- [ ] Who the hell is this guy!!?
The door creaks open, and she looks up, her heart racing. A tall figure strides in—a man she's never seen before. He wears an expensive suit, confidence radiating from his every move.
Mia is sitting on the sofa, her brows furrowed in confusion as she eyes him up and down. Mia's stomach drops as she takes in his presence.
He exudes an unsettling charm, like a predator surveying its prey. As he steps forward, his grin reveals a smug self-assuredness that sends a chill down Mia's spine.
Ethan: (smirking) Good evening, Mia. I've heard a lot about you.
Mia's jaw tightens as she stands, instinctively placing herself in front of her father's chaotic paperwork scattered on the table.
What does he want? Why is he here?
Mia: (crossing her arms defiantly) And who exactly are you supposed to be?
Gabe emerges from the kitchen, visibly tense. He shoots Mia a worried look, and she can see the desperation etched on his face.
Gabe: (anxiously) Mia, this is Ethan. We need to—
Ethan: (interrupting, unfazed) Let's not beat around the bush. I think you know why I'm here.
Mia clenches her fists, her anger bubbling beneath the surface as she feels the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Whispering thoughts—This isn't just some ordinary visit. It's a deal—the kind I thought only happened in bad movies.
Mia: (voice rising) You think you can just waltz in here and make demands? You have no right!
Ethan raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he tilts his head, studying her.
Ethan: (stepping forward casually) Ah, the ever spirited daughter. You're feisty. I admire that.
Mia: (stepping back defiantly) You have no idea what you're stepping into. I'm not afraid of you.
Ethan: (chuckling darkly) Fear isn't necessary, my dear. Just understanding.
Mia glares at him, determination in her eyes.
Mia: Understanding? You mean understanding that my dad is willing to trade me away like a piece of property?
Gabe looks pained, torn between his daughter and Ethan.
Mia feels a mix of rage and something akin to fear. She tries to appear unaffected, but the chill in the air swells around them.
Mia's Thoughts: He sees me as a mere object, doesn't he? Just a means to an end.
Ethan: (leaning back slightly) Your father owes me a substantial amount. He can't settle the debt, so... this arrangement is a win-win for us both.
A wise decision, Gabe. After all, the future is about negotiations... and sacrifices.
At Ethan's words, the room seems to constrict around her. Mia glances at Gabe, devastation etched on his face.
Mia: (whispering) Dad, you can't be serious about this.
Gabe looks down, ashamed, unable to meet her gaze. Mia turns back to Ethan, her heart pounding.
Mia's Thoughts: No way. I won't let him do this. I won't be bartered like some useless trinket.
Mia: (raising her chin defiantly) You might think you can just take me away like I'm a commodity, but you're wrong. I won't let you.
Ethan chuckles, clearly amused by her defiance.
Ethan: (playfully) You have spirit, Mia. But let's be honest here: the clock is ticking, and time isn't on your side.
Mia glares at him, fury igniting her resolve.
Mia: (firmly) You don't scare me, Ethan. I refuse to be your pawn. I refuse to be part of your game.
Ethan's smile falters for a moment, then he recovers, leaning in slightly as if he relishes the challenge.
Ethan: (coolly) Very well. But remember, you don't have to like the game to play it.
Ethan's expression hardens slightly. He takes a moment, glances at Gabe, and then back at Mia.
Ethan: "I'm giving you a little more time to come. If not, I'll come pick you up myself."
With that, he turns and strides toward the exit. The door slams shut behind him, rattling the walls and leaving an echoing silence in the room.
Mia's thoughts swirl with fear, anger, and determination as she realizes just how deep this tangled situation has become.
I won't be a victim. We'll figure this out, Dad—I promise hoping within herself.