The Million Dollar Marriage

Chapter 1

1

“Care to tell me about this overtime stunt that you pulled last night in the bar arena, Ana?” Anne muttered on the phone while Ariana’s eyes vigilantly followed her brother Miles until his silhouette morphed into nothing when he was gone inside the school building with Miss. Harley Benson. A smile cracked over her lips when she saw Miles behaving well to go while talking to his science teacher before marching in. It was an accomplishment. Ever since Mr. Robert came to pay a visit at their place, he had been dull and reserved, but guess not anymore.

“I filled for day before yesterday,” Ariana replied sluggishly as she kept observing him through her sleep-deprived eyes. She smiled at the thought of him seeming quite sociable with his favourite teacher, that was a relief.

“Get your ass under the shower before you start running late. Bob’s already in a black mood,” Ariana jibed.

“Yeah yeah, as if I care about that bull. I’d rather be an hour late if I ever act on his mood,” Hearing Anne say that, she shone a wide grin while shaking her head, her dumbass bestie. They both knew Bob could never scold Anne because he had a thing for this Auburn haired, but she, well she’s only taking his feelings as a privilege to boost her self-confidence.

“Also I am dying to know about last night since you weren’t even picking up any calls after I missed yours,” Anne’s concern made Ariana’s smile down with the dusk. She started to recall how Mr. Roberts came to hit her and yet she couldn’t stop his hand. He wanted her hand for his notorious son and if she’d say no, she’d have to find another place for their heads, or maybe a new neighbourhood since his son was a no magnanimous man.

But also, she couldn’t risk moving to another house right now. Only she knows how hard she has to work to keep the wolf away from their door. Household bills and chores, her two jobs, Miles’ school, his monthly medical checkups and a cherry on top; her chronic depression. It was a lot for her to balance at once. The only burden that lifted off her shoulders were her studies which she recently marked done.

“I’ll tell you the rest when we meet, okay…” She pressed her lips before murmuring, “I am not dead yet,” Ariana knew Anne had narrowed her eyes on her even if she couldn’t see her face as of now. A dejected smile crossed her lips when she thought she cared about her. At least someone did. All her life she thought she was alone with Miles, but having a doting friend like her made her believe in having someone as her own, whose shoulders she can use for her unshed tears.

“Try saying that in my face and stop me from whipping your ass hard. I want you to memorise how a death angel looks in the eye when extracting a disgraceful shit-soul like yours,” Ariana burst into hearty laughter for a second, “Is that a challenge?” She switched her phone to her left ear with an eyebrow batting while she crossed her right arm, left elbow resting on it.

“No, love, it’s a warning. Never let those words reach your mind again. Miles and I only got you, you get that?” A lie good enough to soothe Ariana’s heart. Even though Anne had a family of her own, she still feigned to be a lonely freak like Ariana. But since they had been friends for almost 5 years so they knew what words to use to put smiles on each other’s faces.

The fact that Miles only had her abstained from taking her life many years ago. She didn’t even care about her own pain whenever it came to her little munchkin. If she had died the day her father was burnt, Miles would have no one to save him from that monster, and she couldn’t risk that.

She had been taking care of her brother’s safety and health ever since her father left them alone; just like their mother; but unlike the tactic she used on them to leave.

Sighing, she replied. “Yeah, seems like you’re right, Ann,” She stood there for another minute, waiting, in hope if Miles runs back to her, snivelling and panicky, but that didn’t happen. “I think you should start moving because Miles’ not gonna come out, he’s happy with that blond clown,” Anne rebuked as if she heard her thoughts. She tilted her head with pouty lips.

“Yeah, never mind, I’m on track. I’ll wait for you and for the love of God, try to come early,” Anne sighed with an okay before Ariana cut the call with a heavy heart. It was rare. Rare for Ariana to leave her brother when he’s upset. She let out a puff as tons of weights lifted off her shoulder while something inside her begged her to move or else Anne would turn out to be right.

