Barbara's POV
I stood wearily in my art studio after a long day painting. I felt a sense of accomplishment, my paintings on the walls added character to the rooms.
My studio is a place where I could escape the harsh realities of life.
It's about time I got home, my mom would be worried sick. I moved around to make sure everything is in order, then I heard footsteps at the door.
A man dressed in a stylish black suit walks in, he looked very suave and quite in his middle ages, He was also bald so I couldn't quite tell how old he could be. The fragrance of his cologne was intoxicating.
He looked like he could get a piece of my artworks but he was looking straight at me not noticing the gallery.
"Hello ma'am" The man said in a bold tone.
"Welcome, how may I help you? And please call me Barbara." I replied trying not to embrace the formal act.
"Miss Barbara, my name is Diego, I'm a butler for the Emiliano's residence and it's a pleasure to meet you", he said as he courtesyed.
"Oh, you're welcome," I replied hesitantly, I wasn't sure of what to say again, his courtesy was begining to get the better of me and I was not sure of what his motives were, but his introduction was synonymous to wealth and power and I remembered I had heard of the Emiliano family from somewhere, one of the notable billionaires in the city.
I got more curious of what could have brought a man like him to my humble studio.
"Do you need any paintings? You can check out what you'd like." I said with an akward smile.
He said nothing, reaching out to his suit pocket, he brought out a white envelope and gave it to me.
"Here, have it" He said with generousity in his voice.
I collected it reluctantly, I wasn't sure what was going on but he wasn't holding back.
"The Emiliano's family business is in a difficult postion at the moment, we need a life line to help save it." He said.
I opened the envelope, there was a sheet of paper in it. I opened it and read the information on it.
I was stunned by what I had just read.
"A contract marriage." I said with shock. I looked at the man staring emptily at me. I wanted to be sure of what I just read.
"The life line we need is you, Barbara." He said with ease in his voice.
"I don't understand, why me?" I asked in a confused manner.
"Your artworks, we've checked out so many on the media, they're very impressive. We can all benefit financially from these. You certainly wouldn't be left out." He explained.
I was looking more confused at this man who called himself Diego, was this a prank?. Why would I of all people be given such an offer? Was this really because of my artworks? I know my arts are being showcased on the media to promote my gallery but I certainly wasn't expecting a contract marriage from any sponsors.
"But why the marriage?, I'd be of help but I can't marry someone I don't love and precise, I'm in a relationship." I told him intently hoping he would understand that clearly.
"Well, we believe the contract marriage will help secure a strong relationship in the business. It's all for the best." He replied calmly.
"I'm sorry I cant." I said adamantly giving the letter back to him.
"Think about your artworks and what it could give you when the world gets its hands on it. I'm sure it's your dream" he added, collecting the packaged envelope.
Diego moves around my studio looking at the paintings on the wall, I know he was unhappy with my decision.
A lot flashed through my mind. I could change my family's live forever, there are so many bills left unpaid and our rent would be due in a few months.
The thoughts of my mum confined to a wheel chair and my brother, Damon, who needs costly medical treatments for his health welled up inside of me. The weight of the responsibilities pressed down on me.
This is a huge chance, this could change our lives for good but it comes with a huge price.
There's no way I would betray John, we've been through a lot together and he's a man that has always been there for me, we've had dreams of building a life together. I couldn't just stab him in the back for the sake of wealth.
"You seem lost in thought" Diego said, jerking me out of my thoughts. He was staring cunningly at me, I wonder what his deal is, I thought he mentioned he's just a servant, why is he testing my patience?.
"I can't do what you are asking, I'm sorry" I said with my voice trembling slightly.
"I understand Barbara, but think about the opportunities that awaits you." He said with a tone of encouragement.
"You can change your family's life and secure your dreams with a very bright future ahead." He added.
He was getting adamant about this, I couldn't help but feel he knew so much about me and my family after what he said. I had to end this.
"With due respect, I don't accept this offer but I'll gladly help." I said confidently.
"Alright, I'll send your response." He courtisizes again.
"Goodnight." He said gracefully.
He walks towards the door. I can see the palpable disappointment on his face.
"I know he'll understand." He called out as he stopped on his way.
What's he talking about? I thought, was it John?
He comes back to me and gives me a card.
"You could reach out to us if you need us." He said, I collected the card hesitantly, the tension was beginning to fill the air, He should leave already, I thought.
He walked to door and left my studio.
I wondered what kind of power and influence the Emiliano family could have to make such an offer.
I gathered the rest of my artworks and carefully arranged them in thier designated places.
The usual stroke and colour gave me comfort reminding me of my passion and dedication that had brought me to this stage of my life.
I'm afraid I could loose it all since I'm not seeing any light. It's more depressing because I could pack up in a few months if I don't pay for the accomodation.
I sighed, feeling depressed. Does life only give and take? I thought. I couldn't help the rich family if I couldn't marry thier son, how does that make sense?
If they value my works, they should respect my integrity too. I can't look like a tool being used in a market for their own selfish desires.
I closed my art studio and stood outside waiting for Emily, my best friend. I'm gonna tell her about this. I also need her opinion about the about the contract marriage offer. Money seemed to have dangled in front of me but my family's struggles were daunting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret, did I just loose my opportunity to save my family from our struggles? How long would this continue if don't decide fast?.
