Chapter Text
Edward Tucker's office was quiet, with heavy dark velvet curtains blocking out the sunlight, and the blazing fireplace in the left corner casting a soft golden glow over the room. The furniture was classic, with dark wood and gold accents, a place where important business deals and decisions were made. Edward sat behind his large desk, poring intently over a stack of documents. His eyes, a little tired from constant work, were on the door when he heard a light knock.
"Come in," he said, his voice deep and authoritative, but with a softness that indicated familiarity with the person on the other side of the door. He was sure whoever was on the other side was someone who knew his habits, as he wasn't there often.
The door opened softly, and a mature-looking woman entered, adjusting her simple but well-made dress. She wasn't young, but she still retained a serene charm, like a flower beginning to wilt but still retaining its characteristic scent. Serena Benson seemed a little tense, but with an air of dignity. She approached Edward's table with a respectful demeanor, but also a hint of desperation in her eyes. He had known her for over fifteen years and was the only one to agree to a single mother renting a property.
"Mr. Tucker," Serena said with a slight bow, her voice firm but tinged with guilt.
"Mrs. Benson," Edward replied, rising to greet her with a nod and a friendly but professional smile. He studied her for a moment, as if considering the reason for her visit.
"I know the debt is heavy, and I'm aware that I need to pay it, but unfortunately I can't afford that amount." Edward frowned and sat back in his chair.
"You've shown yourself to be an honest tenant, Serena. That's not what worries me; your rent can be resolved, but you know I have the right to expect a solution." Serena took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to continue.
"I... have a proposal, Mr. Tucker. And don't get me wrong, I'm not here expecting you to accept easily. I know this is an unusual proposal, but allow me to speak." Edward, curious, gestured for her to sit down.
"Speak, Mrs. Benson. I'm listening." She hesitated for a moment, her eyes avoiding his, but she soon composed herself.
"I have a daughter, Olivia, a young woman who, as you know, is no longer a child. She... is of marriageable age, and I fear she will not find an advantageous alliance in her present position. She is beautiful, intelligent, and honorable, but times are hard. And I... I offer her to you." Edward raised his eyebrows, surprised by the boldness and unexpected proposal.
"You... are offering me your daughter in marriage, Mrs. Benson?"
"Yes," the older woman replied, her voice a little firmer. "Olivia is a good girl. And she needs a solid position, someone to protect and support her. I know the proposal may seem bold, but in exchange, I would be freed from this debt I owe you. I can no longer continue paying what I owe, but... perhaps I can make up for it in another way. If you accept my proposal, Mr. Tucker, the alliance would be more than just a financial arrangement."
Edward was silent for a few moments, deep in thought. He looked at Serena, noticing the way she spoke with such seriousness and concern. He took his time responding, letting the weight of the situation sink in. Then he finally spoke, his voice deep but soft.
"I've known her since she was just a child. I know what she's capable of becoming," he said, almost as if speaking to himself. "But you know, Mrs. Benson, this marriage won't be just an exchange. I'm not just any man. I... I'm someone with great wealth and influence. If I accept your proposal, this union will need to be more than just a formality." Serena looked at him with a knowing look, as if she knew what he meant.
"I know, Mr. Tucker. I know you wouldn't marry just for practical reasons, but for something more. And that's what I'm offering. My daughter... I know she's still young, but by your side, she would be well cared for. You have the power to transform her life." The man leaned back in his chair, staring into the fire in the grate.
"She's only 17, still too young to understand what it means to be the wife of a man like me."
"She has a pure heart," Serena said with a soft smile, trying to convince Edward, "And I'm sure she would know how to honor the marriage, Mr. Tucker. I wouldn't make such a proposal if it weren't genuine."
Edward thought for a moment longer, and finally, his expression softened.
"I accept your proposal, Mrs. Benson. I accept it, not only because of the debt you owe me, but because I see something in Olivia that attracts me. I see her, yes, as a young woman who still needs to grow, but I also see in her a woman of worth. And, if she wishes, I will become her husband."