Her workplace was a fancy restaurant that asks punctuality and professionalism and as she was just a mere waitress there, she had to be following those rules more than anyone if she wants to carry a reputable name; which of course she did, she had a clean record and beside her early attendance always got her extra bonus as a gesture of appreciation.

She had been working in The French Salt for almost two years and never spent a shift without worrying about Miles. but today, it was more than that.

Miles heard everything that Mr. Robert said to Ariana; which she wanted the least. He was already going through a lot and did not deserve to be more burdened. Lacking his parents’ love was eating him out enough that this commotion had affected him since last night. Ariana sighed and shook her head while pursing her lips as she again recalled the event.

“Ariana, you know your father and I were fast friends and he wanted the same thing I want for you now. Think over it again before passing your final verdict,” Mr. Roberts took the seat after finishing off. Ariana offered him a glass of water before sitting next to him.

She was quiet while Mr. Roberts kept reciting his son’s capabilities and possessions proudly as if it was all she needed in her world. But the truth is, such things least get her interested in a man. Everyone in the town knew what kind of slack he was, but she couldn’t turn his proposal down right away because he was their extended family member and also the owner of this house.

“I know, uncle Rob, but please try to understand my situation. I have a sick brother to tend to. I’m the only family he has and besides…I want to educate him, pay for his school and for that, I need to work… and you know I can’t work after…” Ariana sighed defeatedly.

“So, please if you can give me time to…” She murmured cautiously, aware of his uncle’s loose temper. Mr. Roberts’ ears perked up in the sense of her rejection. His eyebrows knitted along with a tight glare.

“You want to make him a dangerous man by educating him, huh? First you and now your brother? No! I would not approve of it. Never! If not to keep your father’s promise intact, I would have never let you cross the gates of that bloody university. It’s enough now!” He rattled out and halted by slamming the glass on the glass table, that would’ve been in pieces if he’d slammed it harder.

“But… it was also dad’s will to…” she was cut short.

“No more argument passed on this, I have made my mind,” He stood on his heels like a haughty businessman with a belly of a pregnant woman, stretching his suit’s jacket for the button to fasten together, but it was still a painful struggle. “Next time I’m coming to finalise the date for your and Justin’s wedding, be prepared with some dessert to commemorate,” Ariana frowned as she gradually stood up in disbelief.

“Uncle, you can’t force me into a wedding. Father would never want it without my will,”

“You are pushing me to do it so. Accept it or leave this house and rot in some street like orphan dossers that you both could have been,” Ariana couldn’t believe his choice of words.

“I’m sorry, what did you just say to me?” Ariana tilted her head and deepened that scowl on her face. Mr. Roberts whose back was on her front, wheeled around, with a mighty ego lingering on his features.

“Exactly what you heard in the first place. Marry or cold streets of cruel east London, the choice is yours,” Ariana’s heart ripped a tad on his certain misconduct. How could someone treat his friends’ children that way, and that too when he endorsed him all his life, even when oftentimes he knew his friend was at fault.

Not a single person of this neighbourhood was oblivious to the fact of his son being a goon king, he had many names; panty-guy, skirt-chaser, gully-man, babadook,“Then I would rather marry a retard than your son,” she spat venomously right before her head spun the other side.

Her hand reached her cheek first before she could fathom the throb. He slapped her. He slapped her for calling a dog more respectable than his son, which was no lie.

Mr. Roberts strode closer to her and fisted her hair, scooting pain numbed her head, she winced with her eyes closed, “You will pay for what you have just said. A month, a month is all I’m giving to you. Then even if I have to torture you into saying yes, I’d do that,” He pulled her hair again, earning another hissing sound from her, she squeezed her eyes.

“You get that in your head?” He seethed in her ear. Loathe washed over her. She slightly opened her eyes to watch him with watered eyes. He was glaring at her with bloodlust eyes, their eye contact maintained for a few seconds before she averted her gaze and he heaved her away and left.

“Excuse me, may I take the seat?” Her train of thought ceased when a woman in her thirties asked her to move her backpack.

