Chapter 5
492words
The Grant merger was the lifeline of Silver Group. With an additional investment, our financial troubles would vanish overnight.
He barely hesitated before slapping Terry's shoulder with a broad smile.
"Excellent! Terry, you've always been so reasonable! Moving up the wedding is perfect! The eighth of next month is auspicious—what do you think?"
My mother sighed with relief, smiling as if the previous scene had never occurred.
I stood there frozen, like an idiot.
"Did anyone think to ask what I want?" My voice was ice, barely concealing my rage.
Terry turned to me, his eyes burning.
"You pushed me to this, Eula. You think throwing away a ring and drafting some papers can end us? Let me tell you—that's not happening."
His voice carried a dark satisfaction.
"You want out? Too bad. I'm going to keep you by my side forever, Mrs. Grant, whether you like it or not."
"You're insane!" I stared into his obsessive eyes and felt my blood run cold.
"Yes, I have." He laughed bitterly. "I went mad the moment you threw that ring away."
Asha's face went white. She looked between Terry and my father, her lips quivering. "Dad... Terry... what are you—"
My father, dollar signs in his eyes, waved her off impatiently. "Asha, this doesn't concern you. Go inside."
Asha bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. Finally, she stomped her foot and ran into the house.
"Eula, what are you waiting for? Go talk with Terry about the date!" my father barked.
I looked at the two men who should have loved me most.
My father and my fiancé.
Now just two businessmen making a dirty deal with my life.
I closed my eyes briefly. When I opened them, I felt nothing but ice-cold resolve.
"Fine."
I looked Terry dead in the eye, each word precise.
"You want to get married? Fine."
Surprise flashed across Terry's face, followed by savage triumph.
My father beamed.
I let my lips curl into a cold smile.
"But I have one condition."
"Name it," Terry said eagerly, as if afraid I'd change my mind.
"Send Asha abroad."
My voice was flat.
"And make sure she never comes back."
Terry's expression froze.
The smile died on my father's face. "Eula! What nonsense is this? Asha is your sister!"
"Sister?" I laughed bitterly. "A sister who stole my fiancé and humiliated me in front of everyone? Dad, your idea of 'equal treatment' is fascinating."
"You—"
"Mr. Silver."
Terry cut my father off, staring at me intently, trying to gauge my sincerity.
"If I send her away, you'll marry me?"
"Yes." No hesitation.
I wanted to test how quickly he'd sacrifice his "true love" for his ego.
I wanted my father to show his true colors—what mattered more: his daughter's happiness or his precious Asha?
The air grew thick with tension.
After what felt like forever, Terry nodded stiffly. "Fine. I agree."
