Inviting Jessica

Jonathan Pov...

I haven't told anything yet to Jessica. I don't know how to tell her that I am getting married now but it's not her. I want to see who dad chooses me to marry first before telling to Jessica.

I woke up lazily and had a headache keep on thinking about what to do and how to talk to that fiancé they found for me. How will I tell her I am proposing to my current girlfriend whom I love? This is a hard situation to ever had. Why must dad do this to me? Why not just accept Jessica for me?

I'm sure Jessica will not accept this. Since dad broke out that arrange marriage I never slept at home. I stayed in my apartment as I am not comfortable staring at the lavish gifts they send us. I don't want to touch and even open it. Touching it means I accepted her to be my fiance! My sister didn't say any word as well when I said no! She didn't like Jessica as well.

I picked up myself and walk out of my room lazily. I almost fall on my knees startled to see dad sitting on the couch reading with a coffee mug in front of him. I scratch my eyes to make sure I am not hallucinating and I was not.

"Dad!" I mumbled surprised to see him inside my house.

"I told you to bring Jessica last night. Are you going to disobey me because of her? Can you not really see what flaws she has? When are you going to believe she is a fox!" Dad uttered sternly and this time his face is serious. I don't get him! I can't see anything deceiving or what she does, all I can see is, she is a perfect woman to be my wife!

"Sorry, dad! Can I bring her tonight?" I asked no choice.

"It's up to you. Tomorrow night is the dinner you will meet your fiance!" He uttered firmly before putting down the magazine on the table.

I just sighed waking in my kitchen and preparing some food for us when he speaks.

"Don't bother. I have a breakfast meeting nearby. I brought you food your mother cook." He squinted before walking out. I can feel how disappointed he was. The way he talks, his gestures, and his stares are different from the usual he does.

"Take care, dad! I'll see you tonight!" I shouted.

Dad is persistent to let me marry his arranged marriage to me. I'm curious who would she be who passed my dad's standard? Dad will not just agree if it's not worth it. I know dad, he will not just gamble to nothing but the problem is I am in love with someone else. 

I can't win with dad unless I'll leave the house and raised myself then he won't mind me.

I texted Jessica to have dinner with my family tonight. She immediately agrees excitedly telling me a lot of stuff and even what gift would she bring to impress my family. When I told her Nathalie is at home she was more ecstatic screaming on the other line. How can I tell her I am already engaged to someone I don't know?

I fetch her at the town before driving home. I bought flowers that she will give to mom. I don't know what else did she buy to give to my family as a present. She keeps on giggling excitedly as she keep on looking at her dress and asking me if she was presentable enough in their eyes. It doesn't matter what will you wear, they don't like you! I cried to myself, sighing deeply.

"Good evening uncle James." She squeaked happily to dad when I opened the door before giving him the present she prepared for.

"Good Evening!" Dad replied stoically.

When we reach the kitchen Jessica happily hugs mom from behind startling my mother. Sometimes her excitement ruins her, Can she just have a little class or maybe she is not aware they don't like her? I don't want to hurt her feelings that's why I couldn't divulge to her face her real status in my family. I just keep it myself that I am always here to protect and love her even if she is not lovable to others. She's kind, sweet, and thoughtful but sometimes clumsy and a bit nuisance to someone who doesn't know her.

"Hi auntie! Good evening!" She beamed. Mom was not pleased with how she approached her but she tried to become civil and just casual in front of her.

"Good evening Jessica." Mom uttered formally giving her a quick smile.

"Uhm auntie. I got something for you. I know you will love it as I can see you always wear this kind of perfume." She happily squeaked. 

"Thank you!" Mom replied. Jessica look at me and I just smiled. Poor Jessica, she isn't aware they are just forced to face her.

"Mom take this. Jessica chooses for you! I hope you will love them." I chimed giving her the bouquet of flowers that I personally pick.

"Thank you!" Mom smiled grabbing them on my hand before putting them on the bar counter. I pulled Jessica to let her sit next to me. She smiled pecking at my lips before saying thank you. It was the first time she did that. Did she notice how awkward this dinner is? I wonder.

We are all seated and starting to eat when Nathalie came in talking while reading something on his phone.

"Dad, we have a batch reunion at Ferre-" She halted what to say when she saw Jessica on the table.

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't know we have a guest. I wasn't informed." She bleats turning her heels to leave when Jessica speaks.

"It's fine Nathalie. I don't think it's appropriate to let you leave. This is your house, you can join us if you haven't had dinner yet." Jessica uttered politely surprising dad and even mom. They both look at each other before looking at me. I shake my head not knowing anything. I know dad is suspecting me, I scripted what she said. I'm not a magician and I could predict this will happen tonight.

"No, thanks! I just had dinner with my friends before coming home. Please enjoy your meal." Nathalie replied politely as well but for me, it was like mocking her.