Chapter 1 - What is happening?

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July 2, 2016

"The stocks have reached rock bottom! If I weren't a fool for their tricks then I wouldn't have needed to ask countless of people for help. I even beg 'till my knees were sore!  What more can I do now?!"

My eyes opened in shock as to what I heard. It was my uncle Sam's desperate voice. I turned to see my clock and saw that it was 10 pm then I immediately got out of my bed and tried to find my uncle.. 

Natascha Wilson.. A 21-year-old architecture and business management student at Maxwell University. I came from a well-off family, as what my friends tells me, but to me, I'm just a fortunate orphan. Designer bags, grand outfits and rich-rich stuff aren't really my thing, I prefer being as simple as I could, but with style! I had been living in my uncle's house ever since my parents passed away in a car accident when I was just eight years old. My uncle Samuel and aunt Gloria were the one who took care of me ever since. They have always treated me as their own.   My uncle apparently run my  parent's family business that I would soon take responsibility of.. It was left to my uncle's hands after the accident happened. It is supposed to be handed down to me when I reach the proper age and when I want to. I wouldn't mind if their biological child would take it but my uncle and aunt doesn't really have any children. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with it.

During the night, this mansion grows very dark, like a museum closed down for the night.  All the bright airiness of the day fades, darkness falls over it like a velvet blanket and all that's left is the low lit wall lamps that throws short beams across the polished floor, reflecting in some of the glass cabinets where my aunt stores her valuable collections. I silently tiptoed my way to my uncle's study, sneakily hiding behind the enormous curtains in the hallway whenever I heard his angry voice. 

I took a stop, I finally arrived my destination. I slowly wrapped my fingers around the cold metal handle, I raised my other hand to land a soft knock on the beautifully carved and varished wooden door. I hesitated. Should I just leave? I was about to turn away when I heard a loud bang from the inside.

"What are you talking about?! I would give up everything to save this family and this company. How cruel of you to think about marrying your niece off!" 

My eyes widen, mind? blank.

My  heart raced too fast as I impulsively opened the door. Hands trembled as fear enveloped my entire being. 

"N-nat.. how long have you been standing there?" my uncle asked.

My ranging eyes were taken aback as they met my uncle's gaze. I had gathered thousands of words to say, in the end, I was left with nothing at all. He looked so haggard and tired, dark circles formed around his once shining eyes. His tie were unevenly tied. I felt a stinging pain in my chest as I saw him stand in front of me like that. He may not be my biological father but he never made me feel like I was not his child. He was always there for me even when I didn't necessarily needed any help.

Beside him, was my aunt. She looked at me with desperation in her eyes. My eyebrows frowned in confusion when she suddenly cried and knelt to the ground. I was utterly startled to her actions that I didn't know what or how to react. My uncle immediately held my aunt and told her to stand.

"What are you doing in front of your niece, Gloria?! Are you really gonna be like this?!" He angrily shouted at her. But she didn't budge. Instead, she kept saying sorry to me.

My heart felt pain when I heard what my aunt suggested. I wanted to get mad at her and run away at that exact moment, but I somehow couldn't, I'm supposed to be an adult after all. And despite that, they have helped me become who I am now. I eagerly want to help them, I really do. Just not this way, I can't just marry someone I don't know! This is absurd! 

I walked towards her and knelt down, eye level. I silently gave her a hug. She stopped crying and looked at me.

"Nat.. Natscha..Please forgive me for saying this.. But the company is dying, Natascha.. A lot of big shots we owed wants to hurt us, our family.. I'm afraid you might be in danger as well.. And I think only you can save us.. please Natascha.. I know I'm being too selfish right now but this is also to protect you." Aunt Gloria said.

"Honey, stop.. Natascha, let me handle-" My uncle protested.

"Please marry Mr. Dawson's son.. It's the only way the company could get back to its feet.."

I couldn't even react surprised anymore. I expected it would be him. Besides any other rich families we know, the Dawson family had been the closest to ours. The bond of both families had always been strong. And that wasn't just it, I knew Mr. Dawson have been eyeing on me as his "daughter-in-law" since I was still young. It isn't really an exclusive headline if his son and I would really end up marrying one day. 

I sighed and took a deep breath as I broke away from the hug.

"You know I can't do that, aunt.. Nate would be-"

"Please.. Natascha. I'm begging you. He's a nice man but so is Mr. Dawson's son.. And I knew you and Nate had become quite distant in the last few months. It would be the best time to brea-"

"No, Natascha you don't have to-" My Uncle spoke.

"Aunt Gloria! Please.. I'm an adult. I would do anything to help resolve this issue in any way that I can. Just not this! This isn't right,  you may force someone to marry but you can never force someone to love. It's up to me to decide when I leave Nate or not. That way, I'd rather blame myself than hate you."

I quickly stood up and took a step back. "I-I'm going back to bed. I still have classes tomorrow. Let's talk about this some other time.." I left. I immediately rushed to my room.  

I couldn't believe all of that just happened! I slumped into my bed and hid under the sheets until I fell sound asleep.

I woke up to sound of little birds' chirping, to the bitter sweet aroma of coffee and to the busy clanking of utensils.. It was morning. Like a beautiful morning I used to wake up to. Except for the drama that happened last night, today would've been a very beautiful day. 

I stood up from my bed and quickly washed up. After getting ready, I took my things and went down to have breakfast.

"Good Morning, dear.. I made you, your favorite breakfast.. Toasted Bread and Avocado with Veggie Salad on the side, just the way you like it... Come with us." My Aunt greeted me.

"Uhh.. Thanks, aunt." I sat down and took a bite. The entire time I was eating  breakfast, I felt so much awkwardness and pressure.  I took a breath and mustered up the courage to speak. 

"Uhm.. I'm gonna go visit Nate today, so I may not have dinner with you this evening.." I said as I checked my wristwatch and realized it was almost time for class.. When I was done, I hurriedly got up and took my things to leave.

After Class, I decided to go visit Nate. I didn't see him at school today. I hope he's alright.. I have already texted him a couple of times but there was not even a single reply. I took a deep breath and remained calm as I stood in front of his door. I still felt embarrassed when I harshly made him leave the last time we met. 

I called him but he didn't answer.. Maybe he's not home? Or is he asleep? 

I tired to twist the cold knob and it was surprisngly open.. Is he home or did someone broke into his house?

"Nate?" I called him out. I felt uneasy as the lights were off. Either way, I still walked inside quitely. Tiptoeing in every step. 

A few steps from the door I stumbled upon something on the floor. I picked it up and it was his clothes. 

"Why..is this here?" I whispered to myself. He's not really the freaky clean type but he never really throws his things anywhere around his house like this. I shrugged it off as I placed it on the couch and continued walking towards his room. He could've been really exhausted from work and forgot.. A thin long beam of light reflected into the wooden floor as the door was slightly open. The more I got closer, my heart raced splendidly faster than usual for no reason.

"Nate, are you there? why didn't answer my-" 

What the hell is happening?

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