Is There No Other Way

Before I opened my eyes, I knew I had done something I would soon regret about the actions I took yesterday.

Suddenly, I woke up feeling disoriented as I looked around.

Where am I? I wondered.

This isn’t my room.

Then, all the memories from last night came flooding back to me.

As I turned my head in a slow motion, my eyes landed on a man who was clearly sound asleep.

When I realized what I had done, my eyes grew wider in shock. I became aware of my mistake and the potential consequences that would follow…

Yesterday morning;

“Camila!” My uncle called out to me when I passed his office. “Come in here, now!” He demanded.

How did he know it was me? The door of his office was closed.

I saw Joffrey, his bodyguard, opening the door for me to enter.

That’s how. Joffrey must have told him I was passing by since he guarded the door.

I found it odd that my uncle asked me to step inside. Besides Joffrey, no one is allowed to enter his office, not even Aunt Marie, his wife.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Uncle Maurice raised his voice as he spoke again.

“You better listen,” Joffrey whispered to make sure my uncle didn’t hear him.

Nervously, I adjusted the dress I was wearing before walking inside. I love my uncle. He took care of me after my parents passed away. I was five years old when it happened. I owe him respect and Aunt Marie for what they did for me.

If it wasn’t for my uncle and my aunt, I don’t know where I’d be today.

I cleared my throat before I announced myself as Joffrey closed the door behind me. “You wanted to see me, sir.”

He was sitting behind his desk, looking at some papers that were right in front of him. “Yes, come and sit.”

I did exactly what he asked of me. I sat and waited for him to finish what he was doing before he was ready to inform me why he had summoned me to his office.

Uncle Maurice put his pen on his desk after he signed a couple of papers. He lifted his head to look at me.

“Now that you are twenty-one, it’s time for you to make some changes in your life.” My uncle spoke as no emotions were written on his face.

Why do I get the bad feelings as to where he was going with this?

“It’s time for you to have a husband.”

Come again!

“Don’t worry. I found the perfect suitor for you.” Uncle Maurice said it as if it wasn’t a big deal.

Which it was.

For me, at least.

I frowned. “I’m sorry! What?”

“Which part you didn’t understand me, Camila? Mmhmm.”

I opened my mouth to say something when he cut me off.

“Don’t you dare make me repeat. You know how I despise it.”

“Why?” I asked.

He snorted as he gave me one explanation.

“Ever wonder how the rich stay rich?”

That’s his explanation?

This is outrageous!

I can’t accept this.

I won’t!

“I always did what you asked of me. Please, uncle. Don’t make me do this.”

His nostrils flared as he stared at me. “This is not a debate. You will do what I said. Have I made myself clear?”

“No! I won’t have it!” I rose from my seat to make a point.

“Joffrey!” He called for his bodyguard.

“Yes, sir.” Joffrey opened the door without stepping inside.

“Take my niece back to her room, and don’t let her come out unless I say otherwise.”

My lips parted in surprise. My uncle had never treated me this way before.

What was going on?

Joffrey was about to grab my arm and drag me to my room.

I didn’t let him as I exited my uncle’s office. I knew Joffrey was following me to make sure I was going to where Uncle had ordered him to bring me.

I never liked Joffrey. He always gave me the creeps. My uncle’s bodyguard always looked at me in a weird way, especially lately.

When I stepped inside my room, I didn’t waste my time closing the door. Joffrey didn’t have the authority to walk in here.

The further away I was from him, the better.

Frustrated, I paced in front of my bed.

I felt betrayed.

How can my uncle do this to me?

I never once rebelled against him. I always did what he expected of me. But this…this was unfair.

My thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked on my door.

“Who is it?” I asked

“It’s me.” My aunt informed me.

“Come in.”

As I saw her stepping inside my bedroom, I crossed my arms in front of me. “Did you know?”

“Of course I did.”

“Then why haven’t you said anything? How can he force me to marry someone I don’t even know.”

She took my hairbrush, and with frustration, I sat on my bed.

My uncle and my aunt never could have children on their own. I wonder if they had a daughter, would she be in my shoes right about now?

“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.” Aunt Marie said while she was brushing my hair.

Was she on this as well?

“I came to inform you that your future husband will come for a visit tomorrow. So I suggest you play nice and do what’s expected of you.”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to meet him.”

At my words, she brushed my hair rougher than necessary. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.” She said those exact words not too long ago.

She left my room no longer after that.

I covered my mouth with the palm of my hand. What if I have to sleep with him?

Can I do this?

If I don’t have a choice but to marry a man I never saw before, I won’t let him have me completely.

I’m going to find a way to sneak out and go somewhere. If I have to, I’ll pick a random guy to give him my virginity.

There is no way I will let someone else decide whom I’m going to give it to.