Episode 16

After half an hour of driving, the car stopped and Antonella still had the bag on her head.

Her hopes had vanished, wishing that they would kill her then and there would be a favor. She felt an unceasing agony. It seemed that happiness was not meant for her; no matter how hard she tried to escape that pain, she couldn't. Something always got in her way.

The men took her out of the car and led her into a house.

The man standing in front of her signaled for her to kneel and then they removed the bag, confirming that everything was orchestrated by her father, as expected.

In that moment when Antonella saw her father's face, she wished someone would come and shoot her in the head because she already knew what awaited her. She couldn't decide which was worse, the beatings and mistreatment from her father or being forced to marry a stranger. Both destinies, or rather both options, were devastating for her.

"So, you found out about your engagement and decided to run away," her father said.

He slapped Antonella so hard that it made her bleed.

The question that crossed Antonella's mind at that moment was how her father knew which airport she was at and why she was recognized by her name.

"How did you know where I was, Dad?"

Antonella mustered the courage to ask that question and satisfy her curiosity.

"You audacious girl! Well, since you want to know, I'll tell you. Knowing that you would refuse once you found out everything, I informed your future husband to take necessary measures, given that he owns all the airports and many other things that I am unaware of. So, here you are."

"Dad, why are you doing this to me? I don't want to get married, please," Antonella pleaded.

"You will do it, end of discussion! This is for the good of the company, don't be selfish!"

"Am I selfish, Dad? Everyone tramples over me in this family, and I'm the selfish one who doesn't consider others' feelings? You want to get rid of me, that's why you want to marry me, admit it! Is this about Rosario, right?"

"Shut up, insolent girl! How dare you talk to me like that, I am your father..."

"I won't get married! I'm tired of being treated like garbage! Why do I have to be the one used to bring more money to the company? Why don't you ask Zoraya, your favorite daughter?"

Federico slapped Antonella hard on her other cheek. She remained on her knees, crying, with those men still witnessing the humiliating scene.

"Whether you like it or not, you will get married! You must serve a purpose, and I won't allow you to embarrass me in front of Mr. Athonyson! It's decided and there's no turning back. Tomorrow, the marriage will be signed, followed by the ceremony."

"Dad, please don't do this, I beg you. I don't want to get married. If you want, I'll leave the house so I won't be a burden, but please don't marry me," Antonella pleaded on her knees, but her father just looked at her with indifference and pushed her aside with his foot.

"Don't bother begging, it won't be of any use. I have made up my mind and I have no regrets. I hope you don't make me look bad."

"Well, I won't," Antonella stood up and firmly refused. She was tired of suffering, so she didn't care what her father did, but she wouldn't marry.

Federico grabbed her by her hair, ready to strike her, but someone arrived.

"Don't you dare hit her!"

Federico immediately let go of her hair and bowed apologetically to the person who had arrived.

Antonella was surprised to see that person. Him again? What was he doing there? Why was he defending her? Many questions rushed through her mind at that moment.

She had only seen him once, on the same night when Harry cheated on her and he helped her get home, but she didn't understand what he was doing there, and she didn't even know his name.

"M-Mister, what are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you. Don't worry, I have everything under control; we managed to detain her," Federico's voice trembled. He didn't even realize what he had done by hitting his own fiancée.

Antonella remained quiet and surprised, feeling confused as she didn't understand what he had to do with her...

"Mr. Roger, I..."

Federico was about to speak, but Roger signaled him to stay quiet...

"(What!? Roger? Could it be the same Roger Athonyson!? The one they want to marry me to? And the same one they held a gala in his honor for?)"

Antonella realized that the man she had encountered that night, the one who had helped her, was indeed Roger Athonyson himself. However, she couldn't comprehend why he had accepted her father's proposal and wanted to marry her. They had only seen each other once, and it was not her intention to meet him again, especially under these circumstances of obligation...

Regardless of who this man was, she did not want to marry him. They had no right to force her into it...

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