The frown was still etched on my face like it was a part of my makeup. “I didn’t come here to eat Mr. Adiaga.” As my stomach tightened, I doubted if there was any space for food.

“Alright then.” He turned back to the waitress. “Let’s have red wine. Bring the most expensive one you have.”

“Alright.” She said, as she flashed a polite smile, before disappearing into the inner interiors of the restaurant.

Mr. Adiaga's gaze returned to me. “Let’s wait for the wine. Such conversations are best held with a red wine.”

The waitress returned with a bottle of wine. Tilting the bottle, the red wine streamed into my glass. The fruity undertone lined the air.

“Thank you.” I picked up the wine and sipped it. The alcohol taste—much stronger than its scent—coated my tongue.

After he drunk from his wine, he placed it on the table with a soft thud. “I want to propose a deal.” He leaned forward. “A contract marriage. I’d pay off all your debt for your hands in marriage.” A devil’s grin played on his lips and his eyes sparkled as though he had set a trap for me.

My eyes widened. The fruity taste of the wine turned stale on my tongue.

What did this man take me for? Was it because I was poor, he believed I could easily sell my freedom to him?

I tightened my fist. The chair creaked and his eyes followed me as I rose to my feet. “Do you think I am that desperate?” My voice was quieter than I intended. “That I’d sell myself to pay off a debt?”

Sitting before me was a monster as his grin only widened. “I see you are also a proud one.” He swirled his wine glass before sipping from it. “Pride without money to back it up will only plunge you into despair.”

“Thank you, Socrates, I can help myself.”

A frown replaced the smiling expression as he leaned back. “I’m sorry if my kind gestures made you feel like you have an upper hand here.” He leaned in. “Do you have any means of paying off the loan shark? The interest is constantly rising. How are you going to pay off my $500,000?” He took another sip, as though my predicament was entertaining. “Even if your aunty sells her tiny cafe, she won’t still be able to pay your debt.”

His words punched my guts and my heart wailed.

“I suggest you sit and think about my proposal.”