A Night With The Billionaire Musician

"But Uncle!" Lilliane protested. "Mr. Fuentes is fifty years old, isn't he?" Her eyes began to show anxiety. "Why-"

"Mr. Fuentes is sixty years old, Lilliane!" Richard said impatiently and irritably. It seemed the niece was still opposing their wishes.

Lilliane looked up and met her uncle's angry gaze.

"Mr. Fuentes is very rich. You won't go hungry or suffer with him! He might even save our family and business! That consideration is so important that you should just engrave it into your mind right now!"

Lilliane stood up violently, unable to hold back, drawing the full attention of the two. She was sure that the two could also see how red her face was from a mix of anger and frustration.

She admitted that even though she was hesitant about marrying someone she didn't know, she was ready to accept it-for the sake of her late parents' company. But the thought of marrying an old man-almost like her grandfather-was unbearable!

Disgusting!

Just thinking about spending the wedding day with him and afterward-or even just facing him now-made her want to vomit!

"And what about me? What about my own life and happiness? Do I not have a right to my own life?"

Richard's lips formed a tight line, and Mathilda, like her husband, furrowed her brows in irritation.

"I thought we had made this clear. Didn't you agree to the arranged marriage? Why are you resisting now?"

Tears began to fall from Lilliane's eyes.

"But why that old man!"

Richard Amante sank back into his chair.

"Happiness has no place in these times, and your happiness won't save us. We're on the brink of bankruptcy and you're still thinking about your happiness! Your life! Your sacrifice is crucial for our survival and the business! You're still thinking only of yourself!"

Lilliane's voice broke as she spoke again, a mix of pain and disbelief evident.

"Sacrifice? Is that how you see me? You talk as if I'm just an object. You have no care for me? For what I feel and the outcome of this because of your wishes!"

"Our priority is the family's future." Mathilda's voice was as cold as ice when she spoke again, her brow raised. "Your feelings have no place in our family right now. They won't save us. If Mr. Fuentes is willing to marry you and offer his support, then you must accept."

Lilliane's tears flowed even more from her aunt's words, like a waterfall cascading down her cheeks, non-stop. She swallowed while also trying to suppress the sound rising from her throat.

What they conveyed was painful for her. It felt like she was being treated not as a relative but as a mere tool.

"You expect me to marry a man old enough to be my grandfather? I'm supposed to sacrifice my own happiness just to save the business. You're only thinking of yourselves!"

Mathilda slapped Lilliane's face, making her stagger. The impact of the slap was so strong she almost felt her head fly off.

Richard's patience with his niece was wearing thin, and his expression was even harder than before.

"The decision is final, Lilliane. You cannot change it even if you present your rights to us!" Mathilda said through gritted teeth.

"You can't do this! You can't dictate my future based on your desires! You won't make me submit like this! I'm not a robot to follow your wishes!"

Mathilda took a step forward, causing Lilliane to retreat slightly, her teeth clenched and her face stern.

"We can and we have," Mathilda's voice was firm. "This is a matter of survival. You should be grateful for the opportunity."

"Isn't there any other way?" the girl pleaded, her voice trembling again. "Can't you find another alternative? I am begging you to reconsider."

Richard Amante shook his head.

"There are no viable alternatives. The bankruptcy is imminent, and Mr. Fuentes's support is crucial. You must fulfill your part in this arrangement." The man's statement was final.

"And what if I refuse?" Lilliane asked in a low but determined voice, almost like a whisper.

She was shocked and stepped back when her aunt grabbed her jaw. Her aunt's sharp nails dug into her cheeks.

"You have no right to refuse," Mathilda said through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing with anger. "Don't think your tears will change anything! They're useless and won't help!" She then forcefully let go of Lilliane's face.

Lilliane sobbed, almost choking from crying. The sharpness of her aunt's nails seemed to linger, embedded in her skin.

Richard smirked derisively, as even he could hear the girl's words.

"Once you refuse, we lose everything. Your refusal will signify the loss of our assets, this mansion, our social status, and perhaps even our happiness. Is it too much to ask for such a small sacrifice? Can't you even do that? It's such a simple request we're making of you, Lilliane!"

She wanted to argue further but was running out of strength. Even if she disagreed with what was said, it would change nothing. They would just keep going in circles.

Lilliane sank back into her chair, weakened, her shoulders slumped.

"So, this is really it. There's no way out." She said, more to herself.

Richard Amante sighed deeply, and his previously stern expression softened slightly.

"I understand this is a heavy burden for you, Lilliane. But sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good of everyone."

Lilliane glanced at the two with deep despair.

"When you talk about what's good, it's as if you know anything about it. You don't even see my suffering. I can't believe you're doing this to me as if I'm not family."

"We are only acting on what we believe is best for our family's interest," Mathilda Amante said, exhaustion evident in her voice. "So, you should trust our judgment on what is best and necessary beyond what you know."

Lilliane's tears flowed again.

"I don't know how I'll move forward from this. How will I face him?"

Mr. Amante stood up. His voice was firm but soft as he spoke.

"You will face Mr. Fuentes as appropriate. We have an appointment with him tomorrow, so you need to prepare."

"Rest now, Lilliane, you will need it."

"Rest? How can I do that when my whole world is falling apart?"

"We're doing this for a reason, Lilliane." Richard's voice softened slightly but remained determined. "I hope that, in time, you will understand."

Mathilda began to walk toward the door.

"Come on, darling," she said to her husband, "We have much to prepare for tomorrow."

The man sighed deeply and left the room in silence.