded. "Do we look like we care?" Janet asked, her voice cold. "We don't care whether you eat or live, all we care about is ourselves. So, carry your empty stomach and don't bother us with your problems," Janet said, her words piercing Ara's heart. Ara had had enough, grabbing her bag and walking out of the house in tears. "Look at her, walking like a snail," Janet muttered, and Mason chuckled. ______ Ara stepped out of the taxi and gazed up at the skyscraper before her, the name “Wesley College” (WSC for short) clearly written on it. She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and stepped inside. Her grumbling stomach protested, making her feel worse. "Look who's here," Sofia said, walking towards her. "Hi Sofia," Ara replied with a smile as they both walked inside the building. "Where's Holly?" Ara asked, and Sofia looked at her. "He said he's going to join us," Sofia muttered, and Ara smiled. Ara's stomach grumbled again, and Sofia raised an eyebrow. "What's that sound?" she asked, and Ara groaned. "Oh no! "Don't tell me you haven't eaten anything?" Sofia asked, concerned. Ara hesitated, and Sofia handed her a fish roll from her bag. Ara devoured it quickly, feeling a bit better. Just then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up, and Holly got out. "Happy birthday, birthday girl," he said, walking towards them. Ara looked up, surprised he remembered. "Thank you, Holly," she said, and he handed her a box containing a pair of shining sneakers. "I saw your old shoes were worn out, so I got you these," he explained. "Happy birthday, even if some people told me not to wish you first." Sofia handed her a red lipstick. "Thanks," Ara smiled, feeling grateful. "She's already getting emotional again, jeez," Holly teased, noticing Ara's sentimental expression. "It's just... 'what my parents couldn't gift to me, you both are doing it' she thought to herself, her eyes welling up with tears. "Just what?" Sofia asked, curious about Ara's unfinished sentence. Ara shook her head, not wanting to elaborate. "Nothing, lecture is about to start, let's go," she muttered, and they nodded in agreement, heading towards their class. _______ The building was the tallest skyscraper in Russia, a marvel of modern architecture that pierced the sky like a shimmering needle. Owned by the youngest billionaire tycoon, a mere 24 years old, it was a testament to his vast wealth and influence. Every aspect of the building screamed luxury, from the sleek, polished façade to the opulent lobby adorned with priceless artwork and extravagant furnishings. The interior was equally impressive, with lavish offices, state-of-the-art amenities, and panoramic views of the city that left one breathless. The tycoon's penthouse suite was a palace in the sky, complete with a private elevator, a rooftop pool, and a terrace that seemed to touch the stars. Every detail was meticulously crafted to exude extravagance, from the Italian marble floors to the crystal chandeliers that refracted rainbow hues across the walls. The building was a monument to the tycoon's success, a symbol of his boundless ambition and impeccable taste. It was the headquarters of the biggest gaming company in Russia, and Janet and Mason pulled up to the entrance. They ran inside, where they met with the receptionist. "We have an appointment with the president," they said, and the receptionist directed them to his office. They took the elevator to the top floor, where they found themselves in front of a door. They stepped inside, and were enveloped by smoke and darkness. The only light came from the moon, which cast an eerie glow through the windows. "We're here, President," they muttered, their voices shaking. "You remember the deal you made with my father, don't you?" a dark baritone voice said, sending shivers down their spines. "Isn't it time you settled it, now that she's come of age?" Vesper asked. "Yes, our daughter's hand in marriage, to settle the debt." Janet replied. "Good," Vesper said, his voice dripping with sinister intent. "Tomorrow, we will tie the knot. She will be my little wife." He said and nodded. "But, President, she's still a college student..." Mason ventured. Vesper cut him off. "She will continue to attend college, I give you my word." "Sure, President. She'll be your little wife from tomorrow. She'll walk down that aisle as your bride. We give you our word." Janet spoke up. Vesper chuckled darkly, a sound that sent chills down their spines. _______ They arrived home, and Janet threw her bag aside, not caring where it landed. She sat down and began rubbing her ankle. "Gosh, I need a warm massage," Janet said, and Mason settled down beside her, starting to massage her ankle. "That's why I love you," Janet moaned, enjoying the massage. The doorbell rang, and Mason let go of Janet's leg to answer the door. He opened it to find the president's bodyguard, Finn. "The president said I should give this to your daughter," Finn said, handing Mason a package. "Thank you... I'll make sure to deliver this to her," Mason said, closing the door. "Who was that?" Janet asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "Actually, the president sent something for Ara," Mason replied, walking back to Janet. Janet sprang up and collected the gift from Mason's hand, beginning to unwrap it. Her eyes widened as she revealed an expensive wedding dress, designed with stones and clearly the latest fashion in Russia. "Oh... My Fûçking gosh... This girl is so lucky to be getting married to the president, not even someone of her age has worn this," Janet said, impressed. She unwrapped the second gift, which contained accessories, including silver shoes. "She's too lucky to be enjoying all these benefits," Janet muttered. "This shouldn't be our problem, our problem should be how we're going to tell her that she's getting married." Mason said. "What are you talking about? Getting married to whom?" Ara asked, descending the stairs. They hadn't realized she was home, assuming her lecture had ended early. Ara's eyes scanned the wedding dress. "Who does that belong to, Mom?" Ara asked.