Having resolved her heart, her footsteps became lighter. Though she would not receive any compensation for her injuries, the ordeal would soon come to an end. Laila stood in front of her house, mustering her courage, and opened the door.
"Oh, Mother. I've co—"
Laila stepped inside and, upon seeing the visitor, faltered momentarily, halting her steps. The hard-won tranquility shattered, and her heart began to race uncontrollably.
Stear Leiken, seated across from Delma and Marshal, rose from his chair upon catching sight of her.
"Hello, Laila."
Stear curled his lips into a sly smile, a strange gleam in his eyes.
Dressed in an elaborate suit with a jeweled pocket watch chain, he looked different from before. His expensive attire seemed out of place in this setting, but to Laila's eyes, he appeared frivolous. People claimed he had a handsome face, but she didn't see it that way. Laila keenly sensed the desire flickering in Stear's smug gaze.
"Laila, come on in."
Marshall greeted her with an uncharacteristically cheerful smile. His eyebrows were raised, and his nose reddened by alcohol addiction. He always carried curses on his lips. Such an expression meant he either wanted something or was about to mock someone.
Feeling a sense of foreboding, Laila turned her head to look at Delma. Delma's chilly gaze, as always, remained aloof, but Laila deciphered a certain glimmer in her eyes. Undoubtedly, discussions about an unknown aspect of her were taking place in this very room.
"Stear has decided to forgive our debt."
"Debt? What debt?"
In that instant, Laila's premonition proved true, and she nervously bit her lip.
"Your father owes a substantial debt to Stear. He's been patiently waiting all this time. We allowed the forgiveness of the debt as a condition for your marriage to Stear."
"What are you talking about? I refuse!"
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Laila's lips trembled sweetly as she exclaimed, for there was no need to pose the question, the unfolding situation was already apparent. Marshall had been entangled in gambling for years, and I knew well of his escalating debts. It was an endless cycle of despair, futile to intervene or attempt repayment. However, I never imagined he would stoop so low as to sell her off. Even if there was no love between them, I believed there was a sense of mutual affection, but it seems that was merely her misconception.
"Where the hell do you think you're raising your voice!" Delma, with her fiery temper, rose abruptly, striking the table with a loud thud.
"Don't be that way, Delma. She's going to be my wife now, so treat her well, won't you?" Marshall deliberately wore a pained expression, furrowing his brow. Even though he didn't show anger, Delma found herself speechless, forcefully exhaling as she sat back down.
Marshall reached out for Laila's tied-up hair as he approached her, lifting his jacket that hung over a chair and draping it over his arm. The image of him, smiling above her, overlapped with the torment he inflicted upon Julia just a few hours prior. He was filthy and vile. Unbeknownst to herself, Laila instinctively took a few steps back, avoiding him.
He shamelessly drew near and caressed Laila's bound hair with his hand. "Accept it when I treat you well, Laila. It's for your own good," he whispered, stooping closer to her frozen figure.
"If you ever behave like you did today again..."
"..."
"Your pretty face might not stay so pretty."
Stear’s lips, which had been smiling, twisted strangely. Laila, already frozen, trembled in defeat, devoid of any resistance.
Stear, pretending to be a gentleman, bowed his head and bid his farewell as he passed her, opening the door and exiting.
It took a while for Laia to muster the strength to speak, and she addressed Delma and Marshall with great effort.
"I won't marry Stear. The debts can be paid off slowly..."
"Don't speak foolishly."
Marshall, who had been wearing a pleasant smile throughout, contorted his face and stood up. Approaching with heavy footsteps, he firmly grasped Laila's trembling shoulders. The madness of a desperate gambler, willing to abandon his entire fortune and family, gleamed in his eyes.
"Do you even know how much debt you're in, you fool? Even if you sell your body until you die at Red Moon, you won't be able to repay that money."
"But..."
"What's the problem, for heaven's sake? Just offer your body and open your legs once, and it'll be over."
"..."
Laila clenched her teeth at Marshall's vulgar words. It felt as though her ears were rotting, but if she reacted here, Marshall's hand would come flying. She had to consider the consequences.
"That's the way, Laila. After all, I've been feeding and raising you all this time. It's only fair for you to repay the favor. You're lucky to have someone like Stear interested in you."
"..."
Under Delma's domineering tone, Laila averted her gaze.