The older woman looked relieved, her face softening at his answer. She knew this decision would have significant implications for everyone involved, but she also felt she was doing the best for her daughter.
"Thank you, Mr. Tucker," she said, bowing her head respectfully. "I... thank you for giving my daughter a chance. I don't know how to express my gratitude."
"No need for thanks, Mrs. Benson," Edward replied with a subtle smile. "Olivia and I will see how our union develops. Now, I suggest you talk to her about this decision. It will be an important step for her, and I'm sure the discussion will be necessary."
Serena nodded, already imagining the conversation she would have with her daughter. She knew Olivia might not fully grasp the gravity of what was happening, but she also knew the young woman wouldn't have many options.
"I will, Mr. Tucker," she said, standing up. "And again, I thank you for your understanding."
"Goodbye, Mrs. Benson," Edward said, waving as she left the office, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more. He stared out the window, pondering what was to come.
When Serena arrived home, the evening light filtered through the living room curtains. She calmly removed her shoes, the worry evident on her face, but there was also a sense of relief she couldn't hide. She knew the conversation with Olivia would be difficult, but the weight of the debt she carried was, at least, resolved. Now, her daughter needed to understand the gravity of the situation. Serena took a deep breath before climbing the stairs, heading toward Olivia's room.
Upon entering, she found the young woman sitting on her bed, reading a book. Olivia was immersed in her reading, but the older woman noticed the way her daughter's eyes weren't truly focused on the words. Olivia knew her mother was in some kind of turmoil.
"Olivia," Serena began, her voice soft but filled with a seriousness that caught her daughter's attention, "we need to talk." Olivia looked up from her book and saw her mother's worried expression. She closed the book slowly, setting it aside.
"What happened, Mom?" she asked, noticing the tension in the air. "You seem... different." Serena sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers clasped together nervously.
"I... have something important to tell you, my dear. Something that will change our lives." The girl looked at her, her expression of confusion becoming visible.
"What is it, Mom? You're making me nervous."
Serena swallowed hard, she knew she was about to deal an emotional blow to her daughter, but she had no other choice.
"I talked to Mr. Tucker today," she said, staring at her fingers. "I... offered you to him in marriage."
"What?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide, as if she had heard something impossible. "You... offered... me... to him?"
"Yes, Olivia," Serena replied, now turning to face her daughter. "I know this may be shocking, but it was the only way I saw for our survival. Mr. Tucker is a wealthy and powerful man, and he accepted. He agreed to the marriage." Olivia took a step back, feeling the ground shake beneath her feet.
"But... this can't be real! Mom, I'm a girl. I can't marry him! He's... he's so much older than me!" Her face was pale, and she felt panic rising inside her.
"Liv, you have to understand," Serena began, standing up and taking her daughter's hand, holding it tightly, as if trying to convey some kind of reassurance. "I know this is hard to comprehend, but it's necessary. Mr. Tucker has an immense fortune, and he can lift us out of poverty. He's a good man, and you will marry well. The life of a woman like you depends on these kinds of decisions, my daughter."
"But... what about me, Mom? What about me, what do I want? I'm not just a bargaining chip!"
"No, my dear," Serena said, her expression softening, her eyes teary, trying to show that she felt her daughter's pain too. "I know you have your dreams, but sometimes life demands sacrifice. And if you love me, if you love what I've done for you...then you'll do this for us."
"I don't know if I can do this, Mom," Olivia replied, tears already welling in her eyes. "I don't know if I can marry him, someone so far away from me." Serena sighed deeply, pulling her daughter into a tight hug.
"I'm not asking you to love him, Olivia. But I am asking you to do this for me, for us. I... I can't keep carrying this debt. I can't let you live a life without stability, and you know I've always done what's best for both of us."
She pulled away from the embrace, wiping away the tears streaming down her face. She was lost, unsure how to react to the pressure of the situation. She looked into her mother's eyes, trying to understand her words, trying to find some solace in the idea that was being forced upon her.
