Chapter 1

Lauren

“What are you saying dad?” I stare at my father in disbelief. “How can you agree to that without even consulting me first? I’m an adult dad, you don’t get to make decisions for me.” I say with tears slowly forming in my eyes.

“Listen dear, this is for the sake of the company. Without his investment, we’re going to lose it. I had no choice than to agree Lauren.” He sighs

“I won’t do it dad. I won’t.” I stand up from the couch clenching my fists tightly trying to retain my anger. “ I’ve done everything you wanted me to do. Everything you asked of me, I did. But not this time dad.” I look straight in his eyes silently pleading with my eyes but he looks away from me.

“The deal has been finalized Lauren, there’s nothing you can do about it. You just have to accept this.” He says.

“There are other successful companies who might be willing to invest in the company, he can’t be the only person.” I’m crying at this point, desperately looking for a way out of this nightmare.

“Do you think I’ve not tried? Do you think I’m happy giving my daughter away to that psycho? He says softly and finally looks at me.

“If there was another way out of this, I would have taken it but this is the only solution and you just have to deal with this.” He walks up to me and take my hands in his.

I hold his hands tightly, begging him desperately.” Daddy please, I’ll don’t want to marry him” I choke out.

Daddy sighs deeply and looks at me again “ the marriage is in two days, he’ll be coming over tomorrow with his parents to get acquainted with you before the marriage. Be on your best behavior.”

“I won’t marry him.” I choke out.

“If you don’t, then you’d cease to be my daughter. This isn’t just about you. It’s about the company and the well-being of this family. If you won’t do this for the family then I’ll cut you off.” With that, he storms out of my room.

I fall to the ground, crying my heart out.

It’s the next day. I’m sitting with my family waiting for the arrival of my “husband”. My mother is staring at me with worry in her eyes as I haven’t said a word since last night. She looks like she has been crying as well.

I can’t bear to look at my father. Not after what he said to me last night.

I look dehydrated and tired. I barely slept as I was up all night crying and thinking about my new reality and wondering if there’s any way out of the mess my father has made of my life.

I have dark circles under my eyes but I’m not bothered by my appearance. Maybe if I look unattractive he’ll call off the marriage. Just maybe.

The doorbell rings and my heart begins to race. I’m about to burst into fresh tears but my eyes are too weak from all the crying earlier. Or maybe it’s the stern look I get from my father.

I take a deep breath to compose myself. I stand up and smoothen my dress as I walk and take my position behind my parents who are already at the door, ready to welcome the guests.

As my mother opens the door, we’re greeted by the cheeriest couples. They greet my parents like they’ve been friends for years with hugs and compliments flying around. Their joy is so contagious and I smile a little to myself for the first time since I found out about my arranged marriage.

They seem like great people and I wonder if their son would be like this. Maybe this marriage will not be as bad as I think.

“Is this my future daughter-in-law?” Mrs Sabastian says, interrupting my thought.

“Hello ma’am, I’m Lauren and it’s a pleasure to meet you” I say with a small smile.

“Oh what a pleasant young woman! Isn’t she beautiful?” She says and face her husband. I look down as my cheek reddens a bit and I find myself blushing.

“She is indeed.” Mr Sabastian says as he stretches his hands towards me for a handshake. “ it’s nice to meet you dear.”

“Likewise sir. You’re welcome” For a second, I don’t feel as horrible as I was earlier. They’re really kind and welcoming.

“Where’s Andre? I don’t see him around, is he here?” My dad askes as he stretches his neck out of the door trying to find him.

“He’s in the car on a business call. He’ll come in soon.” Mrs Sabastian answers. “He’s always working and never has time away from his phone or office. It’s exhausting to watch” she tells my mom as they walk inside the house to get comfortable.

I’m about to close the door, when I see someone coming. As I look up to see who it is, I freeze instantly.