ROWLAND (From Ruin to Rule)

Chapter 6: Promise Broken

"Amaya, you have to file for divorce right away because that thing is a thief; you can not stay as his wife forever!"

"Clinton is too rich to embarrass you, unlike that thing you call your husband. He would never steal."

Mr. and Mrs. Jones sat at the dining table with Amaya and other members inside the lavish walls of the Jones mansion, increasing the pressure on Amaya.

In order to obtain the contract they so desperately want from Clinton, they must ensure that Amaya follows through with her marriage to her.

But Amaya was still proving to be a barrier. "I disagree with you guys. Rowland would never steal," Amaya said as she left for her room.

"I wish I was in her shoes, I would immediately accept to marry Clinton. Who would not?" Healey thought to herself, feeling both frustrated and ashamed of Amaya at the moment.

Mrs. Jones went straight to her husband and whispered, "We have to do whatever it takes to secure the other half of the contract. Amaya is stubborn, but she will come around. She has to."

Mr. Jones sighed, a hint of frustration visible on her face, and he whispered, "I never expected her to be this difficult. She is always been the obedient one. Why does she choose to be rebellious now, of all times?"

Lisa, Amaya's cousin, expressed disgust by saying, "I wonder what she sees in that good for nothing, a thief for that matter."

"Because she is young and foolish, that is why. But we have the leverage now. She knows that if she does not marry Clinton, she will be out of this house, out of this family. And where will she go? To Rowland? He is finished, ruined. She has no other option," Mrs. Jones said, leaning back in her chair and looking determined.

Mrs. Jones smiled slyly and said, "Yes, we have already taken care of that. We just need to put more pressure on her so she realizes that Clinton is her only chance for salvation."

***

Amaya was upstairs in her room, pacing back and forth as her mind raced. She felt as though the walls were closing in on her, and she could feel the tension in the air. She could hear her parents' serious threats that if she did not marry Clinton, she would be thrown out and left with nothing.

This was different from the strictness they would always displayed; they were desperate, and desperate people are cruel.

"Why do they sound so desperate? I do not just understand it," she thought to herself.

Thinking of Rowland, she could see the agony in his eyes as he was hauled out of the office, falsely accused of a crime. Although she was aware of his innocence, she felt helpless to assist him.

That was something her father had ensured. Now that Rowland was gone, left for dead on the streets, there was nothing she could do.

Just as Amaya was contemplating her current challenge, Mr. and Mrs. Jones barged into her room. Mrs. Jones pointed a phone at Amaya's face and said, "Have it, Mr. Clinton wants to speak with you."

What? The vice-president of the esteemed organization in the Home city. He wanted to talk with Amaya? Healey, who was behind, was undeniably jealous.

Amaya hesitated briefly before answering the phone with a pretentious, "Good day, Sir..."

Clinton approached her with a different proposal, his voice smooth and his smile endearing, and he got right to the point.

"I will make you general manager of the Fence Emeralds Company if you marry me," he declared. "Just imagine that, Amaya. You will have power, influence, and the opportunity to establish yourself in the business world. You can have anything you have ever wanted."

"huh!..."

Clinton's promise shocked Amaya to her core. She was torn between her commitment to Rowland and the prospect of the future she had always imagined. The choice she had to make hurt her heart.

She was aware that she would be betraying Rowland if she married Clinton, but she had no other option. She could not live on the streets and she could not give up her whole future for a man her family had already labeled as a thief.

Mrs. Jone noticed the look on Amaya's face even though she was unaware of the promise that had been given to her. ‘She had better accept to marry him, the company really needs that contract.’

The temptation was too strong. Clinton's assurance hung in front of her like a shiny coin. It was addictive to consider that she could eventually take charge of her own life by rising to the position of general manager.

No longer merely the Jones family's daughter, she saw herself in that position as a powerful woman in her own right, one who was respected and admired.

Her resolve started to waver. Rowland was disgraced and gone. Her parents had made it plain that unless she followed their wishes, she had no place here. And Clinton’s offer… it was everything she had ever wanted.

After a few minutes of thought, she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. "Fine. If you keep your promise, everything is fine."

‘What promise?’ Mr. and Mrs. Jones exchanged glances of curiosity. They were completely unaware of the promise made to Amaya.

Once the call ended, Amaya faced her parents with a determined expression on her face. Mrs. Jones grinned, feeling she had won. Mr. Jones observed, his face filled with anticipation.

"I have made my decision," Amaya said, her voice steady. "I will marry Clinton."

Mr. Jones smiled and gave the table a slap. "Excellent, excellent. Amaya, you have made the right decision. This is what is best for this family and for you.”

Mrs. Jones gave a nod of approval. "My dear, I knew you would wake up. Clinton is a decent man, and we will reap the rewards of this union.”

"Mr. Clinton is far more impressive than Rowland; I have no idea why it took you so long." Lisa expressed her happiness at Amaya's choice.

Healey simply hissed and left Amaya's room after her decision, not really knowing what to say.

A knot tightened in Amaya's stomach. Although she had made the choice, it did not feel like a win. It felt like giving up. What exactly has she done?!