Entangled hearts

1| The bad news

~River~

I thought today would be just like any other weekend. The crisp autumn air, the rustling leaves, and the hum of college life outside my dorm window had always been a comforting backdrop to my carefree days. But when my phone rang, shattering that calm, I felt a chill that had nothing to do with the weather.

It was my father. His voice, usually steady and reassuring, trembled with a panic I’d never heard before.

“River, we need to talk,” he said, the urgency in his tone making my heart race.

I barely remembered the ride home, my thoughts a chaotic blur. When I walked through the front door, the warmth I’d always loved seemed to suffocate me. Dad was sitting at the table, his face pale and drawn. Mom, usually so composed, had a hard, unyielding look in her eyes.

“Hey Dad” I greeted, but my voice was swallowed by the oppressive silence.

“Sit down, River,” Dad said, gesturing to the chair across from him , his voice trembling.

I sank into the chair, a knot forming in my stomach. “What’s going on? Why did you sound so—”

“River,” Dad interrupted, his voice breaking. “We’re in trouble. Serious trouble".

“What’s wrong?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Dad took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure. “The business deal went wrong. We owe Davian Throne a lot of money, and now he’s demanding payment".

My breath caught. Davian Throne, the billionaire with a reputation for ruthlessness. I had heard his name in the news, always associated with highs stakes deals and colds hearted decisions.

“What does he want?” I asked, my voice trembling with fear and confusion.

Mom’s eyes locked onto mine, cold and unfeeling. “He wants you".

I stared at her, the reality of her words sinking in like a heavy stone. “What do you mean, ‘wants me’?”

Dad’s shoulders sagged. “He’s demanding that you become his payment for the debt. He’s given us a year for you to be done in college. After that, you’ll be his”.

“No, this can’t be happening!” I exclaimed, my voice rising with panic. “There has to be another way!”

Mom’s face hardened. “We’ve tried everything. This is the only way out”.

I felt a surge of anger and desperation. “You’re just going to give me away? I’m not some object to be traded!”

Mom’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think we wanted this? Your father made a mistake, and now we all have to pay for it.”

“Why me?” I demanded, my voice rising. “Why does it have to be me?”

Mom’s expression hardened. “Because you’re the only thing we have left of any value.”

I felt a surge of anger. “I’m not a commodity! I’m your daughter!”

“Enough!” Mom snapped, slamming her hand on the table. “You think you’re the only one suffering here? We’re all in this mess because of your father’s mistakes. You’ll do what’s necessary to fix it.”