Chapter 5. Agreement between their parents.
Elizabeth stayed silent for a few minutes, observing while Richard uncomfortably cleared his throat, maintaining a distant look and an upright posture as he stared out the car window.
"Come on! Everyone has their own problems!" She shouted furiously, trying to open the door.
"The car is locked." He informed calmly.
"Let me out, I will never marry you! I hate these rich people who think they can have everything and treat us however they want just because they have a lot of money.
"I didn't say anything offensive to you; I just gave you the chance of a lifetime. You could live well for the rest of your life; any poor girl like you would accept it.
"Oh, please! As if this day hadn't been bad enough already.
"Accept the agreement and have the life every girl dreams of.
"Do you think things work like that? Does everyone think that way?" She asked, trembling lips and a sad look." I don't want to be forced to marry anyone. What's wrong with you people? No one cares about such an important union anymore, something that should be done for love and not for interests?
"In the world we live in, love is never on the table, always business, agreements, and others. You're being dramatic. That rundown house where you live is falling apart; you could live like a queen, without needing to serve anyone, especially not me. I wouldn't even force you to have obligations as a wife, even though you're so attractive.
"I've said it before! I will never marry you, and besides, you're the kind of person who has a Plan B, in fact, the whole alphabet. Just check off your list and move on to the next one; she must have fewer values.
Richard smiled skeptically.
"Talking about values? Which ones? Because of these phantom values in your head, you'll always be in ruins. People like you always miss out on great opportunities to grow, and you're getting a rare chance; any woman would bend over backward to be by my side.
"I see... very modest.
"I'm being realistic.
"If that were true, you wouldn't be paying just anyone to be by your side. So... open the door; I'm sick of this conversation!
"Eliza! Accept the agreement; it's not a bad thing. I'm offering you a better life condition.
"I'd rather die!" She growled, moving away from him.
"This is just what I needed. I shouldn't insist, especially not to such an insignificant woman with such an inflated ego. It might be because of that expensive necklace; it seems you've found someone who buys you such things.
"What do you mean?" She asked, without reaction.
"That you... already have someone who buys you with expensive jewels, after all, you don't even have a penny to your name...
A loud smack echoed inside the car as Richard fell silent, Elizabeth's palm stinging after striking Richard's face with all her might.
He clenched his fists, glaring at her furiously. In that moment, she regretted her courage, as she couldn't even run away; she thought he might retaliate in some way, but he just adjusted his collar as a gesture to relax while feeling his face burn.
"Get out of my car; I hope our paths never cross again, never! No woman has dared..." He clenched his jaw, containing the anger and the urge to shout.
Despite being taken over by anger, he noticed how she became intimidated after hitting him. Also, in size, Richard was intimidating to her, being 1.82 meters tall while she was only 1.68 meters.
As soon as Richard opened the door, she got out barefoot, leaving her shoes in his car; she didn't even look back as tears streamed down her face, a mix of relief and frustration over Richard's treatment and words, mixed with the events involving her ex-boyfriend.
Richard thought about going to the college and trying to find another girl, but he preferred going home to calm down.
Elizabeth wasn't far from her nanny's house; she felt lucky he hadn't found out her true home. She walked for almost ten minutes, barefoot and with sore feet.
"Liz! Why are you barefoot?" Gabrielly asked, her best friend and confidante.
"Gaby..." She whined, hugging her friend." This is by far one of the worst days of my life..." She murmured as Gaby stroked her hair.
She recounted everything that had happened after they went to the room they shared, the furniture was new, and the place was tidy, yet it had the air of an old house.
"You know..." Gaby murmured, uncomfortable." This place, this life, none of it is for you. It's time to go back, why don't you go home?" She asked while Elizabeth lay on the bed with her face buried in the pillow.
"I'd rather be insulted for being simple than deceived and misled by selfish people who will only benefit from me because of my money. You're so lucky, you know?
