C2 We Have Much To Discuss

The market was bustling as I arrived, right on time for the discount sales for fruits. I observed other people who, like me, had come to buy. As I waited for the sales to begin, a black car caught my attention, instantly reminding me of my parents. They always drove black cars.

Initially, my life wasn't about early market visits or living with my grandfather. I came from a wealthy family. However, everything changed when I turned sixteen. My parents met with a fatal accident, leaving me devastated. Grandpa encouraged me not to lose hope, but soon after, my father's company faced trouble from a partner—Uncle Leon, my father's younger brother. The company, built from scratch, was now solely his. Betrayal from family hurt the most.

Court cases ensued, but due to a negligent error on my father's part, Uncle Leon won. Losing both parents and the family company was unbearable. To add to the turmoil, our house and car were mortgaged, and I couldn't afford to pay the bank. With only a hundred-dollar bill, I left on a bus to my grandfather—the only home I knew.

Life in the village with Grandpa was tough, but his love made it worthwhile. I saved money, bought a blender, fridge, and ice maker, and started making smoothies alongside Grandpa's fruit shop. It helped us cover daily expenses and my school fees. I finished high school, secured a fully funded scholarship, and chose to study law. Now in my sophomore year at the university, life was gradually improving.

Then came Jared. He was the boy every girl wanted, and surprisingly, he chose me. We became a couple, and Jared spared no effort in ensuring I lacked nothing at school. Our relationship blossomed, and people dubbed us the sweetest couple in school.

However, this weekend, I hadn't spoken to Jared since, so while packing up fruits from the discount sales, I made a mental note to call him. Checking the bag, I managed to get rare sweet fruits that villagers loved. The thought of Grandpa's smile as he inspected the bag made me happy.

Upon entering the house, I sensed something amiss. Grandpa was nowhere to be found, and a big black car, a Rolls Royce, was parked nearby—the kind rich people drove. Panic set in as I rushed to the shop, finding fruits scattered, and Grandpa on his knees, surrounded by men in black.

“Grandpa!” I screamed, demanding an explanation. The leader showed me a paper with a staggering sum of 100 million dollars. I refused to believe it, but the reality of my situation sank in as they grabbed me and headed towards the Rolls Royce.

“Calm down, girl, you owe us,” the leader smirked, and my heart sank. Kidnapped, tied, and gagged, I was headed into the unknown.

Blinking away tears, I found myself in front of a grand mansion after being brought out of the car. They untied me, and I struggled to comprehend the gravity of my situation. Escorted inside, the opulence of the place surprised me.

Minutes later, they ushered me into a darker room, and questions flooded my mind. A man stood facing the window, not uttering a word. The tension built as he instructed me to take a seat. Terrified, I waited until he turned and walked towards me.

With each step, my heart raced until he stood in front of me. An intimidating look softened as he opened his mouth.

“You from the market!”"Yes, it's me from the market," he affirmed, his demeanor shifting from intimidating to almost cordial. I squinted at him, trying to reconcile the face with the memories of that chance encounter.

He continued, "Annabella, isn't it? I've been keeping an eye on you."

I was bewildered. How did he know my name? Why was he observing me? The questions buzzed in my mind, but before I could voice any of them, he gestured for me to sit, and I complied hesitantly.

"Annabella, my name is Mark," he stated calmly, finally facing me directly. I felt a chill run down my spine, realizing that the man before me was the same person I had helped cross the road at the market.

"Mark? What is all this about? Why am I here?" I stammered, my nerves on edge.

He took a deep breath and began to unravel a tale that sounded like a plot from a crime novel. Mark, it appeared, was deeply embedded in the world of organized crime, and my grandfather owed a substantial debt. The sum of 100 million dollars hung in the air, an unimaginable burden.

As he spoke, my mind raced to comprehend the surreal situation. Grandpa, my only family, entangled in such dire circumstances. Mark seemed surprisingly candid about the criminal world he belonged to, yet I couldn't shake off the fear that gripped me.

"You have a choice, Annabella. Your grandfather's debt can be cleared, but you'll have to work with me," Mark proposed, his eyes fixed on mine.

Work with him? The prospect sounded ominous, and I felt a wave of uncertainty. What kind of life was I being pulled into?

The room was filled with an uneasy silence as Mark awaited my response, and I grappled with the reality that had unfolded. Little did I know, this unexpected encounter in the market had thrust me into a dangerous game where every move could determine the course of my destiny.

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"Hey lady, wake up," a gentle touch on my skin jolted me awake. They untied me and led me out of the room. As I stood before the majestic mansion, my mind whirred with confusion and apprehension. The realization sank in that my life had taken an unexpected and perilous turn.

"Where am I?" I asked, seeking answers from the stoic men.

"We are at the boss's mansion," one of them replied, surprisingly willing to offer information. Escorted inside, the opulence of the place intensified my feelings of being out of place.

Minutes later, they guided me into another room, darker than the last. Questions lingered in my mind about what awaited me. A man, facing the window, broke the silence.

"Don't just stand there, take a seat," he instructed, and I complied, my nerves on edge. As he approached, my heart raced, and the room seemed to close in on me.

"Don't be alarmed, Annabella. We have much to discuss," he said, and as he turned towards me, the realization struck. It was Mark, the man from the market.