A Squire s Journey

Paris POV

They said death is the only thing inevitable in life. However, I wasn't ready to die

At least not yet

Yet, here I was, trapped in a rustic helicopter that was about to crash. The deafening beeping of the alarms met the erratic beating of my heart. I squeezed my eyes shut as my heart thrummed loudly in my chest, making it hard for me to breathe

As the helicopter rapidly descended, I clung to my seat with a death grip, my knuckles turning white. My mind raced with thoughts - if only I had known, I never would have decided to go on this trip. If only I had known, I never would have hired this useless helicopter. If only I had known…

"We need to brace for a rough landing" the man beside me shouted over the noise and my eyes flung open

“What?" I shouted, my throat cracking

Is this it? Is this how people die?

I stole a glance at the window, witnessing the ground rush towards us as the helicopter descended with speed and I let out a deafening scream, ignoring my burning throat.

Death is inevitable, it's certain, I'm going to die. No, I'm dead.

A tear trickled down my cheek. Would it hurt? Would death come quickly, or slowly? Or worse, would animals feed on my remains?

Just as I questioned my death, everything went black and...silent

24 HOURS EARLIER

"What is it?" I demanded, before I reluctantly perched on the exquisite sofa opposite my father and his mistress, impatiently tapping my perfectly manicured nails

I may dislike my father for what he did to my mother but I still respect him. After all, he fed me, provided for my daily needs, and sheltered me.

He sighed, "Well… You know Sinclair's family?”

Yeah, who wouldn't know the Sinclairs? They are one of the wealthy families here. They owned 50% of the buildings in this town. I know that because we designed all the buildings. My father owns a large architecture firm which I now control not because I love designing and building houses but because I don't want anything to touch those money monger's hands

“Yeah," I said already bored

“Their youngest son is single and so are you"

Okay, I think I know where this conversation is going.

“So we've arranged for you to marry him. It's for the good of our legacy” he added

Tossing my perfectly styled hair. I scoffed, "Marriage? Whose idea was that?" I asked glaring at the step monster who averted her gaze. It's obviously her doings. “Besides, I've got my plans, and they don't involve being tied down to a man I don't know and don't care to know.”

Nor do I wish to get married for whatever reason. I am a woman of my own and I will never succumb to being any man's puppet like my mother did. Look where it ended for her.

The step monster chimed in, "Paris, it's a splendid opportunity. Think of the social advantages. It's a beneficial match for both families."

Anger courses through me at her choice of words. If only she knows how much I detest the sound of her snaky voice

“Family?” I scoffed. “Did you just say family? After you stole everything my mother built for yourself? And you dare call yourself family?” I yelled, and she flinched

“Paris…” my father warned

“If you're that concerned about your family, why don't you make your daughter marry the man? Oh, I think I know the reason you're doing this” I let out a dry chuckle, glaring at her teary eyes. “You want to marry me off to another family so your daughter can have everything all to herself, is that it? As usual, your greediness is no bound”

"Paris, don't talk to your mother like that" my father warned in a stern voice

My mother? My brain spiked and I lost it.

“She is not my mother. I do not have a mother and don't you dare compare my mother to this slut” I yelled to his face

My father raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap on my cheek. I gasp in shock at the unexpected action. My hand rubs my throbbing cheek and I glance at my stepmother who was holding my father's hand, fake tears rolling down her eyes. I roll my eyes at her pretense. I would never believe her feelings toward me were true especially when she deceived and betrayed her friend