"So it's a business deal" Claire says.

"Yes, clearly" I answer.

"What will you do? You certainly aren't thinking of..."

I sigh and reply, "Yes"

"What? But are you going to give up your life and dreams just to marry a stranger? We both know how you will never be happy with that!"

"What choice do I have!? My father has suffered great losses in his business and the only way to save him is this marriage! What do you suggest!? Abandon my parents at their worst times? I can't do that Claire...if I say no to their decision it will haunt me for my entire life" I reply.

"But Lisha what about you? What about your dreams? Are you sure they won't haunt you?"

I gulped a lump in my throat.

"I don't know...I just know that I can't do this anymore..."

Tears roll down my eyes.

Claire holds my hand, "Whatever it is, I will support you. But remember to think about it very well okay?"

"Hmm...got it. Thanks for everything Claire", I say.

"Anytime..."

3 days later...

"Hey Mom..."

"Hey Lisha are you able to walk now?"

"Yeah...I am."

"Good. You should come back home for now, Mr Leon will be throwing a party tomorrow, this will be a great chance for you to get closer to his son"

"Uh- but I..."

"I'll be looking forward to seeing you there"

*Call ends*

So she had called just to say that...?

I get more surprised everyday at her behaviour.

Marrying me to a stranger just to cover up their losses...

Will this really be the end of my life?

My life...

Ever since I was a student I have been running at full speed.

Straight As, good at sports, good at other activities...

I tried to be perfect at everything because of my parents.

I graduated from one of the top universities, at the top of my class and now I'm working a good job with a nice pay.

I moved to a new city, got my own apartment, was succeeding in my career and just when I thought I was finally free...

Getting married is the least of my wishes now...

I wanted to focus on my life and build my dreams now.

I even went as far as to tell my parents that I would be taking care of their debts but in order to do that I can't quit my job!

But they denied it, of course.

To them this marriage is not just a way of getting out of debt but an investment.

My dad wants to be future partners with the guy's family.

When I have never even met the guy!

Not just that...

My parents never allowed me to date as it would affect my grades.

Except when I was in middleschool, I secretly had a relationship.

But of course that didn't last...

My dad found out and forced us to break up. He even made me change schools and block his number.

I was never allowed to meet him again.

It broke my heart so much that I decided to never date again...

But what now?

He wants me to start sleeping with a stranger every night?

Speaking of sleeping with a stranger...

I remember the incident from a few days ago...

"I am Mikhail Ivanov, the guy you slept with last night"

I cover head with my hands.

Why the hell did I do such a thing??

I want to kill myself whenever I think of that night...

Even though I hardly remember it.

But that guy...

I remember how he looked at me with his sea-green eyes...

I didn't like it.

The way they looked only at me...

As if they could eat me up alive!

I take a deep breath and try to calm my unsettled self.

It's all in the past...that night was just mistake...

I need to forget about it!

I sigh and pack my bags for going home.

I text Claire a goodbye...

But Claire insists on coming to help me.

"Please, you don't need to do this"

"Of course I need to! This is the least I can do for you!"

"Thanks...thanks for everything." I smile.

She smiles back too.

"Hey but aren't you packing too much? Are you sure you would need all of this?" She asks.

"Well I am not even sure if I would return back to this place ever, so..."

"Lisha..."

"When I first got this apartment, I was so excited. I decorated it with my own hands! Only thought on leaving when I would be able to save enough to buy a house...But never imagined this would be it..."

"It will be fine, Lisha...I'm sure it will be" Claire says.

But this time it sounded like empty promises.

Because I knew it will never be.

I wipe my tears and set to leave.

I take a good look at my room and then finally lock the door.

"This is goodbye..." I say before turning around to leave.

I climb down the stairs, as Claire asks "did you book a cab?"

"Yeah I did, it should be here at any moment" I say.

But what I see when I reach downstairs, surprises me greatly.

"Wait you are..." Claire says.

"Mikhail Ivanov...?" My eyes widen.

Mikhail who was leaning onto his Lambo, turns his head to look at me.

"What the fuck are you doing over here?"

He takes a look at my luggage and asks, "where are you going?"

"That's none of your concern? Why the fuck are you here?"

"To meet you of course. Why else?" He smirks.

"I made it clear last time that I do not wish to meet you again. Why do you come to show that face of yours here?" I shout at him.

But my insults have no effect on him.

"Where are you going?" He asks again.

"And why should I tell you that?"

"Are you leaving this place? Moving to a new one?"

"Oh god- just shut the f up and leave me alone!!"

"Lisha...I think your cab's here" Claire pulls my sleeve.

I look behind to see the cab and immediately rush inside without looking back at him.

"Bye Claire..." I bid Claire goodbye.

"Take care..." She says.

Mikhail starts walking closer.

"Start the car..." I ask the driver.

He stops beside the car and bangs on my window hard.

"Wherever you go, I'll definitely find you" his sea green eyes looked dangerous.

"Start the car fast!"