Chapter 1

"Marry me, Belle," Gaston grinned, arrogance oozing out of him. I was rooted to the spot, freezing cold. I had been hoping this time would never come, that I would never be forced to make this decision. I felt sick with fear. I truly hated Gaston, with his cocky walk and conceited nature. He had always repulsed me, but as of late I had been too distracted with my father that I no longer had to energy to halt his advances. And we needed money…so badly.

"I…I…"

As I tried to stammer out a coherent reply, I pictured father, pale as a sheet and so frail. His deterioration was so quick I had barely gained a moment to reflect on my own life. I knew what I had to say, but my own fear stalled me. The thought of marriage to this buffoon was ridiculous. But necessary.

"Well?" his smile widened, enjoying the bewilderment on my face. He probably mistook my repulsion for awe.

I wanted to scream no but the image of my dying father pulsed before my eyes, stinging me. With a sigh I relinquished my happiness, "yes." As I muttered the words it felt as though I had been punched hard in the gut, winding me. My arms and legs were numb, yet the pain in my chest was so strong it brought tears to my eyes.

Once again, Gaston's narcissism forced him to misconstrue this for joy and grabbing me forcefully, crushed his lips down on mine. I held my breath, recoiling as far from his as I could. What have I done?

Chapter 2

I paced the floor outside my father's room, debating whether to disturb him or not. I had to tell him, to explain to him, but the knowledge that I really was doing something wrong held me back. Of course I regretted my decision but there was no going back. My head pounded with the weight of breaking the news, almost forcing me to turn and run. To leave all the responsibilities and pain that ultimately faced me.

With a sigh I pushed open the door and entered the dark chamber. The only light came from a candle flickering slowly besides his bed. As I approached I saw he was still awake and almost recoiled at the sight of him. Even in the golden candle light, his face was grey and it repulsed me to see him like this. It confirmed what I had done.

"Papa?" I whispered.

"Yes, Belle?" His voice was so weak I had to strain to hear, even in the quiet of the night.

"I..." it was hard to speak, "I've made a decision and I don't want you to be angry with me. I know it's the best way for us and I can't see any other way to help. I can't stand by and watch you...die. I need to do something. And this is all I can think of. I...I have agreed to marry Gaston."

The silence was piercing. It took almost an eternity for him to reply. I refused to look at him. I would not be swayed.

"No Belle. I won't allow you to."

Hot painful tears flowed from my eyes, "I have to."

I could hear the anger in his voice, although it was barely audible, "I am dying Belle. No amount of money is going to help. Even if it prolongs my life slightly, I will leave eventually. And then you will be left alone with a marriage that you don't want and a man you despise."

I couldn't speak right away, the pain choked me. "Papa. I will marry Gaston and you will get better. I'll leave you to sleep now."

Before he could summon the strength to reply I stood and almost ran from the room. My feet led me outside the house, into the cold unwelcoming darkness and I fell to my knees. Great, wracking sobs sounded from my chest. There was nothing else I could do. As the sobs subsided I leaned my head to the cold hard ground and felt nothing. I was numb.