Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
In the bustling city of Manhattan, New York, lived a girl named Rhea. Since her family was poor, she didn't receive any toys nor fancy dresses from her parents. All she had was her black ribbon tied to her head, a simple blue dress and a pair of dusty shoes. But even if that was the case, she learned to be grateful of what she had, and still had a decent childhood.
Her mother was a housewife and her father took care of a small farm. Since their business didn't look very well off, they had tons of debts on their shoulders. But they never really had any money to pay them off. Not even a single penny.
Rhea, now at the blooming age of seventeen kept on thinking of ways to help her parents. Everyday, she would help the nuns on cleaning the church altars and would teach the children in the orphanage learn how to read and write. She would earn money by helping other people, and would give that money to her parents in order to pay their loans.
But alas, it didn't seem to be enough.
Until one faithful day.
A millionaire, who took pity in their situation decided to offer a proposal. Literally.
"I'd like to take your daughter's hand in marriage."
The couple looked at each other, the father more concerned. Rhea didn't seem to like the deal either.
"It's a simple offer when you think about it," he smiles and clasps his hands, "I marry your daughter. And I'll pay off everything you owe."
"But sir...." the father speaks up, "Why our marriage? And our daughter too..."
"Who wouldn't want such a pretty little lady?"
Rhea frowns at his words. This man might solve their problems, but she didn't like how he would.
"Well, is it a deal then?"
The young girl opens her mouth to speak up, but she was cut off by her own mother.
"Of course! Of course! We'll gladly accept!"
The man's eyes light up at her words, "Great."
Rhea looks at her mother in disbelief, as did her father.
"Eh? What about my permission-"
"Quiet, child. Mother didn't teach you to interrupt others."
"..."
The millionaire stands up from where hr was sitting and nods at the couple, "Very well then, I should be on my way." He steps out and reaches the doorknob, "The wedding will be held the day after tomorrow. The both of you don't need to worry about the arrangements, I'll gladly take care of them." He then opens the door and walks out, leaving the house.
The room was silent for a moment.
"Honey you can't just sell off our child like that!"
The woman glances at her husband while gritting her teeth, "I didn't have much of a choice, do I?" She turns her body to him, "We already have a lot in our hands! We're lucky enough that someone offered to help! Or else we'd be in prison right now!"