"True, it's a blessing that you still trust me after all these jerks you've dealt with." She commented sarcastically.
"I thought you were trying to console me. Besides, I'm saying no one will ever get close to you for the right reasons." She grumbled, throwing a pillow at her friend, then getting up.
"Until they find out who I'm friends with." She muttered inaudibly.
"I'm tired of all this, especially after... that jerk cheated on me!
"Well... enough crying, isn't it?" Gaby asked, watching Elizabeth wipe her tears away, revealing her red face." What are you thinking?
"All that's left for me... is to go back home and end all this charade, and I won't let what he did to me go unanswered. No one will trample on a Leblanc.
Her gaze carried a cold determination.
Gaby helped Elizabeth pack her things, at least the basics she had there; she knew none of those clothes would be useful at her mansion as they were clothes that helped her blend in with common people and work at the diner.
"Hello, this is a translated story. I'd like to know what you think of the reading so far, so please share your opinion and how it's been getting to this point. Let me know if there were any spelling errors."
chapter 6: Destined It was nighttime, and Elizabeth's father was in his office with his wife, who was pacing back and forth anxiously. "Do you think she saw it?" She asked anxiously. "I showed her, the investigator said she entered while they were still there. "And the elder Campbell? Is he still available for the marriage? "Despite Richard being a sought-after man, and he rarely shows up for this, he wouldn't find a wife so quickly. He's so calculating and meticulous; he wouldn't choose just any woman, even to throw us off and make me keep my word. "You don't know if he really hasn't found someone; if I were you, I wouldn't count on that man's coldness. He might just want to use any woman when it comes to such an important matter. "Not that man, he's not that type. "Well... what's the deadline, at least? "Actually, I hope Elizabeth decides tomorrow. I want her to be able to marry before her brothers go to the United States; they won't think about going until they're sure thei
Chapter 7: The Expected Yes "Miss Kalgazar…" He murmured her name with disdain, yet maintaining composure as he pulled his hands away. "I don't have time now, but once a decision is made, I'll meet you," he warned dryly. "I hope we can meet soon; I know I'll be the right person you're looking for." She stepped back and left, heading toward the group of friends awaiting her. "Not at all…" She sighed indifferently, keeping her gaze in the opposite direction, remembering Eliza. "I don't know what's happening for her to be on my mind like this," he thought, lost in thought. Elizabeth and her friend Gaby were on the campus field where students gathered to sit on the grass. She tried once again to hold back the tears, though it was almost impossible. "When will you stop coming here? I know it hurts you, so…" "I… I just need to see, see until it hurts so much that I wish for death, but instead of killing me, I'll end his life!" She exclaimed fiercely. "Your mind is hard to understan
Chapter 8: The Man I'm Going to MarryElizabeth could hardly rest; she headed to the garden, where she walked until late, pondering how Taylor would react upon learning that she was suddenly married. Yet, she was also afraid, having no idea who the man she was marrying was. This troubled her chest even more. In seconds, she thought of a thousand possibilities and hells she might experience at the hands of this man her father deemed someone who would keep her safe.After much contemplation, her insomnia only worsened. Still, she retreated to her room and locked herself in. Early in the morning, she awoke to her mother opening the curtains of her large window, flooding the room with light."Mom!" she protested as the maids entered eagerly."Get up, okay? Even though it's a blind marriage, let's make it perfect. You're getting married today, and everything is being arranged in haste.""And this dress?" she asked indifferently as the maid carefully placed the shimmering crystal-like piece
