Contract marriage?!

The excruciating anguish of life and betrayal! A calamitous convergence of emotions that ravages the very fabric of one's existence. Like a tempestuous storm, it besieges the soul, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation and despair.

The tender petals of trust, once delicately nurtured, are brutally trampled upon, leaving naught but a withered remnant of shattered dreams. The piercing sting of deceit cuts deep, a laceration that refuses to heal, a constant reminder of the perfidy that has transpired.

The weight of treachery crushes the heart, a boulder of sorrow that cannot be borne, a burden that threatens to consume all in its path. The sweet melody of hope is silenced, replaced by the discordant dirge of despair, a haunting refrain that echoes through the desolate expanse of a shattered soul.

And yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the human spirit perseveres, a testament to the indomitable.

Regina stood admist her family members, whom she cherished and adored. The same thing couldn't be said for them. They all had an unexplainable repulsion against her. All because of what? A small tear escaped her eyes as she stared at her own father with a heavy heart. All because of her wish to become a medical Doctor.

" You will replace her and nothing more! You have no say in this case, you don't have the right to disagree With whatever we tell you, is that clear? " Thomas Grey, Her father yelled at her whistle pointing out his index finger toward her. His eyes shone with great anger and disgust as he stared at her as if she were dirt.

Sasha, who stood by the side had a wild grin plastered to her face. She had her arms crossed and her eyebrows raised. She tilted her head to the side to take a better glimpse of her sister's misery. After noticing the glance of plea Regina hurled toward her, she feigned ignorance and began to shed crocodile tears.

Seeing Sasha crying made Thomas fume with anger, he raised his hand and made an impact on Regina's cheeks. " How dare you?! " He spoke through gritted teeth and forcefully pulled her by the arm. " You made your sister shed tears, do you wish to ruin her life?!"

Regina suddenly felt ignited like her father had switched on something inside her like. Her hands trembled and she closed her eyes only to feel another stinging paid on her left cheek. It was her mother! Her own mother was also involved in this. Tears started to well up in her eye, and just like the raging force of the river after a disasterous flood, tears started to stream down her cheeks. She balled up her fists and sniffed uncontrollably as she spoke. " What about me?! " She yelled out loud in frustration.

Everyone present there had their eyes widen at her sudden outburst. Regina was an all loving girl with a positive vibe and nice attitude towards everyone around her. She never dared to speak whenever she was getting bullied or scolded, but today she seemed to have reached her peak. Her serene green eyes were now filled with rage and hurt. She glanced over at her brother who also had the same look as the others, they were all the same! 

" Aren't I your daughter? Why won't you also consider my feelings too?" She cried. Her eyes were blurred by the uncontrollable tears that had begun to stream out of her them. '' I won't get engaged to that man no matter what! I'm done trying to please you. "

Her father laughed and turned around with his hands creating a clapping effect. He smirked devilishly and his eyes grew more cold. Sasha was now being consoled by their mother, even though her tears were fake. " Thomas, please put a leash on your daughter, she's getting out of hand, just look at our poor baby's state." Saying saying this, she took out a tissue paper and handed it over to Sasha.

The very thought of marrying Damian Harrison is a nightmare scenario, a fate worse than death itself. It's like being trapped in a never-ending cycle of torment, a perpetual darkness that suffocates the soul. 'His cold, calculating gaze sends shivers down the spine, and his sinister smile hints at the unspeakable horrors he has in store for his unsuspecting bride.' Regina thought to herself. She's heard rumors of the 'Business Demon' countless times.

And yet, her parents, blinded by their own ambition and greed, are hell-bent on forcing her into this union, all in the name of her sister's supposed happiness. The thought of being bound to such a monster made her feel a lump in her throat.

Regina's family had always been ashamed of her dreams and aspirations. While her sister was groomed to be a perfect bride and a business entrepreneur, and her brother being nurtured to run the family business and make it grow after he's old enough to be handed the share of the company, Regina's desire to become a medical doctor was seen as unacceptable. Her parents and siblings viewed her ambition as a betrayal, a rejection of the family's values.

As a result, Regina was treated like an outcast within her own family. They despised her for her choices, belittling her and making her feel unworthy. Her parents constantly compared her to her sister, criticizing Regina for not being more submissive and obedient.

Despite their disdain, Regina worked hard to achieve her goals, earning top grades and gaining acceptance into a prestigious medical program. However, her family refused to acknowledge her accomplishments, acting as if she didn't exist.

But when her sister was chosen to marry the ruthless billionaire, Damian Harrison, Regina's family saw an opportunity. They decided to exchange the sisters, forcing Regina to take her sister's place as the bride. It was a cruel and heartless move, sacrificing Regina's happiness and future for the sake of family prestige.

By doing so, Regina's family demonstrated their utter disregard for her well-being, treating her like a pawn to be used and discarded. They cared little for her aspirations or her life, only seeing her as a means to secure their family's status and wealth. Regina was left feeling betrayed, hurt, and trapped, forced to face a future with a man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

" You're getting married to Mr Damian Harrison in your sister's stead and that's final. " With this said, Thomas signaled for the rest to leave the room alongside him.

Regina wiped off the tears on her face and walked over to her bed. She knew that the marriage was going to take place anyway, so there was no need for her to shed tears. The contract marriage was said to only last for three years, but what was the assurance that she wasn't going to be long dead before then?

She chuckled darkly. " I've been hit too much to let this slide this easily. " With this said, she contacted her friends and told them everything that transpired. She had two best friends which the only people who truely cared about her. While her family treated her like trash, they were always there to support her and make her feel like she was needed. Since she became a college student, she lost all of her old friends from high school. Most of them moved to different parts of the country while the rest just never had time.

When she started college, she quickly made two new friends which were Athena and Flora. They were both medical students like her and were very good in the field. Flora was the wild and party girl type, while Athena was mid. She just goes with the flow and never minds. Regina, however, was the quiet and easy going one among them. She didn't really like over crowded places, so she avoids parties and too much social gathering.

After she divulged everything to them during a group video chat, Flora screamed. " OMG you're so lucky-Not-lucky! Lucky because his crazy hot and not lucky because he's a monster!! " She did a dramatic fake cry and turned on her camera.

Athena rolled her eyes, " You're such a drama queen, Flora. This is serious. Besides, have you seen his face to know if he's really handsome as they say? "

Regina knew they were only trying to cheer her up. She pressed her lips into a thin line and smiled sadly. " What am I supposed to do now guys? I don't want to end up with a demon. " She sighed and said seriously.

Flora let out a huge sigh as she spoke. " I have an idea on how to end the contract marriage, but I'm not sure you're going to like it one bit. " She did a fake cough and then Stared at nothing in particular as she looked away.

Desperate to find out what it was, Regina hastly replied. " Yeah, I think right about anything will do at this point. What could be worse than torture or death? "

Athena squinted her eyes suspeciously and then her eyes widened with realization. " Regina, don't listen to whatever she says, you know she's crazy. "

Flora chuckled mischievously. " Chill, chill. I'm sure this crazy friend of mine is gonna love it. " She winked and finally spoke up after noticing that she had created a suspense-filled atmosphere. " A one night stand with a handsome stranger."