Sarah had not expected the calm, haughty attitude that Oliver displayed. "There are nudes on your phone Oliver, and some of those pictures are from last night. That's funny since you canceled our date because you were 'sick'. I trusted you dammit! I neglected the signs and texts from your numerous exes. How could you do this Oliver? You know what, it is over." Sarah threw his ring at him and made to leave, fully expecting an apology. Oliver's gay laughter however, surprised her.
"Oh Sarah, you never cease to amaze me. Where do you think you are going? You talk about trust, was checking my phone a sign of trust? Besides, what is the big deal? No millionaire is faithful to one woman in today's world and you know it! Your father isn't, and neither is your brother. Think well about this decision you are about to make. It is a costly one."
Sarah saw a side of Oliver she had never seen before, and she wondered how she could have fallen for an egocentric man like him "Well guess what Oliver, I will not marry a man who cannot stay faithful. There are men who can actually exercise self discipline. I know one, his name is John, and he is the sweetest, kindest and most gentle man I know. He treats women with respect."
Oliver's loud laughter rang out again. "John, isn't that your butler or servant or nobody? You are talking about the orphan, the urchin I saw at your house when I came visiting. Oh Sarah, you never cease to amaze me. I actually thought you had class and taste, but you never cease to disappoint me."
If eyes were bullets, Oliver would have been long dead. "Listen to me Oliver. John is ten times the man you are, or should I say the man you will never be. I thought you were different, but you are just like the other rich spoiled brats who think money is everything. This relationship is over!"
Oliver put his hand to draw her back as she tried to leave. "Think about what you are doing well Sarah. Your father's business will collapse if you break off this engagement, and it will be your fault and your fault alone. I own you, your father has collected so much money from my family already, and he desperately needs the major investment from us, which we have promised to him after the wedding. You are mine Sarah, I have bought you."
It was now Sarah's turn to laugh. "It seems we both made a mistake. We are not the persons we thought each other to be. Read my lips Oliver, I do not care about money. I care about love, mutual respect and honesty. You have none of these traits, and it was a big mistake saying yes to you. I could care less about the company, you or my father. To hell with you all." With that, she stomped out and went straight to cry in the arms of John. Two months later, they were married, to the shock of Oliver and the consternation of Peter Lance and his son.
Sarah sighed. "I do not have time for your gags Taylor. John went to see dad this morning. Is he still there?"
Taylor chuckled. "No sister, he's not. The meeting well, did not go well. John actually refused dad's offer of a managerial position at the company with a very attractive salary. He stubbornly refused to divorce you, and he will get what is coming to him."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Why did dad tell John to divorce me? What does he stand to gain? So this was the condition he spoke about. What is coming to him Taylor? I cannot believe I was so foolish and too trusting. I should have know that it was one of dad's tricks. If I had known I would not have let him go."
Taylor sighed. "Ah sister, ever so innocent and foolish. You are selfish. You want the family business to fall just because of an ill-fated love with a man who cannot get a job no matter how hard he tries. You are a Lance, yet you are living in poverty. It's better to live in the palace than to dwell in the desert sister."
Sarah felt her head banging. "Well it is my choice Taylor, and it is better you respect it. I honestly cannot believe you are calling me selfish. You guys want me to jeopardize my own happiness and future just to get married to an entitled brat, so you can save the company you destroyed!" She had to stop to breathe. Then it hit her. "Wait, how did you know John has been unable to get a job?"
Taylor let out a coarse laughter. "Oh sister, I see why you and John married each other. You are both too gullible and innocent. Do you think anyone who had the credentials that John had would be unable to get a job unless the doors were intentionally closed?"
Sarah gasped. She wished it wasn't what she was thinking. "What is that supposed to mean brother?"
Taylor groaned in frustration. "Fine, if you want me to day it in literal terms, I will. Mom greased the palms of the top executives in the city, and they have all been instructed nor to give John a job, not even a job as a gardener."
The world suddenly went blank for a few minutes for Sarah. She heard nothing and saw nothing. "I should have known. Taylor Lance, know this and know peace. As from today, you no longer have a sister called Sarah Lance. We are strangers to each other, I'm Sarah West anyways."
Taylor went on unfazed. "I could care less about what name you decide to go by Sarah. Marry Oliver, or face the consequences. His father is quite concerned about his reputation, and he will not let his son be romantically involved with a married lady. The press would eat him alive, and it would greatly dampen his political aspirations. If he was not so concerned about it, I would have come to kidnap you myself. I know a good divorce lawyer just in case you need one Sarah." He finished with a sly chuckle.
Sarah felt anger rising inside her. "That will never happen. Not even in a thousand lifetimes. I love John, and I am ready to face any opposition to our love. Moreover, I am pregnant for him!"