“Oh, pardon me,” She settled her backpack in her lap and embraced it, putting her head on it. She exchanged a warm smile with the stranger before turning her head to the window but before she could redirect her thoughts, she heard the woman querying, “Off to college?”

Ana cocked her head toward her first then straightened her posture, with a tender smile, she shook her head and replied, “No, work calls,” that smile lingered longer on her lips. The blonde lady raised her eyebrows with an amusing look.

“Really? What is this young lady up to?” Ana felt reluctant to answer this. Though she was happy with her job but wasn’t proud of it. It was not her dream place to be in, life made her choose this decision.

Ana scoffed with a bucked up face, “Ah, nothing fancy, but a restaurant that works fine for me, it’s good for now,” Ana nodded her head reassuringly, dodging the real question with unclear head. The stranger took her cue and chose not to push her.

“Ah, I get it. Young life, new start,” She smiled understandingly.

Before they could initiate a proper conversation, Ana’s stop came into the picture. “Oh, I shall take my leave,” She mumbled while collecting her belongings.

“Sure. It was nice to see you,” The woman murmured when Ana was slinging her backpack on her shoulders. She turned to her in haste and replied, “The feeling is likewise,” Ana forwarded her hand as a final gesture. “Ariana,” she introduced herself.

“Dr. Stacy,” She took her hand in a shake and bid her a farewell. Ana got off the bus and walked for a minute until her hotel was looming tall, touching the milky clouds. Out of habit, she looked up at the cloudy sky and said a prayer in her heart, which brought a smile to her lips. God was the only being she had as her protector. She believed him with all the faith she had in her, which made her a downright believer.

Ana walked in the hotel, The French Hub was one of the swankiest hotels in the town. With twenty-eight floors and three restaurants planted along with gymnasium, bars, private cinema and much more. It had been two years to her over here but she couldn’t get herself used to this place. For her, it was just a place that she dreamed of building on her own one day.

She took the elevator and rode to the fourth floor, where she substantially spent her time. She marched straight to the staff room and changed her clothes into a luxuriant uniform. As she was done tying up her apron, she moved out and nearly bumped Anne who was already donned in the uniform.

“Surprise! I lapped you today,” Anne pinched Ana’s nose, her face ceased a scowl.

“Fine, you take the lead, early bird,” They both walked to the tables and prepared them accordingly. Anne was first to ask her about last night but she circumvented her question and promised to recite the whole story during lunch break.

The day slipped away in a matter of a blink. Today was such a busy and tiring day for the workers. No wonder, it was predictable. It’s July, people love utilising their vacations; unlike her. Beside there was a scenic beach down the road, it’s a nice place to spend some quality time with family, she wondered.

It was almost twenty past seven in the evening and their shift was about to reach the close cut. So it was the only time Anne had to listen to the story Ana had been putting off. Ana was ambling back to the kitchen after serving a customer when she was hurled into the staff room next to the kitchen door.

“What the fish!” Ana slurred while she regathered her distorted breath. She shook her head in a flummoxed manner, demanding an explanation of this abrupt stunt.

Anne twitched the muscle in her mouth, “No running now. Tell me what I am dying to know, are you safe? Did anyone come to hurt you?” Anne picked Ana’s hands, pressing lightly with scorching eyes. Ana scoffed at her, she had to serve table seven.

“I don’t have time for this, Ann, let me get that order for table seven,” Ana tried to exit but Anne obstructed her way.

“I’m done serving table seven to ten. Now tell me the whole thing right now or you are staying here for a night,” Anne clasped her shoulders across. Ana huffed defeatedly. Anne passed a triumphant smile before slinking against the wall.

“At first, I thought Alex sent men for us but It was Mr. Roberts… just him,” Ana sighed and slumped her shoulders when she recited the whole scenario.

“Wait what? A month to marry that tosser? No way even in hell!” Anne gritted, her ears flushed as she imagined it all happening in her head. She couldn’t take it when Ana told her Mr. Roberts hit on her. “Fuck, why didn’t you stop him? He’s grown balls!” Anne’s pitch got louder which got her a hand from Ana on her mouth.

