Arranged Marriage

Gertrude Pov..

I'm still tired after my meeting and presentation but dad called to come over for some important matters to talk about. When dad called like this I know it was rare and really important.

"Thank you Ms. Cushe!" The host gestured smiling. I smiled and show my appreciation before leaving the conference room completely.

I want my personal space that's why I didn't want to have a driver. I drive my own car though it's a hassle sometimes.

"Dad, mom I'm home." I bleat entering the house.

"Mam, they are in the dining room." Our housemaid informed me. I smiled in response.

"Thank you!" I uttered putting my bag on the side table before walking into the dining room. I kiss their cheeks before sitting.

"How was your day sweetheart?" Dad asked.

"Tiring but it's fun dad!" I laughed. Mom smiled. I'm glad she is recovering now.

"You will get used to it, sweetie. When your mom is finally fine I will go with you to all conferences to guide you." Dad chimed.

"I love that dad. I miss going out with you." I pouted bringing back the old times. He laughs.

"Are you sure you want an old man following you around?" He asked. Mom laughs softly. I miss my mom's giggles and laughter.

"You are not an old man dad! I would love to come with you!" I hummed, winking at mom.

"Mom get better not too soon so we can go shopping again! It's been 4 years since we didn't go shopping!" I whined, smiling at her.

"I will sweetheart!" Mom replied. I want to have a man like dad, the way he looks at mom is beautiful and envious. Their love never fades even after years passed by. They always look like a newlywed.

"Anyway, sweetheart. I know you will not hate me for this. I already agreed to an arranged marriage with you!" Dad boomed, surprising me. I felt I was struck by thunder, unable to grasp shock in everything.

"Sweetheart!" Dad uttered again.

"D-Dad!" I mumbled helplessly.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. It's for your own good. I saw you two can be a good example someday, like us. The way you two look at each other is magnificent." Dad explained but still, my mind is in haywire. Arrange marriage! And who would that be?

"But dad, I'm scared that man will not like me, and what if I don't like him?" I uttered worriedly. Never did it cross my mind I'll have my marriage arranged like this. No one knows I was in love with Jonathan before but still in healing. Maybe, this would help me forget him.

"I won't let that happen, sweetheart. I'm sure you both like each other." I frown don't understand him. I only like Jonathan and I hope I found love in Italy but I couldn't.

"How about Gideon? Am I going to marry first?" I tried to reason out.

"Sweetheart, your brother even if he is already old we can find a woman for him at any age but when a woman is already old, it is hard to find a man." He tried to explain and it's reasonable. Dad was right!

"Okay, dad. I trust you." I smiled still worried though but I know dad will not let me hurt under any circumstances.

We ate happily as mom is already gaining her strength and joining us to eat but still dad take care of her. Most of the time dad feds her like a baby.

"I want a man like you dad." I mumbled unintentionally but they heard me clearly. They both look at me surprised.

"Sweetheart!" Dad smiled comforting me.

"Can I find another like you dad? I love how you love mom and us. I want someone like you in my life." I pouted envying them.

"Every human being is a different sweetheart but when a person loves unconditionally nothing is impossible. It will go naturally, not demanded or commanded. I love your mom so much that's why I love you too both because you guys are part of us. I can't explain by words what you meant to us but one thing is I can assure you, I will never let your life be wasted." He elaborated. I pouted crying.

I'm beyond grateful to be their daughter.

"I love you, dad!" I cried, wiping my tears ruining my perfect makeup.

After we ate, dad brought us to the entertainment room to watch random movies that we miss. We used to do this once a week as our family bonding. We lost it when Gideon went to Italy and I am busy studying.

Dad chooses comedy to watch and we can't stop laughing. I felt I am full of air in my belly laughing constantly. After comedy dad chooses drama and I can relate to the drama as it happens to me. I was the nerd guy falls in love with the beautiful girl in the school and even help her graduate but she chooses someone else. I was just the chess piece on her plate. She becomes popular and receives a plaque of recognition for being an outstanding A student while I am the terrifying outcast villain in the crowd.

Am I a villain now?

I didn't know I was engrossed in the story and didn't notice mom and dad already left the room. I want to finish the story as I am entangled with the protagonist and antagonists of what happened to them but I couldn't. My eyes are already closing on their own heavily tired and sleepy. I didn't know I already fall asleep in the room. I woke up when the maid woke me up! I look at the wall clock and it's 7  in the morning already. How long did I sleep here?

I walk out of the room still yawning sleepily. I felt my body twisted the whole night as it aches everywhere. I tried to bend and stretch a little before going to my room and cleaning myself.

"Sweetheart, don't forget our meeting tonight!" Dad shouted before I closed my door.

Oh god! It's just Thursday and I'm still packed with meetings. I felt exhausted recently, how much more if dad does all the work? Is this how he feels all the time? Half of the working days and I am already tired and exhausted. I wanted to just sleep the whole day hugging my huggable pillows. Dad is already old and he must have enough rest and a proper diet. Now I understand why he is very strict, prompt, and polished.