I do not agree

A couple of days later, members of the Goldstein's family held an emergency meeting in the Goldstein's conference room at the Goldstein's Villa.  

Everyone was in attendance, starting from the head of the family, Sir Harold down to the least member of the family. 

Nicholas was the least member of the family. He sat at the doorway of the conference room on a low wooden stool. 

No one paid him any attention nor seek his opinion. 

As a matter of fact, he was a nuisance but Sir Harold's summon must be honoured by all members of the family. 

Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Sir Harold began by explaining the financial situation of the family and the solution that can save them. 

The family's business was crashing down so fast immediate actions must be taken out.

The Blackwells were willing to aid them with twenty million dollars, more than enough money to save the business. 

In exchange, George must be married into the Goldstein's family. 

At the end of her speech, Beatrice returned back to her chair and waited for reactions from her family. 

The conference room was quiet. No one said a word to each other. 

Suddenly a girl raised her hand and asked, "Just to be clear, Beatrice. I am engaged to Floyd so I don't see myself as a potential bride for that fatso."

Sir Harold frowned, "Mind your tongue, Tiana. George is afterall, the saviour of our family. We must show our respect."

Tiana brought down her hand. "I'm simply stating the obvious. Floyd's a wealthy man. Our marriage would bring future benefit to our family."

Beatrice nodded. "I understand but Floyd wouldn't render us the support the Blackwells are willing to give."

"So let Kimberly marry the fatso then," Tiana suggested. 

Kimberly whom had been quiet suddenly reacted. 

"What are you saying, cousin Tiana!"

"Let's face it," Jean, Beatrice eldest son chipped in. "There are no suitable person aside you who'd fit that role, Kim."

Kimberly was outraged.

"So you're going to send me off to that fat man? I'm married for crying out loud!"

"Married to a nobody," Jean flared up, waving at Nicholas. "Your trash husband isn't worth twenty million dollars. Why, he ain't worth my doormat."

"He's right, Kim," Mariam, Kim's cousin contributed. "Nicholas is useless afterall. Dump him for George. Afterall, your marriage isn't consummated."

Kimberly snarled at her, "Why don't you marry that swine yourself, huh?"

Mariam shrugged her shoulders, "I'm betrothed to Duke. I'm saving myself for my love whereas you're hooked to that loser over there."

Kimberly turned to her mother to save her. "Mother, say something."

Lady Carla was furious with everyone.

"We aren't here to argue," Lady Carla said. "I for one, I hate George but as much as I feel disgust for him, we need this money."

Silence fell once again in the conference room. 

Lady Carla went on, "With that said, I find it a pain to give out Kim in marriage to George. I'd rather he marries Flora."

Flora was Lady Carla's husband, Master Damian's niece. 

Master Damian and Flora protested. 

"I can't allow that," Master Damian refused. "It's my sister's dying wish her daughter gets married into a prestigious family. I must respect her last wish."

Lady Carla ranted angrily, "Then who the hell is going to be George's bride? Or would you have me marry him instead?"

Master Damian was shocked. "Why would you even think something like that? I'm your husband!"

"We've got beautiful maidens in our family. The Blackwells are aware of this which is why they demanded to marry into our family."

Master Damian swallowed. "Certainly, one of our maidens would accept their proposal."

"Then we should hurry the hell up. We have no time to waste on arguments," lady Carla raised her voice. 

Sir Harold stood up to address the family. 

"That's enough. I have heard you all, my children. We have talked and talked. Now it's the time to come to a decision."

"I suggest we cast votes," he paused for effect. "That way, we play fair and square with everyone's decision as one family."

Tiana shot her hand up sharply, "I vote Kimberly for fatso."

"Same," Flora also raised her hand. 

"I'm in support," Mariam put her hand up. 

Jean and other members of the family also raised their hands up. 

Kimberly was heartbroken. She knew why they voted for her. 

Aside her husband being a loser, the women in the Goldstein family were jealous of her. 

She was the most beautiful maiden and the most sought after by eligible suitors in the family. 

This was their chance to destroy her.  

"And we've come to an agreement," Sir Harold turned to face his grand daughter. "You've been chosen, Kimberly."

Sir Harold despised his grand daughter for marrying Nicholas. 

This was also an opportunity to be rid of her and lift the shame from his face. 

Kimberly balled her hands in fists on her skirt. She knew this might happen. Not even her mother can do anything about it. 

When it comes to the Goldstein family's voting, the majority wins the vote and no one can go against those votes. 

Keeping her head up, Kimberly stood to her feet and made an announcement. 

"Very well. I shall marry George Blackwell."

Everyone couldn't believe their ears. Kimberly wasn't the type to give in that easily. The pressure must've gotten into her. 

The women were happy. Finally, they would be rid of her forever. 

Suddenly, Kimberly announced, "I have some conditions though."

Everyone became tensed. What was she up to?

"What conditions?" Sir Harold demanded, watching Kimberly intently. 

"I want 30% of the Goldstein's wealth for my parents and One million dollars to be paid to Nic."

Everyone was shocked to their bone marrow. 

Jean stood up sharply. "That's an outrage. Who do you think you are?!"

"I'm this family's redeemer," Kimberly countered. "I'm sacrificing myself to save my family from poverty. It's fair I make my demands."

"That's too high a demand," Tiana jumped to her feet, her eyes burning. "30% of the family's wealth is too much."

"Too much?" Kimberly looked surprised. "But marrying that ugly swine doesn't sound too much to your ears, cousin?"

"Don't talk so high of yourself," Tiana snapped. "You should consider this deed of yours a honour to your family."

"Then I decline," Kimberly said out loud to Sir Harold. "If my demands aren't met, then I won't marry George."

Sir Harold studied her. "I can understand your first demand but why a million dollars to your trashy husband?"

Kimberly didn't say anything. She couldn't even take a glance at Nicholas. She had her reasons but didn't think her family would understand. 

Suddenly, Nicholas broke in and shouted, "I do not agree to this!"