“Slow down, Ann, we are still on duty,” She reminded her.

“How did you let him touch him and that too after all these threats he had been throwing at you, how could you, Ana?” Anne couldn’t believe her friend was actually suffering all of this willingly. She had told her many times to move in with her, but due to her rigid boyfriend, she always found ways to dumb her offer, maybe not this time. “I’m not having it anymore. We are done, you and Miles are with me until you find a job of your calibre,” Anne threw a finger at her with a stern expression.

“Ann, it’s not child’s play. I spent my life in that house. I can’t let anyone take it from me,” Ana replied, dejected.

“Forget that shithole, it’s costing you your life. Do you want your brother to end up like that ill-bred dullard?” Anne spat the bitter reality on her face. Ana’s eyes dashed toward her, she shook her head in pure terror.

“No! Never!”

“Then, get him out of that place and have mercy on yourself,” Anne spattered the apron on the bench when she glanced at the clock showing 7:32 in the evening. Ana followed her doings and removed the apron, placing it in the locker.

“I’ll think about it,” She mumbled while running a mind over her haywire thoughts. No doubt nothing mattered to her more than her brother’s well-being and felicity. She was all ready to die for it if it takes to assure his joy. She would do anything to make his life better than hers. She could still feel that day when he was nestled in her arms while she saw their father being beaten by some bulky men before they burnt into ashes. She protested a lot but nobody heard her. She screamed and jolted to save her father but nobody let her touch him. She just watched morphing into a lifeless skull.

Never a day went by when she could forget that day. July 12. The day of her remorse and utter pain.

She was eleven. Miles was just a two month old baby when this all happened. He never lived the true meaning of having a parent above his head. Although Ana raised him like one, it wasn’t enough. If only she could offer him the whole world, then she would be able to appreciate herself.

“As a matter of fact, when’s Miles’ report will be out?” Anne interrupted her chain of thoughts.

“Ah…yeah…yeah…tomorrow, precisely,” Ana gulped while Anne nodded with half-narrowed eyes.

They both redressed into their casual attire and walked down together till Anne’s boyfriend picked her up. Ana was alone to walk till the station. Throughout the way, her mind was circling around Miles and Anne’s suggestion. Maybe she was right. Maybe Ana had to take the risk and seek her help for a little. After all, Mr. Roberts had announced that death news to her, it was better if she would start moving to save herself from penury.

Ana was so lost in her mind that she didn’t notice she was crossing the road at red light, but it all got to her when an ear-bashing sound hit her eardrums, following a thud in the next second. To say she was flabbergasted was an underestimation. She didn’t register what had happened until she heard a woman screeching, “Oh my dear Lord!”

Her vision blurred as she blinked religiously, she could see the moon above her, which made her notice she was lying on the road. A hand reached down her back and pulled her straight. “Are you okay?” It was a man’s voice, sulky but deep, she frowned, a feeble hum escaped her dried throat. “Look at me, can you hear me?” That’s when she registered something was wrong with her. She looked around and found a man looming over her but a hazy face.

Her eyebrows knitted in confusion as she caught him with a fuzzy sight. “W—What h—h—happened?” Ana babbled. She tried to get on her feet but couldn’t as the man was holding her firmly. His hold loosened when he caught her getting up. “Please, you need to be assisted, the wound on your head needs medical attention,” He rattled out but made no sense to Ana as she couldn’t stabilise herself.

All she heard was the word, ‘Medical attention’ that panicked her core. She shook her head, “No…no…I’m okay, you don’t n—need to w—worry,” she knew she had no money on her to waste. Especially not when she already owed the hospital for Miles’ reports test. She saved the money by not having luncheons in the evening, which left her malnourished and boney.

“Smith, take her to the hospital now, she’s losing too much blood,” A soft feminine voice made its way to her ears, it was softest yet full of perturbation. Before she knew it, that man scooped her in his arms and strode to the car. He settled her inside the passenger seat and rounded the car before merging in.

And with a blink, he gave life to the car’s engine and drifted to the nearest hospital.