Chapter 9: Delivered to the One I DespiseElizabeth was ready and anxious, her gaze fixed on the clock on her dresser, torturing herself with each passing minute as if they were flying by."Mom, is this clock broken?" she asked irritably, turning it to hide its display."What do you think? Is it taking too long? I know, I'm so excited," her mother commented enthusiastically, drawing Elizabeth's serious gaze, leaving her astounded."No! It's the opposite; it's passing so quickly. Suddenly, it's less than an hour. I'm...""Liz... I don't know how you can accept this... it's so scary," Gaby grumbled, distressed."My goodness! You look beautiful!" Brian exclaimed, enchanted by his sister, the bride."I never thought I'd see such a beautiful bride," Ryuk celebrated. "Come on, strut around to see how it would be walking down an aisle.""You... at least, you guys have your heads on straight," Elizabeth grumbled, then adjusted her posture and began walking.The bride was stunning in her beaut
Chapter 10: Subtle AttractionFor Elizabeth, the wedding felt like a funeral; her stomach churned constantly. After the forced "yes" and the ceremony concluded with the signed contracts, there was no further contact between them.She remained in the hall since her father wouldn't allow her to leave."So?" Gaby asked, apprehensive."I just want to get out of here as soon as possible!" Elizabeth grumbled, while sneakily observing Richard, who was beside her father and mother, all engrossed in lively conversation.Her parents smiled eagerly, and Richard attempted to appear receptive, even if he didn't smile. However, in a few brief seconds of contact, his gaze met Elizabeth's sulking stare, one of the few things that made him feel like laughing, though it remained a mere urge."That jerk, how dare he go through with the marriage," she continued grumbling."Why do you keep complaining? He doesn't seem so bad, even if the circumstances aren't the best.""You know... I didn't tell you, but
Chapter 11: Agreement or ThreatRichard promptly accepted the invitation from Elizabeth's mother, who invited him to dance as soon as she saw them stepping away. Generously, Elizabeth gifted each of her brothers a dance."Siblings... my foot is throbbing, and this atmosphere is starting to make me nervous. I'm going for a walk outside and leaving Gaby in your care; she seems quite downcast," she announced."Are you plotting something, Elizabeth?" Brian asked suspiciously, as he knew his sister well."It's nothing serious, just let me be alone," Elizabeth replied.She exited, crossing the hall to one of the balconies, where she sat on a bench near the railing. She sighed with relief as she finally took off the heels that had been hurting her ankle.Meanwhile, Richard continued chatting absentmindedly with his parents, as if Elizabeth wasn't present."I still believe you and Elizabeth can get along. It's a bit strange that, after being husband and wife, you remain distant," Zeus comment
Chapter 12 "A Not So Cold Man"On that day, Elizabeth's parents weren't home as they were attending a business dinner and couldn't accompany her. This, in fact, was a relief for her. When Richard informed her that he was waiting for her outside the gate, she came down to meet him. However, upon seeing her, he was taken aback while she approached slowly, avoiding making eye contact.Once she reached the gate, he regained composure and opened the car door for her to get in. As expected, she hesitated and attempted to head towards the back door."Don't think of doing what you're thinking," Richard warned."I don't want to sit next to you.""Elizabeth, dear, I'm not letting my beautiful wife sit in the back seat; the Campbell heiress should arrive by my side.""You just want to show me off?""Exactly, just get in and go with the flow."Once inside the car, Richard had never felt so uncomfortable next to a woman. However, Elizabeth seemed completely at ease, while he felt oddly affected by
Chapter 13: Elizabeth's Bad ReputationDespite the admiration of many, Elizabeth was also the target of gossip, particularly among the groups Emma associated with."She's nothing but someone trying to seduce wealthy men. My Taylor would be one of the victims of this scammer.""I'm surprised that Taylor, one of the most eligible bachelors for so long, gave space to just anyone. He has lowered himself in my estimation," grumbled one of the girls, watching the couple with disgust."It doesn't matter that he's with her, it won't last long. Besides, Richard seems to have bought her, given that she's a scammer, she won't last, and that means he's open to relationships. I don't know about you, but once this is over, I'm going to try," one remarked."Dream on! I'll manage; I have a more sophisticated way.""Well..." murmured another, pointing at Elizabeth while serving herself, "you'll have to be at least more sophisticated than her.""Good grief, just being from a good family puts you above