Cruel Ultimatum

Seated tightly on the luxurious leather chair in Malcolm Sebastian's exquisite office, Amaya thought she was in a courtroom. From the expensive artwork on the walls to the large windows that displayed the metropolitan skyline, the interior oozed wealth and authority. Across the large wooden desk, Malcolm stared at Amaya intently, making her feel like a criminal waiting to be sentenced. Amaya's heart was beating fast, even though she tried to stay calm. She had come to fight for her relationship with Louis, but the cold look in Malcolm 's eyes made her think she might not be able to win. With a voice as cold and sharp as a scalpel, Malcolm remarked, "I'll get right to the point, Miss Davidson." "Your relationship with my son ends today." Amaya's fingers slightly tightened on the chair's armrests, but her expression remained neutral. "With all due respect, Mr. Sebastian," she said in a firm voice, "that's between Louis and me." A sarcastic smile curled Malcolm 's lips, but it never made it to his eyes. That smile belonged to a predator that realised it had cornered its victim. "I'm afraid not," he responded, bending a little forward. "Louis, you know, has responsibilities. family responsibilities that are not related to you. Amaya said the words, "The arranged marriage," in a barely audible voice. Her tongue blushed at the words. "Ah, so he told you," Malcolm said, nodding, with an indication of something on his face, maybe displeasure. "Then you understand why this… dalliance must end." Amaya's hands were locked in her lap, out of sight from Malcolm 's watchful eyes. She thought about Louis, the life they started together, and the possible future they had ventured into. A tinge of rebellion entered her voice as she questioned, "And if I refuse?" Malcolm 's eyes became flint instead of steel as they hardened. Reaching for a file on his desk, he opened it slowly and deliberately. In the quiet calm of the office, there seemed to be a subtle rustling of papers. With a tone that belied its seriousness, he asked, "Miss Davidson, tell me how your parents are enjoying their new roles at Davidson Tech." Amaya felt a shiver go down her spine and ice began to run through her veins. She struggled to maintain a steady voice as she responded, "What does that have to do with anything?" "Everything," Malcolm said, swivelling the file in her direction. Her parents' candid pictures, which could only have been taken without their knowledge, were contained in it. Financial statements, Davidson Tech internal memos, and what seemed to be private communications were found underneath the pictures. "It would be a shame if certain… irregularities in their hiring were to come to light." As Amaya realised the full impact of Malcolm 's statement, her heart grew cold. Her parents had endured years of hardship, working many jobs to pay for her college education. Their recent jobs at Davidson Tech had been a blessing, giving them the opportunity to at last enjoy the security and comfort they so well deserved. And now, all of that was at risk from this man? Amaya responded, "You're bluffing," but her shaky voice revealed how nervous she was. "You can't-" "I can and I will," Malcolm interrupted, sounding as decisive as a judge's gavel. "Everything your parents have fought for—their professions, reputations, and everything—will go in a second. unless..." "Unless I leave Louis," Amaya's voice sounded empty even to her own ears. Malcolm nodded, and with a gentle thump that sounded like a door closing in Amaya's heart, he closed the file. You're a bright young lady, Miss Davidson. I had faith that you would understand." Amaya's thoughts were racing, trying to figure out how to get out of this difficult situation. She remembered Louis, his soft smile and loving eyes, the way he treated her like she was the most valuable thing in the world. She was clinging to something and whispered, "Louis won't accept this." "He'll fight for us." "Then you'll have to make him believe you don't want him anymore," Malcolm said, leaning back in his chair. His tone was almost pitying, as if he were explaining a simple fact to a child."Miss Davidson, break his heart. It's the most considerate thing you can do for him." Amaya's eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them back angrily. She refused to allow Malcolm Sebastian to feel the joy of witnessing her weep. She recalled all the occasions when Louis had complained about his father's ruthlessness in the business world. She was feeling it directly now. "You're a monster," she spoke in a low, enraged voice. Malcolm 's face remained unchanged. In fact, he seems almost bored. Miss Davidson, I'm a businessman, and this is only business. You have 24 hours to end things with Louis, or else your parents will suffer the consequences. Am I clear?" Amaya got up, with shaky legs. With all the power she had left, she pushed them to steady. "Crystal clear," she managed to say. Malcolm 's voice halted her as she grabbed for the door, wanting to get out of his oppressive office. "Oh, and Amaya?, The agreement is off if you mention this conversation to anybody, especially Louis. Your parents will pay the price for your indiscretion." Amaya remained silent. She could not rely on her voice to remain steady. Instead, she pulled the door open and walked out, her head held high despite the turmoil inside her. In the elevator, she finally let her composure break. With shaking hands, she took out her phone and looked at Louis's smiling face on the lock screen. It was a candid shot she had taken on their last vacation – Louis laughing; his eyes crinkled at the corners, looking at her with such love it made her heart ache. She put her finger over the call button, hesitating. What could she say? How could she push away the man she loved without telling him about his father's cruel plans? The thought of lying to Louis, of hurting him on purpose, made her feel sick. When the elevator doors opened to the lobby, Amaya made a decision. She wouldn't let Malcolm Sebastian win. She was good at solving problems by nature and profession. There had to be a solution, a way to protect her parents, keep Louis, and take down the corrupt empire that threatened everything she cared about. Amaya was thinking of plans and quickly discarding them. She needed help, things, and time above all else. But first, she had to do the hardest thing she had ever done - hurt Louis's feelings. Amaya took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was coming. She was no longer just Amaya Davidson. She was now a woman with a goal, ready to fight one of the most powerful men in the city