So this is my second fanfic. Comment or pm me on things that need to be changed or fixed. Thanks! I have no clue why the paragraphing is messing up. I didnt type it like that. I'm working on a solution. Bear with me please.

Clary's pov

Drawing was so stress relieving. I could escape all of my issues just by picking up a graphite pencil and a sketch book. Though it usually left my hand a smudged mess, but who cares? I can wash it off afterwards. Besides, I needed a lot of space after the bombshell my mom fired at me this afternoon.

Two hours earlier~~~~~~

I had just gotten back from the art studio where I was working. My last client had gotten her mural and I had gotten a big, fat paycheck. Life was good. That was until I walked into the apartment my mother and I shared.

She was in the kitchen making dinner. I hopped onto a barstool and pulled out my sketch of central park. Glancing up occasionally, I saw that my mother was gripping the spatula, white knuckled, and staring into space,

"Mom what's wrong?" I asked, genuinely concerned. She sighed and turned to face me.

I admired her dark red hair. Mine was a few shades lighter. Couple it with my pale, freckled skin, we looked like polar opposites due to her darker, clear skin. We did have the same emerald eyes. Whereas she was tall and slim, I was short and a little on the curvy side.

"I've made a huge mistake, Clary. Please don't hate me." She pleaded. Her eyes teared up and her hands were strangling the counter top.

"I could never hate you mom. What happened?" Leaning back, she took a deep breath.

"A year or so after you were born, I came across a bunch of trouble. Mr. Wayland helped me dig myself out of it. I promised to repay him one day, whether with money or a few personal favors. I'm so sorry Clary. I never meant for this to happen but-" she cut herself off with a choking sob. I patted her hand affectionately, waiting for the rest of the news.

When she finally composed herself, she continued.

"Well the time has come to repay that debt. But I personally am no asistance to him. You are. For his son to inherit the family business and forturne from his grandfather's will, he must... marry. Mr. Wayland was not trusted with the company. He was only meant to keep things running until Jace was of age and status. I'm sorry, baby. We don't have a choice. We'll be crushed by debt and poverty if you don't." My breath whooshed out of my lungs. My eyes stung. But what hurt the most was my heart, heavy from betrayal.

I was going to marry my bully from high school. The one who pushed me to hate myself and attempt suicide weeks from senior graduation. The one who hated more than anything in the world. The man who made my entire life a living hell. I turned and stumbled out of the door crying silently for myself. Why me?

~~~~~end flashback~~~~~~

Since then, I had calmed down enough to breath and function regularly. I couldn't leave my mom out to dry but that didnt mean I liked it. She had always been there and protected me. She wanted what's best for me always. I knew she never wanted this. I didnt either. Thinking about how hard she struggled to give me a better life only made my resolve to withstand Jace stronger, I would do this. For mom.

I stood from my sanctuary in the middle of the park and walked towards the bus stop. I'd apologize to mom for acting like that and move on. I would make Jace's life hell just like he had done throughout the first eighteen years of my life. Meek little Clary was gone. Clary the bitch had taken her place. Let's see how he liked messing with her.

When I got back to our apartment, a red mustang was parked in front. Jace was here. I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. I drew my head up and positioned my eyes forward. Do it for mom. For mom.

I entered the living room quietly. If I was lucky, they might not notice I was back. That thought vanished into thin air when I ran straight into the hallway doorframe. Damn my clumsiness. I cursed and held my throbbing forehead. My mother called out to me. Releasing a heavy sigh, I trudged towards my doom.

Jace was perched on the counter and my mom was pacing the floor. Her head snapped up when I sat cautiously on a stool. The tear streaks on her face made me awar3 of how much I'd worried her. Last time I wandered off like that, I tried to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. Luckily some random guy saw and stopped me.

The douche in the room avoided my gaze. Asshat.

"Oh baby. Don't run off like that, I thought- I-I- I thought that you had-" she broke down. I soothed her with a hug. She pulled away and wiped her face. The guilt was plain as day on my face. I felt terrible for putting her through this again. And making her suffer through the asshat's company. I shot him daggers.

"Sorry. I just went to the park. I'm fine." I told her. She hicupped her

affirmation that she believed me. I puffed out a bit of breath in relief.

"What the hell do you want?" Okay maybe that was a bit harsh but he desered it big time. He grinned at me. Hating him was becoming easier and easier by the second.

"I'm here to pick up my fiance." He tipped his head back and laughed at my glare. "I mean, damn, I knew you wanted me in highschool but I didnt expect you to actually agree to marry me that easily." He sniggered.

"Shut up. I don't want a bully for a husband. I'm doing this for mom. If you so much as fart in my direction, I will make your life a living hell. And trust me, I will." I was all up in his face. His grin widened. His hand reached out and pushed a curl from my face.

"You're so cute when you're angry, little red. I like a challenge." His finger trailed down to my mouth. I bit it. Hard. He yelped and jerked his finger away and craddled it to his chest.

"Touch me again and you die." I threatened. The last four years of martial arts was finally going to pay off.