"You don't understand," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling. "I never wanted to live like this. I dreamed of another life, of freedom, of true love."
"I know, my daughter," Serena replied, stroking Olivia's hair tenderly. "I know you deserve better, but sometimes life doesn't offer us those choices. What we're doing now is securing a future for you, a future where you'll be protected, cared for, and maybe, who knows, one day, you'll even love this man. But for that, you need to believe that what I'm doing is for both of us."
Olivia looked at her mother, shock and fear still overwhelming her. She didn't know what to do, but she knew something was being decided for her, and the pain of helplessness was greater than anything else.
"I... I don't know what to do," she whispered, her words thick with desperation. "I don't know, Mom."
Serena hugged her once more, pressing her against her chest, feeling her daughter's tears.
"I know it's hard, honey. But you'll do this for me. I know you will. And in time, you'll understand it was the right choice."
Olivia pulled back slightly, her eyes still wet. She didn't know what the future held, but at that moment, she felt a tremendous pressure on her shoulders. All she had ever wanted was to be free, but now she found herself imprisoned by a decision made in her name.
"What if I can't do this, Mom?" she asked, doubt in her voice.
"You are going!"
_________
Serena entered Olivia's room silently, closing the door behind her. Serena's expression was serious, but filled with a sadness that was hard to hide. She sat beside her daughter on the bed, looking at her with a mixture of affection and apprehension.
"Olivia," Serena began, her voice soft but firm. "I know you're scared, and I understand. No one would want to be put in that situation, but we need to be realistic. Mr. Tucker is a good man, and he made a generous offer. He can offer us a comfortable life, and that is a blessing."
Olivia lifted her head, her eyes still filled with confusion and pain.
"But what are you asking me, Mom? I don't... I don't know if I can do this."
Serena sighed, stroking Olivia's hair in a motherly way, trying to convey the comfort she herself didn't feel.
"I know you're scared, dear. But you must understand that a husband has his expectations, and it is your duty as a wife to please him. Mr. Tucker is a man of position, of fortune. He will expect you to be devoted, loving, and obedient. That is what he deserves from you as a wife." Olivia swallowed, her words trailing off.
"I... I don't know if I'm capable of being all that, Mom."
"You will be, Olivia," Serena said with a sad smile. "Because that's what's expected of a wife. And you must be strong. A husband will always want your company, and you should never deny him that. Never refuse to sleep with him, because it's your duty as his wife, and he will always be waiting for you to do so. That's how things work, and you must accept it."
The pain in Olivia's heart grew, but she didn't know how to express the turmoil she felt.
"You mean I have to be submissive to him? That I... must accept whatever he asks of me?"
Serena looked at her with a stern expression, but with a touch of compassion in her eyes.
"Yes, my daughter. That is part of your role. As his wife, your mission is to ensure that he is satisfied, that he feels respected, and that his needs are met. This will include... the desire for children. Mr. Tucker will likely want many children. And you will have them, all the ones he wants. That is your obligation, Olivia."
Olivia felt a lump in her throat and a deep emptiness in her chest. She knew the marriage wouldn't be what she'd dreamed. There was no room for her own desires, her own needs. Everything seemed to be about what he wanted, what he needed. Serena was right; she had to follow this; there was no other option.
"I understand, Mom," Olivia said, her voice so quiet it was barely audible, but Serena knew her daughter was listening, absorbing every word. She was still scared, but she couldn't question it anymore.
Serena hugged her tightly, trying to provide some sort of comfort.
"I know you'll do this for me, Olivia. And I know that in time, you'll understand why we did this. Mr. Tucker isn't a bad man. He'll do whatever it takes to make sure you have the life you deserve. And you'll be happy. You just have to take that first step."
Olivia didn't answer. She knew she was about to enter a life she hadn't chosen, but she had to do it for her mother, for her family. Doubt and sadness still gripped her heart, but her mother's words felt more like a sentence than advice. She couldn't turn back.