The Price of Silence

This story contains graphic content and disturbing scenes that may be upsetting to some readers. It is a dark and intense story, exploring themes of violence and despair. Reader discretion is advised. This is not a love story. Amara's POV An extravagant and a luxurious life may not be for everyone. But if I can choose, I'll do whatever it takes to live that kind of life. I am Amara, and this is my story. A simple and peaceful life. I would trade all of that just to lift ourselves out of poverty. That's why when a rich man approached me and offered marriage, I didn't refuse. Marcus Del Fierro. A 30-year old businessman, heir of one of the wealthiest man in the country. My age is almost half of his age but it's fine anyway because Marcus is undeniably handsome. Tall,masculine, fair-skinned with a beautiful green and fierce eyes. He's the kind of a guy every woman would want to be with. I'm ambitious and I am not ashamed to admit that money and power are my reasons of marrying him. And come to think of it, my decision wasn't that bad. Besides, there's a serial killer that victims woman like me who's lurking in our area so I need to stick with people who have power that can protect me. "Being beautiful is so tiring,huh?" I speak to myself, facing a dresser while trying on the jewelry I'll wear for my wedding next month. "You did it, Amara. You'll never have to struggle again. I promise you a life of luxury and ease." I said confidently without a hint that I will soon be regreting the decision I made: putting myself in the lion's den. "You're getting fitted for your wedding dress tomorrow! It's going to be such a special moment." Marcus said who had just entered the room, catching my attention that made me turn around. And again, I saw his fierce and handsome face. I stood up and smiled at him. "Thank you for this luxurious preperations." I said. Marcus walked over to me and put his hands on my cheeks. "You deserve all the good things in life so don't thank me." He said in a smiling face. A smile that flickered with a hint of sadness, as if they held a secret sorrow. But I chose to ignore it.I don't know him personally so maybe he's always like this. "What's bothering you?" He asked. I shook my head. "N-nothing." I stuttered then I sit back in the front of the dresser and stare at my beautiful face. "I just can't believe you wanted to marry me." I lied. Actually I really don't care of why did he wanted to marry me. I just care about his money and power. No more,no less. Marcus sat beside me. "I'm sorry I didn't told you. I've liked you for a long time, and I was so surprised when you said yes when I proposed." He said in a sincere tone. How lucky I am. He fell in-love to someone like me? "To be honest, I was surprised at first, but then I said yes because I knew you could lift me out of poverty." I paused. Liar. You were not surprised, you were excited when he proposed. I continued speaking. "But I can assure you that falling in love with you is just an easy thing to do especially when we get married next month." Marcus smiled. "Let's go and eat dinner." He said and held my hands. I stood up and followed him out of the room. Their mansion was large and sprawling. But I couldn't understand why it had an elevator when it was only three stories high. An elevator that can be used by Marcus,his father and his brother. Beside them, nobody are allowed to use it. And the strange thing was, it was located in a secluded area, with the nearest neighbor almost two kilometers away. Rich people. Sometimes you just don't know what goes on in their minds. We sat down at the dining table. Marcus' father and brother are already there. And Sean, Marcus' brother had a woman sitting next to him. "Amara, this is Eloise, my brother's girlfriend. Eloise, this is Amara,my fiancée." Marcus said. I smiled. "Hi, nice meeting you." But the woman didn't respond. She didn't even look at me. I scoffed and then started eating. Are all rich people this rude? I asked myself. But I forced myself to forget my annoyance. It wasn't her I was going to marry and spend my life with, it was Marcus. And Marcus seemed nice, so it's okay. But my gaze drifted slightly towards Marcus's brother, Sean. Hmmm... Eloise was so lucky. I wished Sean was the one I am marrying, he was so much younger than Marcus. Maybe he was only four years older than me. "Stop it" I thought, a wave of guilt washing over me. "You're not married yet, and you're almost cheating. With his own brother?" I continued eating, trying to push away the intrusive thoughts. Maybe I should just be happy. After all, I was chosen by one of Mr. Del Fierro's sons. Marcus didn't say a word as he walked me to my room, his silence heavy with unspoken meaning. Then, without looking back, he simply turned and walked away. I feel strange. I feel something is going on. Why does it feel that he lied when he said that he like me. Because I don't feel that way. I mean, I don't feel the same way about him, so maybe he just lied to make me feel good? But why? I looked around my room. It was big, with a big bedroom, a TV, and my own bathroom. A closet full of luxurious clothes, a lavish shoe storage overflowing with stilettos, elegant sandals, and designer pumps. And the dresser, it was full of jewelry, things I never thought I'd have. And soon ny family will enjoy what I worked hard for. I am from a poor family. My mother accepts laundry and my father is a carpenter. In short, none of them have stable job. I am the eldest, and I have three siblings. And as the eldest, I felt obligated to take care of my siblings. I wasn't able to go to college because after graduating high school, I started working to help my parents send my siblings to school. I couldn't do the things that normal kids do because of the hardships I experienced. And now that I am going to get married at the age of twenty, I know that I'll never be able to experience the things I've always wanted to. But I don't regret the decision I made because in return, I can provide a good life for myself and my family. I smiled and laughed like crazy. I climbed onto my bed and jumped around, laughing uncontrollably. I jumped and laughed till I got tired then I lay down on my spacious bed, panting. All your sacrifices have paid off. I said to myself. And no one's going to take it away from me. I added while smirking. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up. This body, this won't be just mine anymore once I marry Marcus. And before I knew it, tears were already streaming down my face. Maybe I'm not ready to get married yet, but I have to do it. I have to do it not just for myself but for my family as well. I continued washing up and when I finished, I changed into my pajamas and lay down in my bed. I slowly closed my eyes and decided to sleep.